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The author's boat, Raicilla, anchored at Agua Verde in the Sea of Cortez. (Photo/ Jaclyn Jeffrey)

Sailing the Sea of Cortez in Summer: Cruising Guide and Off Season Tips

When people think of the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, images from Steinbeck’s “The Log from the Sea of...
SAE 2-pin conector for autohelm. The Muyimu broke, so this is now my favorite. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

Waterproof Connectors: 4 Year Update of SAE 2-Pin Connectors

I’ve long hated proprietary 12 volt connectors. This project started six years ago when the power plug on my tiller pilot failed, falling to...
Non-stainless hardware. The PO of the F-24 substituted a number of non-stainless circlips just before the survey. Because they were not rusted they were missed, very nearly totaling the boat. Fortunately, we caught them during inspection when we hauled to paint the bottom. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

Sailboat Stewardship Tips: How Not To Be “That Person”

Good boats outlive us, or at least outlive our interest in them. In time, we become the dreaded Previous Owner (PO).  Will we make this...
Winch feeder in service, shaking out a reef. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

DIY Winch Feeder

It was snowing and I needed a project. Ever since the article on cross sheeting, “Where Winches Dare Go,” I’ve been wanting to add...

How To Extend Your Canvas’ Lifespan

Protecting your canvas will extend its life as well as provide you and your crew protection from the sun and elements for many years....
Color-coded tools. Red tools are used for the fuel system, blue for alternator, yellow for rigging, and so on. If a tool has several applications then it will have all the colors for each system. (Photo/ Pamela Bendall)

How To Streamline Your Maintenance Program: A Beginner’s Guide

Owning and using a boat is all about maintenance. While maintenance is not fun—it can be filthy and arduous—it must be done if you...
Jetties are completely out of the water in the Montreal area. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Haul-Out Havoc: Freshwater Sailors Battle Historic Low Water Levels

Worldwide, freshwater lakes, rivers and waterways are currently impacted by the lack of rain and water levels, creating serious concerns for all types of...
The Ballad salon offers plenty of light. Some models, like the one pictured, have upgraded teak and holly soles. Ventilation is limited to two passive overhead vents. Marius Draeger has upgraded his boat with opening rear windows, available from an aftermarket supplier in Denmark, the capital of Ballad ownership. (Photo/ Doug Henschen)

Albin Ballad 30 Used Boat Review

As my son and I eased my 30-ft. sloop up to the dock at our winter yard in Mamaroneck, NY, a gentleman came racing...
The 6-hp Tohatsu SailPro, left, weighs 60 lb. and costs about $1,900. A 3-gallon gas tank, when filled, adds about 22 lb. Add to total cost the ongoing expense of fuel, oil and maintenance. The 6- hp/3000 input-watt ePropulsion Navy 3.0, right, weighs 54 lb. and costs about $6,100 including the recommended 73-lb., 48 volt/3072 watt hour E60 battery and a 25-amp charger that can top up the battery in four hours. Electric outboards are much quieter than gas models and don’t emit exhaust, but you will have to replace the expensive battery within 10 years. Prices found online in August 2025. (Photos courtesy of Tohatsu and ePropulsion)

Gas Vs. Electric Outboards: Consider Your Total Sailing Carbon Footprint

If you own or intend to buy an electric outboard because it is clean and quiet, read no further. Today’s four-stroke outboards are much...
Krypton paint worn away on the bow at the waterline. On the plus side, this means there will be no build up that will need to be sanded off. Next time, we’ll give this area a few more coats. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

Krypton Antifouling Paint: Two-Year Follow Up

After two years of panel and on-boat testing on the mid-Chesapeake Bay, we settled on Total Boat Krypton, one of the top performing copper-free...

Fast, Beautiful, and Practical – Meet the New Beneteau First 30

The Beneteau First 30 isn’t just another 30-foot cruiser — it’s the Porsche 911 of sailboats. Heritage performance, everyday usability, and thrilling design come...

Latest Sailboat Review

Pearson 30 Used Boat Review

The Pearson 30 was designed as a family cruiser and daysailer with a good turn of speed. The boat is actively raced throughout the country, however, with some holding IOR certificates, and many more racing in PHRF, MORC, and one-design fleets.