Gear of the Year Roundup

Practical Sailor turns focus on small boats, seamanship, and DIY projects.

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The bulk of the past years testing focused on maintenance products, safety essentials, and do-it-yourself substitutes for higher priced marine gear. This was a deliberate move as the staff here at Practical Sailor tries to buck the trend toward high-priced, budget-busting marine-grade gear that is out of reach of many sailors.

3M Cubitron Sandpaper

With a bottom-sanding job on the horizon, we began a search for the best paper for the job. Although you wouldn’t think something as pedestrian is sandpaper could vary so much in quality, it does. The more premium products developed for machine sanding wear so much longer and cut so much faster that it is false economy to use inexpensive garnet paper.

Sanding bottom paint is about bulk removal, avoiding paper clogging, and capturing as much dust as possible. Weve tested many different kinds of sand paper over the years (see Hand Abrasives Roundup, July 2006, and Carborundums Premier Red Shines for the Price, April 15, 2001). Since then, weve settled on a favorite, but there are many quality products out there just crying out for comparison.

The test focused on 80-grit because it is the common recommendation for bottom prep. If you are stripping the paint down to the hull, move down to 60 or even 36 grit, but beware that such coarse abrasive can cut through gelcoat and barrier coat quick as a wish. The 80-grit paper is slower and far more forgiving. We focused on popular abrasive papers, available through chandleries and home improvement centers, including products by 3M, Diablo, and Gator. We also tested a sanding sponge and two grades of Scotch Brite pads by 3M.

We tested removal rate and loading by sanding roughly 2- by 5-foot sections for exactly two minutes using a -sheet DeWalt orbital sander attached via a short smooth-bore hose to a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency filter. The amount of dust recovered was weighed on a precision digital laboratory scale and the speed of removal was visually observed. Fouling of the sand paper was visually graded and wear rate was judged by tactile change in roughness. We also used several of the more effective papers for sanding larger areas.

Our favorite is the purple 3M Cubitron II, which is available everywhere, cuts fast, and is inexpensive enough to replace regularly. Better papers have a non-slip backing; less slipping against the pad means more sanding action. We think this accounts for some of the higher removal rate of 3Ms Cubitron II paper. Cubitron II adheres lightly to the pad, something like a Post-it Note (also a 3M product). Hook-and-loop attachment methods, found on round sanders, provide the same benefit. It was our best choice for heavy removal.

The 3M sanding sponge is handy for finish sanding on wood and between coats of varnish or enamel. It performs much like the Cubitron II sandpaper and is exceptionally long lasting. If it loads up, it can often be rinsed clean. However, we didnt find it very useful for bottom paint.

The Scotch Brite pads are much like steel wool, but with better handling and far less shedding. The green pads (the color identifies the grit) are perfect for reactivating a hard paint that has been dried out for too long without removing too much paint.

Do not use a green Scotch Brite for in-water cleaning of antifouling paint-the paint softens in the water and the pad will take the paint right off, diminishing paint life and putting excessive biocide (usually copper) into the environment (see Cleaning Your Hull, April 2018). The maroon pads are suitable for a quick scratch sanding, but they wont remove bulk paint or level out chipped spots. They arent a sandpaper replacement.

3M 4000 UV and Sika 291

We expect a lot from sealants. They must withstand UV, salt and cleaning chemicals, bond to everything, flex to absorb mechanical and thermal strains, be strong but removable when equipment needs serviced, and stay white.

In PS Marine Sealant Adhesion Tests (December 2016) we tested the shear strength of many caulks on many materials and delivered a few tentative recommendations. Three years later, we followed up with field observations focusing on mildew.

We tested a field of leading sealants including 3M 5200, 3M 4200 Fast Cure, 3M 4000 UV, Sika 291, Sika 295, Loctite PL S-40, Loctite PL Marine, Boat Life Caulk, Boat Life Seal, and Sudbury Elastomeric Sealant. One surprise was the significant difference in dirt attraction. At the 6-month and 1-year checks we saw significant spots that looked like mildew growth, but when wiped with a cloth and plain water, they all came clean. And yet, there were differences related to surface texture. Boat Life Seal, which contains silicone, repels dirt, while the polyurethane sealants attracted dirt. The downside of silicone is that it can inhibit bonding in subsequent projects (see PS January 2017).

