Hate Heeling? These Sailboats Stay More Upright
Do you—or someone you sail with—hate heeling? You’re not alone. For many sailors, excessive heel is the single biggest reason people feel uncomfortable on...
Why the Catalina 42 Took Over the Caribbean
You see them everywhere — the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, all across the Caribbean. The Catalina 42, especially the Mark II, has quietly become...
The Sailing Safety Gear Most People Forget Until It’s Too Late
Sailing safety gear can mean the difference between a bad day on the water… and never coming home at all. In this video, we...
This 40 Foot Sailboat Has the Best Owner’s Bed Ever Built | Catalina 400...
If you’re shopping for a 40-foot cruising sailboat and actually plan to live aboard or cruise, comfort matters — and nowhere does that matter...
Living on a Boat Off Grid: What No One Explains
Living on a boat off-grid sounds simple until you actually try it. No shore power. No marina hookups. No endless electricity. Just batteries, solar,...
This “Bulletproof” Cruiser Has a Serious Weak Spot Caliber 40 LRC SE
If you’re shopping for a serious cruising sailboat, the Caliber 40 LRC is often described as “bulletproof.” Heavy displacement, huge tankage, conservative construction, and...
You Can’t Insure Old Sailboats… Right?
Are older sailboats really uninsurable? If you’ve been shopping for a 20, 30, or even 40-year-old sailboat, you’ve probably seen the warnings online: “Insurance...
Why Is This 46 Foot Sailboat So Cheap? Hunter 460 Review
Is the Hunter 460 really one of the best-value cruising sailboats on the used market? In this video, we take a deep, honest look...
Anchor Swivels: The Shiny Part That Can Lose Your Boat
Anchor swivels are everywhere. They’re shiny, expensive, and sold as a “must-have” upgrade for your anchoring system. But do they actually solve a real...
Has Fountaine Pajot Broken the 44 Foot Catamaran Market
Is the Fountaine Pajot 44 really one of the cheapest ways to buy a brand-new 44-foot cruising catamaran… and if so, what’s the catch?...
Small Boat, Big Keel Why This 27 Footer Works
What makes a small sailboat truly seaworthy? In this video, we take a deep dive into the Pacific Seacraft Orion 27, a rugged, long-keel...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet Estero Used Boat Review
Florida-based Island Packet targets a relatively narrow niche, so the toughest competitors to its new boats are often older Island Packets. Introduced in 2010, the 36-foot, shoal-draft Estero is the company’s latest attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray too far from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. After sailing the Estero on Florida’s Sarasota Bay and inspecting its interior, construction, and systems, Practical Sailor testers noted that the shoal-water cruiser will appeal strongest to Island Packet fans who’ve been waiting for a shoal-draft, easy-to-sail boat that compares to the IP37 in terms of interior space. These strengths will be most apparent on intracoastal or riverine adventures like the Great Loop.