Systems & Propulsion

An Unusual Sailboat Shines a Light On A Sustainable Future

In his younger days, Victorien Erussard was a long-distance solo sailor trying to save seconds per mile on big-time ocean races like La Route...

Is It Time to Get an Electric Dinghy Motor?

I’ve borrowed my dockmate’s electric dinghy. I bought my wife an e-bike and I know she would like an electric motor.  Small gas motors...

Worship Your Universal M-Series Diesel With the Marinized Kubota Block

The Universal name resonates with many of us as one of the best sailboat engines available. Despite Universal Motor Corp. no longer being in...

Taking Care of Your 12-Volt Lead-Acid Battery Bank

Marine boat batteries can fail due to various reasons, and understanding these potential failure modes is crucial for ensuring their reliability. Here are some...

Hassle-free Pumpouts

While its possible the waste pump-out line on the boat is plugged, most pump-out problems can be traced to poor procedure. Instructions on the...

What Your Boat and the Baltimore Super Container Ship May Have in Common

When the mega container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge at 1:28 am on Tuesday, March 26, the world saw a remote...

Check Your Shorepower System for Hidden Dangers

One of the often overlooked maintenance items in the pre-season rush to the water is the AC shorepower system. Over the years of surveying,...

DIY survey of boat solar and wind turbine systems

Many used cruising sailboats on the market will have a couple of solar panels, a wind turbine, or possibly both. But are they working?...
A lithium conversion requires a willing owner and a capable craft. Enter the Privilege 435 catamaran Confianza.

What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?

Our 2004 Privilege 435 Confianza (Connie for short) came equipped with traditional lead-acid batteries—5 100ah for the house bank and 2 starter batteries. We...

Leaping Into Lithium

Your dock neighbor just switched out her old 12-volt lead-acid batteries for lithium-ion batteries. Should you? The lithium solution will be more expensive, but...

The ALL NEW Catalina 426 Full Tour

The Catalina 426 is the latest addition to Catalina’s renowned fleet, designed for sailors seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. This 42-foot...

Latest Sailboat Review

Martin 16 Used Boat Review

The Martin 16 is designed for adaptive sailing so people with disabilities can easily control sails and steering. It is an excellent choice for...