Swinging the Compass
You can employ a compass adjuster to swing your compass or you can do it yourself quite easily. There are several ways to do...
Choosing and Using Binoculars
Buy the best binoculars you can afford, perhaps having a cheaper second pair for general crew use. Strong, waterproof binoculars with a rubber coating...
Winterizing Your Sailboat
For many, it’s time to think about winterizing. It is far better to perform most routine maintenance at the end of the season when...
Rig Inspections
Early Asian-built sailboats had hardware and fittings especially tangs and turnbuckles that came from backyard foundries where little or no concern was given to...
Boat Clinic: Tuning the Masthead Rig
Tuning the rig of a boat is one of the necessary — and unpleasant — tasks that must be done to achieve good boat...
How Much Heat Do You Need?
Have you ever stopped and thought about how many boat heating options there are? It can be over-whelming even for the most experienced technical...
Factors To Consider When Heating Your Boat
Have you ever stopped and thought about how many boat heating options there are? It can be over-whelming even for the most experienced technical...
How To Choose the Best Heat Source for Your Boat
Have you ever stopped and thought about how many boat heating options there are? It can be over-whelming even for the most experienced technical...
Protecting Your Boat From Lightning Strikes
Most boat owners have only the vaguest idea of what is involved in protecting their boats from lightning damage. Many believe that their boats...
Getting the Charge out of Lightning
Most boat owners have only the vaguest idea of what is involved in protecting their boats from lightning damage. Many believe that their boats...
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – October 2026
This month leans into used-boat value and hands-on maintenance: Tim Labute tours the traditional, shoal-draft Bayfield 32, Nick Nicholson revisits the much-requested Morgan 38/382,...
Video: Catalina 356 Review – The First Boat of the Comeback
Catalina Yachts is BACK! After a change in ownership and a pause in production, Catalina has returned to building sailboats in America, and we're...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Tartan 31 Piper: Used Boat Review
The Tartan 31 is one of the new line of performance cruising yachts from the venerable-and durable--Grand River, Ohio boatbuilder. In the last few years, Tartan Marine has come out with a range of new models, including the T-28, the 3500 and the 4600. A 41-footer is in the works. Both the 28 and the latest version of the 31 are part of the new Piper series, which are marketed in sailaway condition. Tartan has a reputation for solid construction and good workmanship and that's what the 31 is: solid and well put together. The hull is hand-laminated with alternating layers of chopped strand mat and unidirectional E glass. Behind the NPG/ISO gelcoat there's a layer of vinylester resin, which so far appears to provide the best osmotic blister protection available.
