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Ask Sail

Ask Sail: VHS/GPS Interface Woes

I just bought a new 25-watt VHF radio with a built-in AIS receiver. I began seeing AIS targets right off the bat, but got no graphic or numerical information as to their location in relation to me.

Ask Sail: Deck Freshener

My yacht is 20 years old, and the antiskid is looking poor. Is there anything wrong with cleaning the deck, wiping it down with acetone and brushing flowcoat (waxed gelcoat) on to the antiskid?

Ask Sail: Dueling Sensors

I am an avid weather watcher, and I’ve found some extra uses for my wireless temperature sensors. I’ve got one in the reefer, one near the engine and one to monitor the air conditioning.

Ask Sail: Too Much Protection

How can I stop the galvanic action I suspect is causing the delignification of the surrounding wood? More zincs, or no zincs?

Ask Sail: No-Go Engine

My Catalina 40 has a Westerbeke 42B diesel engine with less than 800 hours. After a head-gasket repair, the engine was put back into the boat…

Ask Sail: Centerboard Corrosion

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.

Ask Sail: Sailcloth Woes

Do you know of a process that could reduce the stiffness of my sail? I have been told I should try lazyjacks, the Dutchman system or in-boom furling, but none of these appeal to me.

Antifouling for Props and Shafts

Ask Sail: Another boater we know treated his prop and shaft with a zinc spray paint (93 percent zinc) that he bought at Home Depot for $10. The zinc spray sounds like a good deal, but before using it I want to know if there is any downside?

A Staysail for Racing

Ask Sail: I own a 1973 C&C 30. It came with a staysail, which I have never flown. We typically use a mainsail, jib and spinnaker. We race frequently, and I am wondering if the boat would be faster with the staysail on.

Isolated Prop Shaft

Ask Sail: I have installed a shaft-saver coupling on the prop shaft on my sailboat and have realized the shaft is now isolated from the ground. Is this a good thing, or should I put a grounding strap on the coupling?

Affiliate-B&D Vacume-2

SAIL Deals of the Week

Here at SAIL, we understand that having the right accessories can make all the difference. That’s why we’re excited to bring you our weekly roundup

The J/36 has an upgraded cockpit layout with twin helms that improve the flow on deck. Photo by Rachel Kirby

J/36 Review

The latest in this performance cruiser line has J/Boat DNA through and through. 

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Cartographer James Cook

James Cook, famed British explorer, navigator, and cartographer was born in this day 1728. He is best known for his three exploratory voyages around the

Photo courtesy of 11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing Returns

This weekend, the four Transat Café L’Or (formerly the Transat Jacques Vabre) fleets will set off to cross the Atlantic. Among the competitors in the

cover-nov-dec-sneak

November/December Issue Sneak Peek

If the weather’s turning and you’re already dreaming of next sailing season, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with the news and stories to get you through.

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