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Practical Sailor

Safer Sailing: Add Leg Loops to Your Harness

Recent fatalities involving racing sailors raised a long-simmering concern we've had regarding the harness and tether design, and the shortcomings of current design when used aboard boats that cruise at double-digit speeds. Although these harness and tethers might keep a sailor from going overboard,...
A lithium conversion requires a willing owner and a capable craft. Enter the Prestige 345 catamaran Confianza.

What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?

Our 2004 Privilege 435 Confianza (Connie for short) came equipped with traditional lead-acid batteries—5 100ah for the house bank and 2 starter batteries. We had a Northern Lights generator that we felt had roughly a million hours on it and was acting up. Our...
Practical Sailor

Leaping Into Lithium

Your dock neighbor just switched out her old 12-volt lead-acid batteries for lithium-ion batteries. Should you? The lithium solution will be more expensive, but there are benefits, and we will offer some additional lithium background as we dig into this highly charged subject. What type...
Practical Sailor

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Of all the health reporting that has been featured in the news recently, the theme of ambient noise is one that resonated strongly with me (pun intended). According to the reports, people are spending more time at home--or on their boats--and have become more...
Practical Sailor

How to Sell Your Boat

For many sailors, selling their boats is an emotional experience. The big decision is setting the price. Setting your price, or the acceptable net monetary amount the sale will provide you, is very important if you want this to be a positive experience. However,...

Island Packet 370: What You Should Know | Boat Review

Interested in buying an Island Packet 370 sailboat? Find an Island Packet for sale? Looking to sell your boat? Practical Sailor editor Tim Labute...