Practical Sailor

08/09/2025

Material and length help determine absorption ability.

Material and length help determine absorption ability for anchor snubbers. Nylon is the preferred material, and make sure to carry multiples.

08/08/2025

These auxiliaries are an industry workhorse, but stay on top of that exhaust elbow.

Yanmar diesel engines have a serious Achilles' heel. Water can intrude and corrode the exhaust elbow, allowing water to invade the engine.

08/07/2025

A custom-fit electrical panel is a smart replacement for the original panel on a 1978 Islander.

A custom-fit electrical panel is a smart replacement for the original on a 1978 Islander. Learn the basics for your own DIY panel project.

08/06/2025

From choosing the right boat for your cruising plans to paying for insurance, this guide will prepare you to navigate the processes and costs for buying your first sailboat.

From choosing the right boat for your plans to paying for insurance, this guide will prepare you to navigate buying your first sailboat.

08/05/2025

We recently did an episode on the history of Yanmar in sailboats because they’re so popular and every sailor seems to want one, but what about Perkins? Are they just as reliable with a parts network just as good? Are they easy to fix for the DIY sailor? Let’s find out!

https://buff.ly/5jukdOQ

08/04/2025

This C. Raymond Hunt design from the 1970s has standing head room and ample beam, making her a roomy family coastal cruiser. Our criticisms are few, the most serious being an iron keel.

The PY26 has standing room and ample beam, making her a roomy family coastal cruiser. Our main criticism is the iron keel.

08/03/2025

Can using twine be the secret to splicing old ropes and lines?

Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.

08/02/2025

If and when your electronic tiller autopilot fails, this handy stick will give you a break from the tyranny of the tiller, while also sparing your rudder hardware from premature wear.

If and when your electronic tiller autopilot fails, this handy stick will give you a break from the tyranny of the tiller.

08/01/2025

Boat improvements, like lifelines, and proper personal gear, like grippy shoes, plus practiced movements all help you stay on the boat.

07/31/2025

Learn how to replace 70s-era production boat carpet with a handsome wood cabin sole.

Learn how to replace 70s-era production boat carpet with a handsome wood cabin sole. A DIY steam box helps to curve planks for a perfect fit.

07/30/2025

Living on a sailboat might be all the rage amidst high cost of living but, what about the high cost of sailboats? This week we go in search of the cheapest sailboat that you can go and live on.

https://buff.ly/EOsJw2V

07/29/2025

This week, we talk to Sailing Dark Angel about the Bahamas price increases for cruisers and their recent brush with disaster as light struck their catamaran in Thomas Cay, Exuma’s. Dave and Lisa are a great resource for Bahamas cruising information and very entertaining on their YouTube channel.

https://buff.ly/01C9DAO