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Welcome to SAIL's Boatworks page: your one-stop page for stories about DIY boat projects and upgrades. Looking for a way to breathe new life into your tired steed? Or perhaps you've been pondering ways to improve its handling ability? SAIL's BoatWorks page can help. Here, you'll find top-notch stories, written by some of the most trusted names in the business.

Visit this page often to see our latest offerings. Have a BoatWorks worthy story that you'd like to share with the sailing community? Got comments or ideas on interesting projects? Send it to us at sailmail@sailmagazine.com.
We welcome your feedback.

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Installing a Wheel Pilot

A new autopilot is a life-enhancing upgrade FULL STORY

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Get the Shine On

Getting your boat to shine before spring means more than spraying it down with a garden hose, but the final product is well worth the extra effort More

See all maintenance

Filter Your Fuel Off-line

Making your own good luck More

See all engines and systems

Old Boat Nightmares #3

Giving your rig a second thought More

See all sails and rigging

Energy Control

As battery technology reaches new heights, so do the attendant dangers More

See all electronics

Davit Delight

Davits mounted on the stern might be the answer for many cruisers More

See all of upgrades

SAIL reader questions

See past and present reader questions on sails, maintenance, rigging, engines, systems and more. More

Ask our experts a question of your own!


Antal Mini Hook

Check out this innovative piece of gear

More Videos

  • Wi-Fi for sailors

    By David W. Shaw Posted May 8, 2009

    Understanding the wireless communication. Which system is right for you? More

  • AIS for sailors

    By Peter Nielsen Posted May 7, 2009

    Is there an AIS-B system in your future? More

  • First aid kit

    Having a first-aid kit on board can keep a mild accident from turning into a major emergency. More

  • Manual bilge pump

    By Dick Everett Posted August 19, 2009

    Diagram and explanation of how a manual bilge pump works, including helpful hints on what to do when areas don't drain aft. More

  • Water power

    By Nigel Calder Posted August 17, 2009

    There's a great source of free power under your boat. You just need to decide how to tap into it. More

  • Rig check

    By Charles Mason Posted August 4, 2009

    Skip it if you dare, but don't blame anyone but yourself. More

  • Anti-siphon valves

    By Dick Everett Posted August 4, 2009

    A step-by-step guide to how anti-siphon valves work. More

  • Fresh air below

    By Warwick M. Tompkins Posted August 4, 2009

    The Commodore's Caspers keep his boat cool and mildew-free. More