Why Your Bilge Pump Will Fail When You Need It Most
Most sailboat owners assume their bilge pump is a reliable last line of defense. It’s installed, it runs when tested, and it’s easy to...
Inside the New Beneteau Oceanis 52: What Works, What Doesn’t
The new Beneteau Oceanis 52 is one of the most talked-about cruising sailboats in years. Bigger, brighter, more comfortable, and more modern than ever...
Which Keel Suits Your Personality?
Choosing a sailboat keel isn’t just about performance numbers or design theory. It’s about how you sail, where you sail, and honestly… who you...
Why Sailors Love to Hate the MacGregor 26
The MacGregor 26 might be the most controversial sailboat ever built. Half sailboat. Half powerboat. Water ballast. A 50-horsepower outboard. Capable of sailing… and...
STOP Buying These 4 Products! The Practical Sailor Warning That Saves Your Boat
STOP wasting money on faulty boat gear! In this exclusive deep-dive, Practical Sailor reveals the 4 worst products and maintenance mistakes that routinely fail...
Beneteau 42CC The Center Cockpit Comeback That Didn’t Catch On… But Should Have
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to center-cockpit cruising sailboats—and why they disappeared from mainstream production—today’s review takes you right into the heart of...
The Hidden Reason Your Headsail Isn’t Performing – Genoa Tracks Explained
If your headsail never seems to set quite right — the top luffs first, the foot is strapped tight, the boat won’t quite point,...
Contessa 32: The Cheapest REAL Bluewater Sailboat You Can Buy?
The Contessa 32 is one of the most legendary bluewater sailboats ever built — a true classic that earned its reputation the hard way....
You’re TRIMMING Your Mainsail WRONG! How To Fix It Fast
You’re trimming your mainsail WRONG. Today we break down the most common mainsail trim mistakes sailors make — and then I’ll show you the...
Excess 13 – Proof Catamarans Don’t Have to Be Floating Condos
Excess 13 Catamaran – is this the first real challenger to Lagoon, Leopard, and Fountaine Pajot in years? Today we take a full, brutally...
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.