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.

Cabin Fan Test: Hella, Caframo Blow Best Breeze for the Buck

Oscillating models fail early in long-term testing.

Deck Vents: Nicros Water Trap and Plastimos Cool n Dry are Clever and Effective

Among mushroom-types, the Nicro PowerVent with interchangeable fans for intake and exhaust gives 24-hour operation.

Fabric Hatch Vents: The Breeze Booster Outdraws Windscoop

Breeze Booster preferred over three other brands.

Special Section – VentillationLet the Merry Breezes Blow!

Our comprehensive evaluation of ventilation accessories breaks them into four distinct categories: fans, fabric scoops, cowls and mushroom vents.

Fabric Hatch Vents: The Breeze Booster Outdraws Windscoop

Breeze Booster preferred over three other brands.

Special Section – VentillationLet the Merry Breezes Blow!

Our comprehensive evaluation of ventilation accessories breaks them into four distinct categories: fans, fabric scoops, cowls and mushroom vents.

Soundown and Hough Put a Lid on Engine Noise

Engines make noise. Crew-especially when theyre trying to hold a conversation, sleep, or just relax-don't like noise. The solution? Isolate the crew from the engine noise and vibration. In this update of our May 1, 1993 report, 10 sound-attenuating products are tested and ranked.

Offshore Log: An Evolution in EPIRBs

New GPS-connected EPIRBs and ACR's forthcoming Personal Locator Beacon promise to improve search and rescue operations at sea.

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