PS Advisor: 05/15/04
Resale Value of RepoweringWe own a 1975 Tartan 34C, still powered with the original Farymann R30 (V2) diesel engine. In its 28 years of...
A Foursome of Eights
With highly refined features and an ergonomically superior tiller, Yamaha’s 8-hp four-stroke stiff-arms a trio of competitors.û
Four-Horse Four-Stroke Run-Off
Suzuki edges Yamaha and Mercury with a little more kick, a long and easy-to-operate tiller, and one-pull starting.
Bio-Diesel: Nice Fuel if You Can Find It
I have heard it suggested that we use soy oil for diesel engines. I have a 3-cylinder Universal diesel and was wondering if you...
Small Four-Stroke Outboards
Today's small four-stroke engine is still heavier than its two-stroke cousin, but at least prices have come down across the board. Consider this field if you need dinghy power or main propulsion.
HUM Bugs vs. the Pristine Tank
What is the crud that, if left to have its way, can foul your filters, starve the fuel pump, and bring your diesel engine...
Deck-Fill Fuel Filters
The expensive Baja filter, oft-mentioned in these pages, did very well in these tests—but West Marine's new Teflon-based filter did better for less, by means of a simple water-separating scheme.
Silence of the Engines
The Westerbeke 4-107 had been through three owners by the time I got it. It had plenty of hours on it, and somewhere along...
Diesel Mechanics’ Forum
Questionnaires and round-table discussions among those who work on diesels for a living yield some interesting opinions.
Electric Propulsion: Solomon Technologies’ High-Wire Act
It's powerful, quiet, renewable, and sometimes even free. It doesn't pollute. How severe are the drawbacks? That depends on several of your thresholds.
Lithium Batteries on Sailboats: The 3 Mistakes Everyone Makes
Lithium batteries are one of the most popular sailboat upgrades today—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. In this Practical Sailor Saturday episode,...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet Estero Used Boat Review
Florida-based Island Packet targets a relatively narrow niche, so the toughest competitors to its new boats are often older Island Packets. Introduced in 2010, the 36-foot, shoal-draft Estero is the company’s latest attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray too far from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. After sailing the Estero on Florida’s Sarasota Bay and inspecting its interior, construction, and systems, Practical Sailor testers noted that the shoal-water cruiser will appeal strongest to Island Packet fans who’ve been waiting for a shoal-draft, easy-to-sail boat that compares to the IP37 in terms of interior space. These strengths will be most apparent on intracoastal or riverine adventures like the Great Loop.