According to Boat US, boats sinking at docks account for a disproportionate number of insurance claims. Frankly, I’m not surprised. Even a modest boat often has six or seven through-hull fittings below the waterline. Should one of these fail, the inrush of water will swiftly sink the boat
I see wire nuts on boats all too often. Many times they are installed by an owner as a temporary measure, “just to make sure it’s working,” or by electricians more used to working on houses than boats. Just to be clear—wire nuts have no place afloat…
Splicing three-strand rope is a fairly straightforward process and a useful skill. Splicing joins together two ropes of equal diameter and does not weaken the rope to the same extent that tying a knot does.
Carrying everything from extra nuts and bolts to blocks and batteries could be essential to the safety of your boat.
As a wooden-boat owner I spend large amounts of time each winter and spring painting and varnishing. Slapping on a few extra coats will simply not do. Here’s my essential equipment for the best finish.
If you live in a warm climate and the boat stays in all year, you should keep a close eye on its underbody
Any brightwork on your boat, inside or out, needs regular maintenance to stay in top condition. Varnishes are expected to fulfill two important functions—they enhance the natural beauty of the wood and protect it from the elements.
Whatever the reason, re-marking the waterline fills many sailors with dread. Get it right, and the resulting perfect boottop between contrasting bottom paint and the hull will be stunning. Get it wrong, and your shaky paint job will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.
Your ropes and lines are a very important part of your boat’s inventory. Mark Corke offers some advice on cleaning and care.
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.
On a blustery day, this new multihull flagship keeps calm and carries.
A new flagship elevates an iconic and evergreen cruising brand.
Renewing your six-pack license is a process. Here’s what you need to know.
Amidst a construction shuffle, America’s biggest sailboat show will look a little different this year. The City Dock Resilience and Revitalization Project is reshaping Annapolis’
Photos provided courtesy of the manufacturers It’s been a long time coming, but 2027 is truly the year of the cat. For the first time
Aspiring distance voyagers will find this newest cat a perfect fit.
While checking in on my parent’s boat at the yard, I saw this unusual keel. What’s the purpose of it? — Maddie Doherty, via sailmail@sailmagazine.com
The 2026 Newport International Boatshow is underway now. Here’s what to look forward to.
A new documentary relives the 1995 America’s Cup, as told by the American teams vying to defend the Auld Mug.
My parents, who have been collecting SAIL since I started working here like they did with my childhood artwork, are running out of storage space.
