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(Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Catalina 445 Used Boat Review

Rob Miller began his sailing life in dinghies in the waters south of the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia at age 10. Interest in...
The cabin sole with water damage, looking aft towards the companionway from the salon. The new damage is on the left, while the old damage is near the doorway at the top of the photo. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

How to Repair a Water-Damaged Teak and Holly Sole

A sailing buddy came to me looking for advice. He had inadvertently left a portlight open and a combination of rain and snow had...
This finishing bench is a rough copy of one I saw in a sailmaker’s workshop. It is both a piece of furniture and an efficient tool for periodic sail maintenance. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

Five Best Homemade Sail Repair and Splicing Tools

I doubt there is a sailmaker out there who doesn’t have a few shop-built tools in daily use. Here are five of my favorites:...
Anchor chocks hold an anchor securely on any reasonably flat surface, but you’ll need to drill 10 holes to mount the component parts, so think twice about this option. (Photo and line drawing courtesy of Sea-Dog)

Handling Anchors on Boats Without Anchor Lockers

How do you keep an anchor and its rode at the ready if you don’t have an anchor locker up at the bow? It’s...
Misirlou’s gravity drain holding tank mid-installation showing tank valve, Tee to deck pump-out fitting and home-made activated charcoal vent filter. (Photo/ Tom Egan)

Holding Tank Lessons Learned

“Yay! Another article about blackwater holding tanks!” Said no one ever. This is nobody’s favorite subject, but like it or not, responsible waste management...
Our home for 10 days, Saint-Blue, a Lagoon 38. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Caribbean Bareboat Chartering Basics: 2025 Updates

We just got back from a 10 day bareboat charter in the British Virgin Island (BVIs) and I wanted to share some new information...
Savvy Navvy anchor alarm display.

Navigation App Review: Savvy Navvy

When Savvy Navvy navigation app asked me to review the app and share my impressions, I was curious enough to do a little background...

Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Troubleshooting

In “Lithium Batteries for Small Boats” we looked at some of the less frequently discussed differences between lead acid and LiFePO4 batteries. In “Lithium...
Bottom scraper. Easy to make and so much easier to use. Used for barnacles on the bottom and taking mud off the anchor. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

Six Best Homemade Boat Maintenance Tools

OSHA has a thing against homemade tools. While a shortened extension on a paint roller won’t give them heartburn, modified power tools and attachments...
Saint Blue, a Lagoon 380 offered by BVI Yacht Charters, is this author's preferred boat for a relaxing tropical getaway. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Lagoon 380 Used Boat Review

With over 35 years of bareboat chartering experience, I can honestly say, without any reservations, that when you’re more than one couple, a catamaran...

Discover the Cool New Tortue 147 Aluminum Catamaran | Ultimate Shallow-Water...

In this video, we take a deep dive into the Tortue 147, a brand-new aluminum catamaran designed for adventure, freedom, and exploration. Built tough...

Latest Sailboat Review

Beneteau First 345 Used Boat Review

The Beneteau First 345 was designed as a moderate displacement racer/cruiser, and much of its popularity has been because of its success in blending the two functions. In fact, it could be said that the First is a racing boat that contains a cruising interior. The architect is Jean Berret, a Frenchman noted for his cruising and racing designs (he designed the 1985 Admiral's Cup winner, Phoenix, a Beneteau one-tonner).