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2024 March 1

Some of the most important equipment on a boat, winches can last for ages with annual maintenance

Winches are amazing pieces of equipment. They last for years providing a crucial mechanical advantage that makes sailing possible.  And because they require little in the way of everyday maintena
2024 January 1

Catch wet, delaminated core early and the fix is not difficult

It’s not unusual for boats, particularly those of a certain age, to have some areas of wet core and delamination. This is often found near deck hardware, often because of poor mounting and bedding p
2023 December 1

Embrace the splice because knots aren’t best on the extremely strong fiber Dyneema

Dyneema is seriously strong, but a very slippery fiber. The slipperiness means that you can’t efficiently use knots to terminate it. Even the best knot will degrade the ultimate strength of the rope
2023 November 1

Keeping insects out of the boat’s cabin is a matter of safety and comfort

As sailors, we’re often drawn to the sea by the promise of adventure, the thrill of exploration, and the beauty of untouched landscapes which is how my husband Chris and I ended up sailing our 1979
2023 October 1

Life in an anchorage is great on two hulls so long as you know how to moor the boat

You can’t beat a catamaran for liveability, and no monohull can stand up the comfort provided by a catamaran in a beautiful anchorage. But before you can get to the part where the water toys come ou
2023 September 1

Sharing the cost, labor and enjoyment of boat ownership can be the perfect solution when structured properly

The lucky boat owner is one who enjoys a boat partnership. Owning alone (or with a non-interested co-owner) versus owning a boat with another passionate sailor is like the difference between a dead we
2023 July 1

Swapping out a wheel is a quick job that may require a little ingenuity

Sometimes a new steering wheel is called for. Changing to a wheel that’s a slightly different size than the existing wheel, or a different design, such as a foldable wheel that allows easy access th
2023 June 1

The key to being a good helmsperson is equal parts concentration and practice

Just about every crew position on a sailboat comes down essentially to one word: concentration. I became a decent helmsman from my years of concentrating on spinnaker work. The spinnaker is very capri
2023 April 1
The waters are teeming with sailors who own and handle their own boats with aplomb. But all too often, these same sailors who skillfully ply their local waters, reject the idea of chartering, over dif
2023 March 1

This sail can be key to getting downwind fast with a few skills and a bit of practice

For many sailors spinnakers conjure thoughts of mayhem, chaos and shouting. Anxiety reigns over some at the prospect of the windward and leeward marks approaching and the skipper calling for a set or
2023 January 1

Thinking differently is the key to getting the most out of more hulls

A sailboat is a sailboat, right? In general, the answer is yes, but if you’re looking to maximize performance and sailing pleasure the differences between monohulls and multihulls, make a big d
2022 November 1

Heating Quetzal for high-latitude sailing is a complicated project with a big payoff

Many sailors dream of sailing in the islands with sandy beaches and warm trade winds, but some of the most exciting and rewarding sailing is found in colder climates. Sailing was never meant to be com
2022 October 1

It doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to get out on the race course

Almost every local weeknight racing series has a cruising division filled with sailors looking for an excuse to get out on the water and away from life’s demands. The idea of racing might seem daunt
2022 September 1

Diesels are tough machines that can provide power for the life of a boat if treated properly

The marine diesel engine is an amazing piece of machinery. These engines are reliable, safe and require minimal maintenance. If you look after just a few things, your engine can easily run for 10,000
2022 July 1

Getting assistance at sea starts with knowing how to reach help

Days on the water are often great, but things can go wrong. When they go wrong, your ability to get help is determined by your communication ability, and it’s important to know  the gear and co
2022 June 1

Owners need sailors and sailors need boats; create great sailing relationships that last

Sailing is haunted by a problem that, on its face, seems very easy to solve. Many owners have a hard time finding people to go sailing with them and sailors new to the sport have a hard time finding b
2022 April 1

Tap into charter staff knowledge to turn a good charter into a great one

Charter briefings—those meetings with charter base staff that help familiarize you with the boat and the cruising grounds—can feel like a hurdle that has to be overcome to get underway, but it’s
2022 March 1

A fresh bottom paint job and a topside touchup will have your boat looking and sailing great

A protected and fair boat bottom looks good, but it’s the performance-related benefits that make a good bottom job worth the work, and the price.The first step in any bottom job is choosing the
2022 January 1

Quetzal’s rig gets a top to bottom refresh in preparation for a some big passages

Quetzal is ready for thousands more miles of ocean passages following a standing rigging refit.Standing rigging is not set it-and-forget-it equipment; it requires maintenance. All that shiny stainless
2021 November 1

A smooth transition from rope anchor rode to chain is a necessity, and in need of frequent inspection

The best way to attach three-strandline to chain is with a thimble and screw-pin shackle. The shackle provides a large, smooth radius for the rope, as well as providing chafe protection. A shackle can

Perry on Design

  • An American-built pilothouse cruiser keeps you out of the rain

  • This performance cruiser has Italian flair

  • Retro style but modern performance are the trademarks of this new cruiser

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