After three years, none of the samples would come clean with plain water, so we scrubbed them all with a typical deck cleaner in the hope of revealing differences. In fact, with the exception of Loctite PL S40, they all came clean. Boatlife Seal and Sika 291 were slightly easier to clean.

Good flexibility, good adhesion, and superior weather resistance made 3M 4000 UV our Best Choice. Ease of removal remains a question, since we have not tested removers on polyethers (see PS Tests Adhesive Removers, January 2017).

Sika 291 performed a lot like 3M 4200 Fast Cure, but with more consistent bonding on a wider variety of materials. It came clean easier than most and retained flexibility. This was our other Best Choice for most applications.

We like Sika 291 and 3M 4000 UV for good bonding, flexibility, and weather resistance. Boatlife Seal is impressive if you don’t mind silicone, but wed avoid Boatlife Life Caulk. 3M 5200 is remains our choice for permanent bonding and below-the-waterline work.

Rivets vs. Screws in Spars

Hardware upgrades to the spars of one of our test boats led us into the world of fasteners for small boats, and ultimately, to a debate over screws vs. rivets.

First, we had to settle the fine thread vs. course thread argument with regards to fasteners. The finer thread permits closer adjustment where gasket compression is critical. On the other hand, coarse threads resist stripping better, a critical advantage in thin materials such as small-boat spars. The larger threads are more fatigue resistant, and cross-threading is less likely, both important in soft materials like aluminum. Finally, coarse threads better allow for galvanized coatings and anti-seize compounds.

In the end, our testers concluded that coarse threads are the first for choice for aluminum spars and most nearly all stainless bolt applications. Fine threads are the first choice for high-strength bolts on cylinder heads that have specified torques.

As for the preference of screws or rivets, we like threaded fasteners wherever the spar material is 1/8-inch or greater. Screws are removable, draw-up range is good and strength is predictable.

However, when the material gets thin and soft, threads become weak. So a rivet is often preferred when the metal is less than ?-inch thick. This includes masts and booms on most boats up to 30 feet. Rivets are very well-proven in these applications.

The most important consideration when choosing fasteners is the nature of the load on the new hardware. If possible, the load should be entirely in shear, and the load should be shared by enough fasteners to insure the working load is not exceeded. When an outward pull is unavoidable, it must be considered that the whole load may be carried by a lone fastener.

For related topic, see Anti-seize coatings for spars, PS July 2018

Clear Plastic & Treatments

There are two classes of clear vinyl protectants: spray cleaners that are applied every few weeks and creams or pastes applied quarterly. The sprays focus on cleaning and shine, and all claim some UV protection. The creams and pastes clean more completely, provide a more substantial film and require more effort.

For this test, we observed the aging of known and unknown vinyl samples that had been restored using either one of the packaged restoration kits or one of the protectants tested in this review.

Protectants reduce internal hazing due to high humidity, particularly in restored and older, non-coated vinyls. The protectants reduce dirt buildup, bead water, and prevent hazing in humid weather. Star brite View Guard proved particularly effective at all three tasks.

All of the cleaner/protectants produced an acceptable shine, with Armada 210 rating best as a cleaner. Among the cream and wax protectants, Imar Protectant led the field, producing a smoother feel and longer-lasting water repellency. Star brite View Guard excelled as a cleaner and noticeably improved visibility in rainy weather by sheeting the water. Covers provide the very best protection, supplemented by occasional use of an effective wax or spray protectant. Covers are also the only effective preventative for reflected UV damage.

With care and proper protection, a high-quality, clear plastic window that is kept covered and carefully maintained can last 20 years. By comparison, plastic that is renewed and polished with fine compound at frequent intervals is unlikely make it past five.

Any abrasive restoration should be used only as a last resort. Some things are better left alone.

PIC 1
Clockwise from top left: Star brite View Guard excels as a spray cleaner protectant; rivets prove their mettle in sheer testing; Sikaflex 291 was rated as a top all around adhesive sealant; 3M Cubitron II bears down on a boat bottom.

Osea & strataglass

There are several manufacturers and two classes of vinyl window materials (glazing). Our testing focused on the premium products, OSea and Strataglass; and two less expensive, uncoated products Regalite and Crystal Clear.

