Systems & Propulsion

Marine Sanitation:Does Your Holding Tank Hold?

SeaLand makes the thickest-wall tank.

Marine Sanitation: Manual Heads – Raritan PH II A Best Buy

The bigger the joker valve, the less chance of clogging.

PS Advisor 05/01/99

CQR AnchorIn your anchor tests in sand (January 1, 1999) you rated a 22-lb. Bruce against a 35-lb. CQR. Why not a 33-lb. Bruce,...

Tiller Extensions: Forespars Cobra and Spinlocks E-series

We try fixed-length and telescoping hiking sticks from Forespar, RWO, Ronstan, Spinlock and Wichard.

Mailport 05/01/00

Battery BurnupIn your January 1, 2000 issue, Mr. Dale Botwin reported his experience with an inexpensive Group 24 starting battery getting very hot and...

Comings and Goings

Weve been aware for some years that the Loran navigation system is presumably on the way out, this despite the fact that the global...

PS Advisor 07/15/99

Holding Tanks and HosesMy brother-in-law and I are planning to install a holding tank in our 1970 Morgan 28. Ive tried to research the...

Handbearing Compasses: Plastimo Iris

One of the most time-consuming chores at Practical Sailor is finding, selecting and assembling the products to be tested. Even before we figure out...

Spare Parts

Barient WinchesWe recently heard from a reader that he was able to purchase replacement roller bearings for Barient 28+ winches, for $55, from the...

The Expensive Rolls Still a Best Buy in Deep Cycle Batteries

Rolls rates a Best Buy; West Marine's Sea Gel is the only one to exceed reserve capacity rating.

ASA Certification: Are Sailing Courses Really Worth It?

Are you learning how to sail and considering taking sailing courses at a sailing school? ASA certifications are a great way to learn how...

Latest Sailboat Review

Irwin Citation 34 Used Boat Review

The Irwin 34 is in many respects a typical Irwin boat. It was originally called the "Citation 34," which was meant to indicate that it was more of a plush cruiser than the race-oriented Irwins at the time, but more of a racer than the larger cruisers. According to the company, 305 Irwin 34s were built in the production run, from 1978 to 1985, a moderate but successful model for the era. Near the end of its production, the boat was advertised as the Irwin 34 rather than the Citation 34. There were no major changes in the boat from beginning to end, just the details and equipment that are typical of any long production run.