Small Boat Tech and Gear Reference Articles Worth Saving
Below are links to a few tech/gear articles we’ve published that you might have missed or would like to see again. The Packing article includes a downloadable PDF of small-boat cruise packing list. —Eds
Packing a Small Boat
ON MAKING THE LIST —Josh Colvin Sailing might be a mysterious blend of art and science, but so too is packing a small boat. There are minimalist sailors who approach boat stowage like a backpacker and insist every piece of gear aboard be lightweight and do double-duty, and others who seem to demand all the comforts of home. But in either case it pays to …
Design Tips Gleaned from Long Voyaging
by Stephen Ladd Find Steve’s books here and here. When I return from a long voyage my zest for remote lands is quenched, but my “next boat” obsesses me intellectually. So I design and eventually build something for my next adventure, whenever the urge should return. I enjoy this design work. Finally, I can right all those tedious wrongs imposed by my previous boat! Here is an assortment of humble opinions that have risen from much stewing over the perfect small cruiser. Many of them pertain especially to warm waters, since I have traveled much in the tropics. I offer them that they may help someone looking for the right boat, or wondering how to modify their boat for serious travel.
Restoring a Trailerable Sailboat
Article and photos by Guy Light My name is Guy Light and I have been sailing since I was nine. My first boat was a Chris Craft pram that my grandfather built for me. When I was 14 my Dad sold it. That was irritating … but I still have the 1932 Alto Pal half-horse outboard and it still runs. You know it’s old when you’re in New Zealand and find one on display in a marine museum!
Instant Poll: Which is the best type of PFD?
As with most things, there are pros and cons for the various types of PFDs worn by boaters and sailors. I’ve changed PFDs a few times, but in each case have opted for a Type 3 vest—the so-called “flotation aid” jacket most commonly seen on small boats.
Digging Into Ground Tackle
Much of the time, while denying an interest in speed, we focus attention on how to keep our small boats moving, or moving faster—stewing quietly over whether we have the most efficient sails, rigging hardware or even electronic devices to help improve performance.
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These are great articles!