SAIL.SailMagazine

This month: Steering toward a buoy, trip lines, a Cutter that cuts it, and how to change an impeller

Maintenance

A “Burned” ImpellerImpellers for the engine’s raw-water pump don’t last forever. Even if they aren’t destroyed by having been run dry following a blockage in the raw-water line, they still deteriorate over the years. If you’ve never had to change one,

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A professional boat test involves more than just an afternoon daysail. Using SAIL’s boat-test checklist could help make you a much more informed shopper By Bill Springer

Friends show me no pity when I tell them I’m off to test another boat, but in reality, boat testing can be hard work. Digging into a bilge, poking behind cabinets, under floorboards, and into the engine

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20 MILES AROUND... San Francisco, California

San Francisco may be the “most European” American city, but San Francisco Bay and the views of whitecaps beyond the cable-car lines make this more than just a California placename. The ocean beyond the Golden Gate is challenging. Within the shelter of the bay is sailing adventure enough, with its typical brisk and chilly sea breeze and

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In Clearwater they said, “stop by to see Jennifer.”

In Isla Mujeres, someone commented, “see Jennifer in El Rio Dulce.” “Who is she?” “An artist, with a home on ‘The Rio.’”

In Belize City, on learning that we planned to spend several months on “The River,” another boater advised us to stop by “Gringo Bay,” a small inlet on the south side of El Golfete, the widest spot on the river,

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Cruising isn't always about boisterous passages or cocktails on the aft deck at sunset. On the contrary, much of our time is spent exploring the countryside and getting to know the local people. This approach enriched the experience for my wife Susan and me beyond our expectations when we moved aboard Sea Trek and began cruising almost 14 years ago. Our passage this April from the

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