Practical Sailor

Reverse-osmosis, DC-powered watermakers have been available for use aboard mid-sized cruising sailboats for years, but thanks to new technology, they just keep getting better. Todays units are more efficient, reasonably compact, and in many cases, modular in design. Practical Sailor recently tested two popular models-new Ventura 200T from Spectra Watermakers Inc. and Racor Village Marines Little Wonder (LWM-145)-and rated them for water and construction quality, noise, power consumption, and ease of installation and maintenance. The review also discusses the pros/cons of installing a watermaker on a sailboat, installation and maintenance tips, and whether a watermaker is right for you.

In 1978, Tartan brought out the Tartan Ten, a 33', fairly light, fractionally-rigged "offshore one design." The boat was a huge success: fast, easy to sail, and unencumbered by the design limitations of a rating rule. But the Tartan Ten had one big problem: limited accommodations with stooping headroom, an interior most kindly described as spartan. A hardy crew could take the Tartan Ten on a multi-day race such as the Mackinac, and you might even coax your family aboard for a weekend of camping out. But cruising or extended racing in comfort? Forget it!

One of the most satisfying experiences I have had is looking up at the sails and knowing I created what is powering my boat from some bits of cloth. With a...

Connecting two wires is simple; use a properly sized crimp butt connector with a ratchet crimper, and finish with adhesive-lined heat shrink in damp, high-vibration locations, or anywhere strain relief is...

Sail America’s mission is to “promote the health and growth of sailing.” Thus, you’d think alarm bells would be going off there given that the trade group’s most recent annual “Economic...

In the series of articles "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats," "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Install Guide" and "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Troubleshooting" we concluded that a practical configuration for...

If you’ve ever dreamed of blasting across the water at 25 knots with the wind in your hair and the spray in your face on a boat that feels more like...

Marking its 85th run in 2026, the February 11-15, 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show enjoyed a five-day run of warm temperatures, sunny skies and plenty of new boats and...

A sailboat’s steering system also plays a vital role in safety at sea. The failure of any key component can jeopardize boat handling and turn your easy-to-steer, well behaved old friend...

Standing rigging has been evolving ever since natural fiber lines were lashed, knotted, or spliced to wooden spars, and led down to crudely fashioned, iron deck hardware. The challenge has always been the transition point where the straight-line pull (tension) changes direction, creating a stress riser in the rope, wire, or rod. Today, the materials have changed, but the challenge remains the same.