Cabin Lights

The Alpenglow fluorescent is still a top-flight area light, and a good bet for a dome-light retrofit. Taylorbrites's new cold cathode lamp is a winner over the bunk, but new LED lights from Imtra and D.R. Smith are bright, not too cold, and easy on the power.

Outboard Engine Locks

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

Battery Boxes and Trays

In fully covered battery boxes, we like the pricy Blue Seas. If tray-type hold-downs are your preference, go for West or Gil.

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...

Digital Multimeters

Our choice for a high-quality, no-compromise digital multimeter is the new Fluke 111. We also investigated the Wire Tracker™ from Ancor. No more mystery cables?û

Battery Monitors

We recommend two CruzPro units and the Link 10. For simple amps and voltage data, the Microlog is a smart lower-cost choice.

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

PS Advisor: 01/15/04

Holding Tank RefitsWe own a Com-Pac 25 and we enjoy making improvements to her. Now I'd like to replace all the flexible hose plumbing...

Tubefan

Practical Sailor has done a fair amount of reporting in the past couple of years on the topic of keeping food cold on...

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.

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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: RIB vs Inflatable Catamaran Dinghy

For decades, the standard cruising setup has been something like a 10-foot RIB with a 15-horsepower outboard, but lightweight cat dinghies are challenging that...

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