Projects

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.

Ask Sail: Centerboard Corrosion

by Don Casey, Posted September 27, 2012

After I fix the pin and remove the rust, what product do you recommend to protect the steel before I reinstall the board? The boat is sailed in both fresh and salt water, and is stored on its trailer.

Epoxy Resin in a Caulking Gun

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 25, 2012

Like all owners of older boats who like to do their own work, I’m extremely familiar with epoxy resin. I reckon I’ve used a good few gallons of it, for both major projects and little jobs where only small amounts are needed.

It’s Good To Vent

by Peter Nielsen, Posted August 23, 2012

Looking at a modern sailboat, with its profusion of opening portlights and hatches, you could be excused for thinking all boats are so well ventilated. Not so.

Meet the Blogger: Paul Calder

by Lindsey Silken, Posted August 25, 2012

Paul Calder is a blogger on SAILfeed, where he has been sharing the progress of refitting his boat, living in New Orleans and getting a wee bit of guidance from dear ol' dad, Nigel Calder, an author and expert on boat systems. Read on to learn about Paul's hands-on process.

Fitting a New Holding Tank Sensor

by James Turner, Posted August 7, 2012

If your boat has a holding tank, chances are it doesn’t have a level gauge. This is odd, as you’d think they would be standard on all new boats, but in fact, just the opposite is true.

Fix-it Kit: Essentials for DIY Sail Repair

by Mark Corke, Posted August 14, 2012

Nothing will ruin your cruise faster than a damaged or torn sail. With the BoatWorks sail-repair kit on board, you’ll be able to make emergency repairs and keep on sailing. Ours cost less than $100 to assemble but could save us hundreds in repair bills.

Recharge Your Refrigerator

by Peter Nielsen, Posted July 5, 2012

Ever had refrigerator angst? It’s a dreadful state of mind that consumes you when your reefer doesn’t deliver the goods. It’s been known to paralyze cruisers for weeks on end, trapping them in exotic ports while they lay in wait for that rare, elusive creature known as a marine refrigeration technician.

NMEA 2000 and The Future of Onboard Networks

by Clark Beek, Posted June 13, 2012

Back in the day, each electronics unit aboard your boat did what it did, and never the twain did meet. Your depthsounder told you the depth, your radar showed what was around, your GPS told where you were, and so on. Today, of course, most electronics can be connected to onboard networks.

Strange Sand in My Water Tanks

by Charles J. Doane, Posted May 15, 2012

When Executive Editor Charlie Doane found sand in his water tanks, he assumed it was the result of extensive tropical cruising. But guess what— the culprit was chlorinated water.