Boatworks

Cool, Quiet, and Convenient

by Sail Staff, Posted August 15, 2011

Vetus NLPH waterlocks and mufflers cool exhaust gasses, minimize engine noise, protect your engine from the backflow of water up the exhaust when the engine is off and are easy to install in confined spaces. Each waterlock/muffler comprises two separate components that can be rotated to accommodate a particular hull shape and exhaust arrangement. Hose connections also rotate to help with

Powerfilm Solar

by Sail Staff, Posted May 6, 2011

This isn’t a piece of communications gear per se, but with fossil fuel prices soaring it’s a good time for sailors to think of energy alternatives. These flexible PowerFilm Solar products offer some interesting options. All it takes is a modest-sized Rollable Charger (available in four sizes) to keep the batteries of a moored vessel topped off and ready to go. Depending on the size of the battery

Dry Dinghy

by Sail Staff, Posted November 23, 2010

Tired of finding your dinghy or small daysailer half filled with water? The Model 360-7AH Solar Bilge Pump is a compact, self-contained device that lives in the bottom of a small boat and has a solar panel on top to keep its internal battery in peak condition. The pump is also equipped with a float switch and 3/4 in discharge outlet. During a recent three-day nor'easter in Cape Ann,

Drip-Free Fueling

by Sail Staff, Posted November 23, 2010

Keep diesel, gas and oil from damaging your boat and polluting the water with a Chadd Padd reusable mat. The 10-by-10-inch mats are anti-static treated, made of the same materials marinas are required to have on hand for spill prevention and can hold up to 4.5 oz. of petroleum products. Each pad includes a perforated, partial hole that accommodates most filler ports. The Chadd Padd can also be

Automatic Pitch Variation

by Adam Cort, Posted November 5, 2010

The new Max-Prop Ecowind feathering propeller from PYI Inc. automatically varies its pitch under different motoring situations, providing higher top speeds in both calm and rough conditions, significantly lower fuel consumption, extended range under power, better acceleration and less engine noise at cruising speeds.The key to the Ecowind is a patented spring systems that adjusts propeller

Stainless Steel Hose Clamp Kits

by Adam Cort, Posted July 29, 2010

Whether it’s on a through-hull fitting or securing a hose on your diesel engine, a hose clamp is a critical piece of equipment, so it pays to use a good one that fits.With a Cruiser’s Pack stainless steel ABA hose clamp kit from Scandvik, you can be assured of having any and every hose clamp you’ll ever need.Each kit contains 56 clamps in six different sizes from 7/16in to 2 11/16in

Solar Lighting the Easy Way

by Adam Cort, Posted July 29, 2010

The solar-powered RailLight Premium LED light comes with a QuickMount attachment “system” featuring multiple attachment options. These include a rail clamp that attaches to railings measuring 3/4in to 11/4in in diameter; a transom clamp that adjusts up to 2in, for use with cockpit coamings, toerails or the topsides of a dinghy and rowboat; and a post mount that attaches permanently to any deck,

Antenna, Wind Vane Saves Space

by Adam Cort, Posted June 30, 2010

Shakespeare's Galaxy 5445 antenna and wind vane combination saves space at the top of the mast by combining multiple functions in a single piece of gear. The system is lightweight and minimizes windage aloft, while solderless connectors simplify installation and subsequent removal for storage. The antenna’s 3dB whip measures 3ft and a PL-259 connector and a 65ft RG-58 coax cable are included. The

A Bit of Shade

by Charlie Garrard, Posted June 1, 2010

My J/105 is more of a racer than a cruiser, but every once in a while I put in a few nights aboard with the family. I’m 6ft 3in, and the boat has about a foot less headroom than I need, so I’ve always paid close attention to the weather—being stuck below on a rainy day for more than an hour or so would put a big damper on the trip. Last year I was offered a ShadeTree awning to try, and what a