DC Watermakers: Head-to-Head Test
Reverse-osmosis, DC-powered watermakers have been available for use aboard mid-sized cruising sailboats for years, but thanks to new technology, they just keep getting better. Todays units are more efficient, reasonably compact, and in many cases, modular in design. Practical Sailor recently tested two popular models-new Ventura 200T from Spectra Watermakers Inc. and Racor Village Marines Little Wonder (LWM-145)-and rated them for water and construction quality, noise, power consumption, and ease of installation and maintenance. The review also discusses the pros/cons of installing a watermaker on a sailboat, installation and maintenance tips, and whether a watermaker is right for you.
Reliable Three-way Wire Connections
Connecting two wires is simple; use a properly sized crimp butt connector with a ratchet crimper, and finish with adhesive-lined heat shrink in damp,...
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"...
Steady at the Helm
A sailboat’s steering system also plays a vital role in safety at sea. The failure of any key component can jeopardize boat handling and...
Lithium in Winter: Design for the Cold, Not Around It
Winter temperatures are challenging for year-round sailors. Appropriate clothing is vital, including waterproof socks, layering for the legs and midsection, finishing off with a...
Make Impeller Changes Easy: Speedseal and Jabsco Puller
Here's a combination that will give you a decided advantage the next time you need to change a waterpump impeller. In difficult circumstances, the time saved could mean a lot.
Stuffing Box Care
Only boats with inboard engines have stuffing boxes. To locate yours, trace the propeller shaft from the transmission to the point where it exits the hull. Thats where your stuffing box will be (unless you have a newer, dripless style shaft seal installed instead).
DIY Engine Oil Tests
Sailors obsess over the health of their engine; it is the heart of the boat (other than the rig, sails, and through-hulls). Failure is inconvenient, expensive, and even dangerous. And sailors love their maintenance, or so it seems. Anything that promises to ease the mind for a few dollars merits investigation.
Power Up: Installing Your Budget Lithium System—and Keeping It Safe
In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how to size your new lithium battery system, choose a battery, and assess the components and...
Morgan 41 Used Boat Review
The Morgan 41 sloop is arguably one of the best looking of many lovely dual-purpose sailboats that the Cruising Club of America handicap rating system engendered. One owner described his boat as a Bermuda 40 for a regular Joe, only prettier. Designer Charley Morgan traces the cruiser-racers heritage, particularly below the waterline, back to Olin Stephens famous Finisterre, and Comanche, a 40-foot centerboarder built by Wirth Munroe, son of famed sharpie designer and South Florida pioneer Commodore Ralph Munroe.
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.