Pete Econ of Columbia, Maryland, asks:”How long before we see fuel cells replacing generators on sailboats? They make a lot of sense in that they are smaller, lighter and quieter than generators. I see one yacht manufacturer is already installing SFC methanol fuel cells, and I know the military is using fuel cells to replace and supplement batteries.”Nigel
Ben Cantor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, asks: “I’ve been cruising on a 1973 Pearson 36 for the past 10 years, and this year I plan to splurge and buy all new sails and running rigging. I expect I will order high-quality Dacron sails. I’ve read a lot about high-modulus line and would like to try it out, but I wonder if it is worthwhile using it on a cruising boat. I like
Ben Hatheway of Coos Bay, Oregon, asks:”The VHF and SSB radios on my boat share the same Maritime Mobile Service Identity number. I recently purchased a new marine VHF handheld with DSC capability, and Im wondering if my new handheld, which is sometimes off the boat, should have a different MMSI number.”Gordon West replies:This very
As a marine electrician Ive found that in-line fuse holders are the most common cause of problems I encounter with modern electronics equipment. Quality marine electronics are generally very reliable, as long as their electrical connections are sound and there is no voltage drop in the ships power supply. Unfortunately, all electronic devices come from the factory with in-line fuse holders on
Anyone who has played with electrical gear for any length of time is familiar with the distinctive smell of burned windings. Unfortunately, this smell, wafting out of engine rooms from fried alternators, may soon become familiar to a much wider audience. Why might alternators, generally known for their reliability, become more likely to fail in the next few years?The answer lies in
There are times when we find exactly what we arent looking for, and this was one of them.I was tired of technology and wanted to write a sailing story about the good old days, when a Windex was high-tech and real navigators dealt with celestial fixes and high-anxiety uncertainty. What better place to look for such things than at the annual Annapolis Classic Wooden Boat
A. As you come alongside, its often the top of a hard tenders gunwale that damages the bigger boats gelcoat.B. The top edge of the gunwale can be padded with a purpose-made canvas-covered fender strip.C. Some people fit old industrial hose, as shown here; others pad the void and remove the cover if its too
Not long ago I was bemoaning the fact that so many boatbuilders are still using highly inefficient incandescent and halogen lights, even though fluorescent lights have long been available and LEDs are now viable for most marine lighting applications. Since then, Neil Harrison, a reader from the UK, has pointed out that the next revolution in lighting may already be on the horizonOrganic
As I knelt beside the open cockpit locker of my 36-foot Pearson cutter Sonata, I could hear the gentle whir of my freshwater pump. It didnt sound normal. I reached down and felt the pump housing. The pump was in constant-cycle mode and running hot. It could pump until it burned out and still fail to pressurize the freshwater system I thought I had just finished
John A. Moore of Punta Gorda, Florida, asks:”Is it true that putting portable electronics like GPS receivers, EPIRBs and handheld radios in the ships oven will protect their circuitry in the event of a direct lightning strike?”Gordon West replies:Your ships oven will, in fact, act like a Faraday cage, and if properly grounded, most anything
An overnight gale stirs up trouble for one trailer sailer.
On this day in 1901, Sir Francis Chichester KBE was born. The British sailor held the record for the fastest circumnavigation at nine months and
This week, The Famous Project has announced the crew roster for their all-female around the world speed record attempt. They hope to set a new
Today we celebrate the birthday of America’s Cup legend Dennis Conner. Though famous for his comeback and three victories in the Auld Mug, Conner is
Paul Meilhat’s french-flagged IMOCA 60 has won Leg 5 of The Ocean Race Europe. They completed the 1,600 mile stretch from Genoa, Italy, to Boka
On September 15, 1835 HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board for a five-year voyage as the ship’s naturalist, reaches the Galápagos Islands. During this
The 2026 Best Boats nominees highlight innovation, diversity, and design—offering something for every sailor and every adventure.
A major powercat brand is turning towards new horizons with the announcement of three new sailing cats to join their lineup.
I have a confession to make: I recently read one of John Kretschmer’s books for the first time. You’d think someone who’s made a career
As the summer winds down, a season change is in the air. Autumn? Nope, it’s boat show season. You’d think the SAIL editors would all
