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Ask Sail: Recycled Sails

by Win Fowler, Posted January 28, 2013

I am considering buying used sails for my 1985 Beneteau First 38. I’d like to find some sails from another Beneteau First 38, but if I can’t, what should I look for?

Ask Sail: A Faltering Start

by Nigel Calder, Posted January 25, 2013

My Yanmar 3GM30F diesel engine has about 650 hours on it, and this season, it’s been a little hard to start it. Are injectors or compression the problem?

Ask Sail: The Price of Safety

by Gordon West, Posted January 17, 2013

It looks like I can save some money by buying an EPIRB without a built-in GPS receiver. How important is GPS capability for 406-MHz EPIRB signaling?

Ask Sail: An Explosive Situation

by Nigel Calder, Posted January 2, 2013

When the engine is under load and moving the boat at a decent speed, the voltmeter is pegged past 16 volts, and after a little while the wires (which are appropriately sized) running to the battery switch from the engine get pretty hot. Am I hurting my batteries?

Ask Sail: Wax-on Poly Paint

by Don Casey, Posted December 17, 2012

I have built a 33ft Kelsall-designed catamaran with vacuum-bagged cored composite panels. I finished the exterior with International’s two-part Perfection polyurethane paint (in white)...

Ask Sail: To Snuff or Furl

by Win Fowler, Posted December 14, 2012

I just purchased a 1983 Bristol 38.8 with a large sail inventory, including a nice big cruising spinnaker. Apparently the old owner flew it out of the bag, which isn’t something I’m anxious to try. What would you recommend to make the sail easier to handle?

Ask Sail: So Many Numbers

by Gordon West, Posted December 13, 2012

I recently purchased a used Hunter with VHF and SSB radios installed, both with MMSI numbers pre-memorized. To prepare for a bluewater cruise I am now installing an AIS transponder, and the technician has asked for another MMSI number. What should I do?