Reliable Three-way Wire Connections
Connecting two wires is simple; a crimp butt connector using a ratchet crimper, and adhesive lined heat shrink in damp locations, where there is...
Yes, We Are Talking About Boat Bidets
Once again we broach a sanitation topic that folks would rather not talk about, and once again we’ve been surprised by the answers we...
Portable Fuel Tank Update
Everyone hated the first generation of CARB gas cans. Intended to reduce volatile emissions by recovering vapors and reducing spills, they did exactly the...
Green Boating From a Practical Perspective
Before diving into the topic of responsible boating, we’re required to say something about global warming and carbon. Primordial carbon was sequestered by several...
Dissecting the Desiccating Head
Our first cruising boat had a conventional portable toilet. We didn’t like it, but we made peace with it, cruising for up to two...
DIY Desiccating Head Options
No standard dry toilet, even the CHead Shorty, would fit the available space on our Corsair F-24, so we decided to build our own....
Packing Extraction Tool Tested
The packing material encircling your shaft and tucked out of sight inside the packing nut is truly your boat’s Achilles heel. Installed improperly it...
Rhumb Lines: The Diesel Engine Dilemma
As the threat of global warming is forcing policy makers around the world to explore ways to wean their economies off carbon based energy...
Even 2020 Yielded Some Great Gear
Once more, the bulk of the past year’s testing focused on maintenance products, safety essentials, and do-it-yourself substitutes for higher priced marine gear. Part...
Testing TruFuel Storage Option
Canned gasoline products like TruFuel formulated without ethanol and using more highly refined alkylate base stock offer the promise of improved storage stability. Could...
3 DIY TIPS to Make Your Sailboat Gelcoat GLOW!
DIY Sailboat Maintenance doesn’t have to be hard. Practical Sailor is constantly finding new ways to help you with your sailboat projects. This week,...
Latest Sailboat Review
Valiant 40 Used Boat Review
The Valiant 40 has a long history. In 1972, Nathan Rothman decided to start a boatbuilding business and approached old friend Bob Perry to...