Learn About Sailboat Equipment, Personal Sailing Gear, and Boat Maintenance
By Tom Lochhaas, About.com Guide
Whether you own a sailboat or crew often on others’ boats, you need to know about equipment for the boat and personal gear that is essential or useful when sailing. Start here to learn about new and new equipment and gear as well as essential sailboat maintenance techniques.
Equipment for the Boat
A new boat owner has a lot to learn about essential and optional equipment on a boat, and even seasoned sailors stay interested in the newest gear coming onto the market. What works, and what’s best?
- Federally Required Equipment for Recreational Sailboats
- 7 Ways to Save Money Buying Boat Gear
- LifeSling Overboard Rescue System
- Rig a Boom Preventer
- The Abandon-Ship Ditch Bag
- Sailboat Winch Handles
- Origo Marine Stove and Oven
- How Jib Furlers Work
- Jacklines
- Mast Steps Vs. Bosun’s Chair Vs. TopClimber
- Rocna Anchor vs the Classic CQR
- Anchor Trip Line
- Basic Navigation with a Chartplotter
- Free Boating Navigation and Weather Products
- How to Make Your Own Tiller Tamer
- Forespar TruPlug Emergency Leak Plug
- Use AnchorRescue to Prevent Losing a Fouled Anchor
- The Right Tools for a Dismasting
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for Marine VHF Radios
- Install an AIS system to avoid collisions
Personal Gear
Sailors typically have a lot of their own personal gear, ranging from the best clothing and shoes to safety equipment and all the little things that help make sailing and cruising more enjoyable. Here’s a selection of classic and new personal sailing items.
- Best Sailing Gifts
- The Most Essential Sailing Safety Equipment
- Best Waterproof Case for iPhone
- Best GPS Marine Navigation App for Apple
- 5 Android apps for boat charts and navigation
- Best Sailing and Boating Apps
- Bluetooth GPS Receiver for Apple and Android Devices and Laptops
- Inflatable PFDs
- Safety Harness Tethers
- How to Make Your Own Logbook
- Casio Pathfinder Watch for Sailing
- Keen Newport Boating Sandals
- Seasickness Prevention Products
- The One Pan Galley Gourmet Cookbook
- Books on Seamanship
- LCD Outdoor Screen Protectors
Maintaining Your Sailboat
Owning a boat involves a lot of maintenance, whether it’s routine or seasonal or the repairing of things that break. Here are some maintenance techniques you’ll find useful.
- Spring Sailboat Commissioning and Prep Checklist
- Choosing Bottom Paint for Your Boat
- Clean Tough Stains on Your Boat’s Hull
- How to Whip a Line End
- Winterizing Your Water System and Marine Head
- How to Change a Boat Engine's Oil
- Lubricating Sail Slugs
- Attaching Jib Sheets With a Soft Shackle
- Gelcoat Restoration