Articles Index
How to Make Your Own Stern Pulpit Rail Seat
It's easy to build your own inexpensive stern pulpit rail seat for your boat. Full directions are included here with photos.
How to Reef the Mainsail
Knowing how to reef the mainsail when the wind picks up is a critical skill for all sailors. The traditional slab reefing system is easy to install and use. Here's how to make and use a simple reefing system.
Learn How to Sail a Small Sailboat – 1. The Parts of the Boat
The first step in learning how to sail a small sailboat is to learn about the different parts of the boat and its rigging.
How to Tie a Reef Knot
The reef knot is used on sailboats for a temporary knot that can be quickly untied. Like a square knot, a reef knot is used to tie a line in a loop around something. Unlike a square knot, it can released with a quick jerk.
How to Tie a Square Knot
The square knot is commonly used on sailboats. It is used to tie a line in a loop around something or to tie together two lines of the same diameter.
Sailboat Keel Shapes
The keel of a sailboat is necessary to keep the boat from being blown sideways and usually also to provide ballast weight low in the water to reduce heeling. Different keel shapes have varying advantages and disadvantages for different kinds of sailboats.
How to Tie a Cleat Hitch
A cleat hitch is used to tie dock lines to a cleat, to tie an anchor rode to the boat's bow cleat, and to secure other lines on a boat to cleats.
How to Tie a Clove Hitch
A clove hitch is frequently used on boats for securing a line around a rail, post, or other cylindrical structure. It is a secure temporary knot used, for example, to hang fenders on the boat’s rails or lifelines. Because it can work loose if there is not continual tension on the line, however, it should be used only in certain situations.
Types of Sailboats and Rigs
Over history, dozens of sailboat rigs have been developed and used for different types of boats in different circumstances. The “rig” refers to the combination of mast(s) and sail(s), which may vary considerably among boats of different sizes. Here is an introduction to the most common types of sailboat rigs found on the water today.
How to Tie a Bowline Knot
The bowline is among the most commonly used knots on a sailboat. With it, you can tie a line (rope) in a loop around anything else to anchor the line. The bowline knot is not only strong and secure but is easy to break loose later, even when pulled tight under a load.
Review of Sailing Flashcards App
The Sailing Flashcards App for Android is a good idea poorly executed.
Roller Furling Jibs
Most midsize and large sailboats used for cruising have roller furling jibs rather than hanked-on jibs. A roller furler makes it easy to bring the jib in and out and to reef the jib when the wind increases. Learn how to use a furling jib.
How to Navigate with a Depthfinder
There are good reasons to know how to determine your position and navigate with only a chart and a depthfinder. Learn how here.
Review of West Wight Potter 19
The West Wight Potter 19 sailboat is a popular choice for a pocket cruiser and has a well-deserved reputation for its easy sailing and stability. Read the full review here.
How to Dock a Sailboat
Going slow and sure is key when bringing your boat to the dock and tying up.
Points of Sail and Sail Trim
"Point of sail" refers to the angle of the sailboat to the direction from which the wind is blowing. Different terms are used for the different points of sail, such as close hauled (sailing close to the wind), beam reach (with the wind sideways over the beam), and running (downwind). The sails are trimmed differently on each point of sail.
Nautical Trivia Quiz for Sailors
Learn some interesting maritime history and sailing facts while taking this fun nautical trivia quiz. It includes some fascinating things about boats and boating!
Boating Safety Quiz
Safety is important for all boaters. Test your knowledge of what you need to do to stay safe on the water.
Quiz: What to Do When You Run Aground in a Sailboat?
Here's a fun way to test your knowledge of what to do if you run aground in your sailboat.
Test Your Knowledge of Navigational Aids
Navigational aids are important for all boaters. Test your knowledge of common buoys, daymarks, and other markers.
How to Repair Sunbrella
Learn how to easily repair rips and holes in your boat's canvas and save money by doing it yourself. Sunbrella marine fabric can easily be mended with a special fabric adhesive rather than sewing.
How to Repair Damaged Wood with Epoxy Putty
Use a two-part epoxy putty to repair damaged wood on a boat in an area that needs to be waterproof. Here are the steps involved and a review of an epoxy putty product.
Sewing Marine Canvas - Review of the Speedy Stitcher
Sailboat owners often have to repair or stitch up marine canvas, including sails, dodgers, and sail covers. This is often a slow, tedious task. Learn how to use the Speedy Stitcher to make sewing marine canvas easy.
How to Make a Sailboat Mast Boot
If the mast of your sailboat passes through your cabin top, you need a good seal with a mast boot to prevent water from entering the cabin. You can buy an expensive one or make your own from inexpensive materials. Follow these simple steps.
Mast Steps vs. Bosun’s Chair
For many different reasons sailors may have for climbing a saiboat's mast—to retrieve a lost halyard, to inspect or fix rigging, to replace the anchor light bulb, etc. Different methods for mast climbing have evolved from simple mast steps or a bosun’s chair to newer products such as the Mast Mate and ATN TopClimber. Each has different advantages and disadvantages.