Do Hybrid Propulsion Systems Make Sense on Small Boats?

In the article “Is All-Electric Propulsion Practical on Small Sailboats?” we explored the current state of technology for all-electric marine propulsion. We concluded that...
An old winch with a strip of 3M Safety-Walk tape applied for extra grip. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Giving Old Winches New Grip

On Natasha, our 1978 Islander Bahama 30, the Barient two speed sheet winches were showing their age—a dull chrome surface and the drum were...

Refurbishing Aluminum Deck Hatches: A DIY Guide

Many boats constructed during the heyday of production in the 70s and 80s, both power and sail, emerged from the factory with aluminum deck...

Engineless and Adrift in Panama: How Seamanship Saved Atlas IV

“Is everything okay? Your EPIRB was set off.” It’s a call no sailor wants to receive. For Josh Verstoep and Sierra Grant, that call set off...

Is All-Electric Propulsion Practical on Small Sailboats?

The 18th century was the age of sail. The 19th century saw the introduction of steam propulsion and the 20th century witnessed the introduction...

Regenerative Tides: Citizen Science Tackles the Fiberglass Boat Crisis

I scramble down sharp boulders from the car park to the muddy banks of the estuary, cautious not to slip, metal shellfish gathering basket...

Make Your Own Offshore Sails and Save Thousands

One of the most satisfying experiences I have had is looking up at the sails and knowing I created what is powering my boat...

Inside Sail America’s Plan to Grow the Sport and the Industry

Sail America’s mission is to “promote the health and growth of sailing.” Thus, you’d think alarm bells would be going off there given that...

Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: A LiFePO4 Buyer’s Guide

In the series of articles "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats," "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Install Guide" and "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Troubleshooting"...

Six New Products for Sailors at the Miami International Boat Show

Marking its 85th run in 2026, the February 11-15, 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show enjoyed a five-day run of warm temperatures, sunny...

Luxury Sailboats Your Wife Will Love!

If you’re searching for luxury sailboats you can live on that don’t sacrifice sailing performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 461 is one of the most...

Latest Sailboat Review

Rhodes 22 Used Boat Review

Designed by Phillip Rhodes back in 1960, the Rhodes 22 is a trailerable cruiser for a couple that wants the amenities of a larger boat without putting up with the hassles and expenses of a larger boat. It's clearly not a racing boat. It's also not a "shoehorn special," whose claim to fame is how many persons it can sleep. And it's not an inexpensive boat for its size. The Rhodes 22, from its inception, has been a purpose-built boat. And, with a history of detail improvements and some innovative thinking, it meets that purpose quite well.