Outboard Engine Locks

Among the bar-type locks, we like the Islander Outboard Motor Lock. For really robust security, go with the Stazo SmartLock.

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.

Latest Logbook

Practical Sailor Logbook – September 2026

In September we tour the Hans Christian 48T — the offshore cruiser many sailors call the holy grail — walk the custom Antigua 60...

Video: The BEST Sailboat You Can Buy for $35,000 – Catalina...

If you’re searching for a mid-30-foot sailboat, affordable cruising sailboat, liveaboard sailboat, first sailboat, or a capable used sailboat for coastal cruising, the Catalina...

Latest Sailboat Reviews

Learning by Doing on a $5,000 Catalina 30 Mk II

When Davis’s mother started talking about wanting to do something “big” for retirement, Davis and Gloria half-jokingly threw out an idea that seemed suitably...

Cal 2-27 Used Boat Review

Brewer 12.8/44 Used Boat Review