Coated vinyl (OSea and Strataglass) substantially outperformed uncoated vinyl (Regalite and Crystal Clear) in humid conditions, and are worth the extra expense. One drawback is that they are less flexible than uncoated vinyl. Flexibility doesn’t matter for fixed windows, but we recommend either OSea or uncoated products for windows that must be rolled-up in use, using either 20 or 30 mil thickness. Save the 40 mil products and Strataglass for windows that never move.

Covers are very effective at preserving clear vinyl, but you should keep them from flapping against the vinyl. Micro-scratches from excessive cleaning are a common cause of blurry clear plastic, so whatever the material keep cleaning to a minimum.

The window materials were compared in more detail in a previous report (see PS January 2014 How do Different Vinyl Types Compare?).

Star brite View Guard

All of the cleaner/protectants that we tested helped preserve clarity of clear plastic by protecting against moisture and dirt. (Claims of protection against UV exposure could not be confirmed by our test methods.) After comparing several sprays and cream polishes, two products stood out.

The budget-priced Star Brite View Guard was the easiest to use of the group. This product stood out in its ability to sheet the water off, improving wet weather visibility. And if you follow the manufacturers suggestions, it polishes to a beautiful shine.

With cream polishes, its important to follow the instructions. Some makers tell us to the let the product dry to a haze before buffing; others are to be wiped off immediately.

Imar Protective Polish

Imar Strataglass Protective Polish cream-type cleaner wax is the only polish endorsed by Strataglass for use during the warranty period. It easily produced a mirror gloss and was among the most effective products for restoring gloss to vinyl. It is expensive compared to other products, but you use it only used a few times each year.

Rust Protection Bags

Looking for ways to protect their tools, several readers suggested we look at Zerust, Coretec, and similar Ziploc-style VCI (vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor) bags that control humidity and oxygen flow, and are impregnated with anticorrosion chemicals.

These bags are available in sizes ranging from a snack-bag size to one large enough for a laptop-or even an outboard engine! We tested 6- by 9-inch bags.

To test, we polished 1- by 2-inch sample coupons (tabs) of representative metals, assembled into galvanic parings: brass to aluminum, solder to copper, and steel to brass. We placed these samples, along with USB flash drives and a compact disk, inside each of the following: a storage bags, a common Ziploc bag (with Dry Top silica), and a Ziploc bag with no protection at all. We left them in a footlocker-sized humid chamber for one year.

At one month, the open-bag control was showing heavy condensation and the flash drive had failed, and within two months the aluminum sample was showing visible corrosion.

At six months, all of the bags had slight internal condensation, except for the Dry Top bag. The silica gel in the Dry Top canister had changed color, so we regenerated it in the microwave and reinserted into the bag. The flash drives had failed in all but the Dry Top bag.

At the end of one year, all but the Dry Top bag had considerable internal condensation. The flash drive in the Dry Top bag was still functional. All of the CDs were intact.

The VCI bags did outperform plain freezer bags, but the difference was small. We recommend using Ziploc bags for delicate parts, and double-bagging critical items with silica gel capsules of one sort or another. The anti-corrosion bags are overpriced for something with marginal benefit for sailors. If you want something for your toolbox, wed opt for re-usable silica gel boxes over emitters.

SCHAEFER MARINE LITTLE HAWK MK II

Single-sail boats, such as Lasers and Optimus dinghies often clamp wind indicators on the forward side of the mast (see Practical Sailor, January 2018, Top Notch Wind Indicators). Without a jib to interfere with windflow or to luff at every wind shift (thus serving as a wind vane), they give a real-time estimate of wind direction.

The primary function of these bow vanes is not fine-tuning or fine steering adjustments. These are made based on sail-mounted telltales and the look of the sails themselves. Weve tried several different brands and models of deck level vanes and found something of merit in each of them.

Easy to mount, extremely sensitive and highly visible, the Little Hawk MK II might look fragile. But we havent been able to break one in two seasons. It remains the most sensitive after a year of blasting through waves, even more sensitive than our masthead fly.

If money is your biggest issue, you can always use what we use, a brightly colored fly made out of yarn (see PS March 2019).

Porta Potty Odor Control and 'Blue' Ice
Gear of the Year Roundup

Several of the tests we carried out over the past year were aimed at smaller boat owners who either by choice or budget are bound to the keep it simple sailor (KISS) philosophy.

