Projects

Learning to Do It Yourself

by Dean Abramson, Posted January 10, 2013

I never used to read how-to articles in sailing magazines. They were too daunting. I might want to build a thingie or fix a whatnot, but a few paragraphs in, I would learn that success was possible only if certain conditions were met.

Repairing a Blistered Bottom

by Connie McBride, Posted December 10, 2012

We were spending hurricane season in Trinidad on our Creekmore 34 Eurisko and thought we might as well haul her out to apply another coat of bottom paint. What we found when she emerged from the water turned a three-day quick haul into a three-month ordeal.

Upgrade: Installing a Bow Thruster

by Roger Marshall, Posted December 3, 2012

Installing a bow thruster is not an inexpensive upgrade, so it pays to do your homework before deciding on a type and make. The problem is that there are so many types of thrusters to choose from.

Ask Sail: Straight and True

by Don Casey, Posted December 2, 2012

Before I re-launch the boat should I also have the shop check and true the transmission output shaft to its flange? This is a lot more work, but I’m prepared to do it to get things lined up properly.

Replacing Tired Old Portlights

by Peter Nielsen, Posted November 29, 2012

One challenge with older boats that have been out of production for decades is obtaining replacements for components that may have been custom-made back in the day. Good luck finding a new bow pulpit for your 1974 Flexiflyer 43 or a mast cap for the rig on your 1967 Brickouthouse 29.

Soda Blast your Boat

by Roger Marshall, Posted November 13, 2012

You have a thick layer of antifouling paint on the bottom of your boat. It’s rough and worn around the edges, so you’d like to get rid of it and have a nice smooth bottom that will help you sail faster. The options are quite simple.

Protect your Bottom with Epoxy Bottom Coating

by Roger Marshall, Posted October 31, 2012

If you own an older boat and are worried about osmosis problems, there are a number of cures and they do not need to be expensive. The first step is to get your boat's bottom clean of old paint.

Learning the Ropes

by Mark Corke, Posted October 31, 2012

Your ropes and lines are a very important part of your boat’s inventory. Mark Corke offers some advice on cleaning and care.

Installing a Fire Suppression System

by Mark Corke, Posted October 26, 2012

Of all the things that scare boat owners the most, sinking is probably at the top of the list. But fire is no less of a threat. Indeed, a fire, even if you manage to put it out, can easily lead to a sinking.

Dynex Dux Across the Atlantic

by Andy Schell, Posted October 22, 2012

On August 23, 2011, our 35-foot Allied Seabreeze yawl Arcturus (vintage 1966) became—we believe—the first monohull to cross an ocean sporting Colligo Dynex Dux synthetic fiber standing rigging. This after a 3,000-mile passage.