After hull integrity, rudder integrity is the most vital component of a seaworthy vessel, yet most sailors pay more attention to LED lighting or smartphone apps than they do to their boat’s rudder. Before you shrug off rudder failure as a remote concern, consider that the incidence of mid-ocean rudder failures is close to 1 percent.
When my flexible solar panel gave up the ghost early last summer, I was surprised at how much motoring it took to replenish our Norlin 34’s two Group 27 house batteries after they’d been run down by a week of sporadic bilge-pumping (caused by a slow leak around the keelbolts, ahem).
I have to replace my depthsounder. The plastic nut that holds the old transducer in place was set in the hull with adhesive. The new transducer will not fit the old nut, which has proven very difficult to remove.
Tutorials about electrical systems and multimeters often involve theoretical analogies to flowing water. In these primers, the authors test well-designed, functioning circuits, and everything behaves exactly as anticipated.
When I turned on my recently installed chartplotter, I got a “low voltage” message. Using a digital voltmeter, I measured 9.7 volts at the circuit breaker on the load side. Voltage on the battery side was 12.5 volts.
When I’m at sea and at anchor, my audio system plays great, and my new digital TV converter gives me great HD reception on my new HD LCD screen. But at the dock I get a loud hum on my audio system, and my over-the-air reception “breaks apart” on most of my favorite TV stations. What gives?
The original purchase survey for my Allied Seabreeze sloop Keewaydin included a note about the fixed three-bladed bronze propeller: “some cupping noticed on all blades.” One of the surveyor’s post-purchase recommendations was to have the prop reconditioned.
When sailing my Baltic 35 I usually fly a large 140 percent genoa on a roller furler. When the wind gets too strong, however, I find it is too big to roller-reef efficiently. The boat also came with an 80 percent working jib that I’ve never used.
Do-it-yourself sailors have long been attracted to the concept of swageless rigging terminals, also known as compression terminals. Unlike swaged terminals, which require expensive dedicated machinery to create, compression fittings can be assembled with simple hand tools.
I’m ready to install AIS on my boat. I also need a new VHF radio with digital selective calling (DSC). Will this equipment work with my current Shakespeare masthead VHF antenna?
With a full walkaround deck and big boat features, the latest from Jeanneau hits the sweet spot in 34 feet.
The new Catalina 356 is among five of the Florida builder’s models that are part of the 6 Series, a newly launched range that represents
Want to sail fast, easy, and stable downwind on passage? Learn to sail with a pole.
Preview two Top 10 Best Boats 2025 nominees. Xquisite 60 Solar Sail The new flagship in the Xquisite Yachts sailing line is the 60 Solar
Lydia Mullan shares a firsthand account of J/122 Alliance’s sinking during this year’s Newport Bermuda Race.
The Horizon Yacht Sales team and four-time yacht owner, Jamie Brown discuss How To Make Your Yacht Work for You. Horizon Yacht Sales was established
The class of 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing mix, and while the push continues toward greater interior volume, maximum comfort, and easy sailhandling
Hard to believe it’s pumpkin time—which also means boat shows time—and the October issue of SAIL magazine has the latest in new models making the
It’s been a long time since I’ve thought much about my eyewear onboard, but Vallon changed all that this summer when I tested a pair
Annapolis sailors turned out in force last weekend for the annual Hospice Cup regatta, getting in some great racing while helping raise record funding for