Porta-potty Odor Control

Sealand Max Control Advanced was the most effective at controlling of porta-potty odors, keeping odors down for over a month. (Since our test, Sealand has tweaked the formula to get rid of the formaldehyde. We have not tested the new formula. Thetford AquaKem’s formaldahyde formula performed matched the Sealand Max Control.)

A less effective option, West Marine Exterminodor, contains benzalkonium chloride (BAC). While safe to humans, it is toxic to marine life. It is biodegradable in the public waste treatment process.

A third approach is “WAG” bags commonly used by hikers. Your “deposit” is put in the supplied heavy-duty bag and treated with gel that minimizes odor and mess. We liked the Cleanwaste Toilet in a Bag. Many readers said these worked for them.

Blue Ice and reusable

In “Making Ice Last” (PS August 2018) we explored cube ice, block ice, dry ice and frozen bottles. Of course, many of the cooler manufactures sell reusable icepacks, touting convenience, decreased mess, and in some cases, lower temperatures. Bottom line: Don’t waste your money. We found frozen water bottles to be just as effective as “blue” reusables.

If you like a purpose-built water bottle, we liked the Coolermate cooler insert (available under various names), this molded ice container makes a cooler nearly as convenient as a refrigerated ice box, though not as cold. The molded shape fits well in larger ice chests, the extended leg helps even temperatures when the cooler is full, and the built-in shaker siphon makes removing melt water a breeze, without moving the food or making a mess. Make sure you measure for fit in your existing cooler.

School of Hard Knocks Yields Some Winners
Gear of the Year Roundup

The past year has been a particularly painful one for PS testers. They endured head whacks, three-foot drops in too-tight harnesses, and retina-searing rescue lights—all for the sake of onboard safety.

Zhik h-1 sailing helmet

Of all the helmets we tested, only the Zhik H-1 felt truly compatible with standard foul weather gear. With the others, a drysuit or dinghy smock works better. None of the helmets we tested interfere with hearing, but as wind picks up it becomes harder to hear. Versatility makes the H-1 our Best Choice for most racing.

PS DIY Leg Loops

Recent fatalities involving racing sailors raised questions about harness and tether design. Although existing harness and tethers might keep a sailor from going overboard, the impact loads transmitted via the harness and tether can exceed what the human body can endure (see “Building a Custom Safety Tether,” PS December 2017).

After some experimenting with straps and loops we came up with a leg-loop design that minimized the impact loads like nothing we could find on the shelf. For more details on our custom design see the December 2018 issue online.

Weems & Plath Rescue strobe

The Weems & Plath Personal Rescue Strobe represents a definite upgrade on the manual twist-switch small PFD strobe. With a long cone-shaped polycarbonate lens cap designed to refract the light it even looks different. It activates using a simple twist of the cap, and uses one AA lithium or alkaline battery. After a rigorous round of testing that doomed other lights we looked at, the rescue strobe proved itself sturdy and waterproof.

Sail Tapes Test and Tank Repair Tools
Gear of the Year Roundup

As sailors we’re always interested in ways to patch together broken stuff. This year we revisited sail tapes and explored options for fixing plastic tanks.

SAIL RITE DACRON SAIL REPAIR TAPE #2353 & #721

We’ve looked at sail repair tape before, but this year was the first with a focus on laminates. After giving specialty laminate tapes a try, we had better success with Dacron.

Testers were surprised to find that Dacron tape’s grip becomes more tenacious with time, that you can sew through it, and that unlike heavier tapes, it does not create stiff edge that encourages new tears. It is visually conspicuous on a laminate sail, but that is far less important than a durable repair, and unimportant on an old sail. It is also available in 10-, 14-, 18-, and 54-inch widths as Insignia Adhesive-backed UV Dacron. Sail Rite Dacron sail repair tape belongs in every sail repair kit, laminate or polyester.

Polyvance Plastic Repair kets

Dealing with cracks in kayaks and water tanks, we explored several options for repairs to polyethylene plastic. It takes some practice to master the process and these repairs are relatively weak, but when reinforced with plastic wire, the repairs we made were stronger than we expected. You can buy the welder alone, but we like repair kits like the ones from Polyvance because you can use them for various repairs and projects. We used the Polyvance in an industrial setting to repair chemical tanks. Although more expensive than other tools available through discount retail stores, this 200-watt welder tool heats faster than the Harbor Freight tool (right), which we also used.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.