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.
A friendly club boat with serious potential.
The lure of early-season boating is a beast with two heads.
A new four part docuseries details the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild campaign to defend the Route du Rhum title, available now on Youtube.
Eight Bells: Charlie Dalin
A fleet-footed foiler that everyone will want to take for a spin.
Where you’ve seen his work: Onboard photography and video during four editions of The Ocean Race Ross grew up in New Jersey and says he
The Laser was a little worse for wear. It was an old one, a little too heavy with chips and gouges that left the fiberglass
The foiling grand prix fleet made a stop in New York this week, but tricky conditions on Saturday left some out of the racing. Still, the home team moved up the leaderboard and a few notable names joined the racers.
Take a look inside the build process of a foiling Classe Mini 6.50 as Peter Gibbons-Neff gears up for a second go at the Mini Transat.
In praise of the Melges 15, a class that has grown to prominence in recent years, and for good reason.
