Decoding Your LFP’s BMS: Why It Trips and How to Wake It Up
If you are contemplating installing or operating an LFP installation, you will need to become familiar with Battery Management Systems (BMSs), as they will...
LFP Battery Temperature Limits: What Sailors Need to Know Before Charging
A new Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery is sold as having a stated storage capacity, such as 100-amp hr. In practice, however, there will...
DC-to-DC Converters and Solar Controllers: Are They Smart Enough for LFP?
In "How to Charge Your LFP Battery the Right Way" we explored the charging needs of LFPs and how smart chargers, fed from shore...
How to Charge Your LFP Battery the Right Way
If you are thinking of managing a conversion of your own existing, all lead acid system over to one with a Lithium iron phosphate...
LFP vs. Lead Acid: Eight Things Every Sailor Must Know Before Switching
Marketing literature does a good job of promoting the primary advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP or LiFePo4), such as life expectancy, weight,...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
Power Up: Planning Your Lithium Conversion on a Budget
I once heard of a sailor who prided himself on sailing “pure”—no motor, no electrical, just wood and canvas. How he could dock and...
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – October 2026
This month leans into used-boat value and hands-on maintenance: Tim Labute tours the traditional, shoal-draft Bayfield 32, Nick Nicholson revisits the much-requested Morgan 38/382,...
Video: Catalina 34: Should you still buy one today?
If you're shopping for an affordable cruising sailboat for the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, ICW, Bahamas, coastal cruising or weekends aboard, this video will...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Maya: A John Atkin-Designed Gem in New Zealand
“When I’m out sailing, people come up next to the boat and tell me it is the most beautiful boat they’ve ever seen,” says...
