Moody 46 CC Used Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/sailboats-over40ft/moody-46-cc-used-boat-review/ Boats from video: https://youtu.be/A9rUk3LSH8s?si=HcDE8SvblV9fpzPa https://youtu.be/0iXwpvoisbE?si=rINA_gpNWGt_P40u If you’re shopping for a 40-foot cruising sailboat and actually plan to live aboard or cruise, comfort matters — and nowhere does that matter more than where you sleep. The Catalina Yachts Catalina 400 Mark II, designed by Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas and built in the early 2000s, does something almost no other production 40-footer manages to pull off: a full-beam aft owner’s stateroom with a true centerline, walk-around island bed. Not a crawl-in berth. Not a sideways compromise. A real bedroom — on a cruising sailboat. In this Practical Sailor review, we take a deep, buyer-grade look at the Catalina 400 MkII, including: Why this layout is so rare on 40-foot sailboats What you give up to get that incredible aft cabin Construction quality and design intent Owner feedback, complaints, and long-term realities What to expect from a 20+ year-old cruising boat Current market prices and what they don’t include This video is for serious buyers — people about to spend real money — who want to understand whether the Catalina 400 Mark II is a smart, comfortable cruising platform, or if its age and tradeoffs change the equation. If you care more about how you live on your boat than how fast it sails, this is one you need to see. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

DIY Stovetop Cabin Heater: https://www.practical-sailor.com/belowdecks-amenities/cabin-comfort/diy-stovetop-cabin-heater/ Living on a boat off-grid sounds simple until you actually try it. No shore power. No marina hookups. No endless electricity. Just batteries, solar, systems, and the constant question of whether everything will last until morning. In this video, we break down what living on a boat off-grid is really like, and the things no one explains clearly when they talk about cruising life. This isn’t a fantasy highlight reel. It’s a practical look at how people actually manage power, water, airflow, and daily life while living aboard without being plugged in. We cover real off-grid boat tips including: – How to minimize electricity use without sacrificing comfort – Why heating water and cooking with propane saves massive amounts of power – When to use electric water heaters so solar can replace the energy immediately – Why oversizing solar production matters more than giant battery banks – How air conditioning destroys off-grid energy budgets and what works instead – Smart ventilation using wind scoops, dorades, hatches, and airflow paths – Phantom power loads that quietly drain batteries overnight – Why hard switches and DC systems matter offshore – The real power draw of inverters and satellite internet systems like Starlink If you’re thinking about living on a sailboat full-time, cruising off-grid, or anchoring without shore power, this video will help you understand what actually works, what quietly fails, and how experienced liveaboards plan their systems and daily habits. Off-grid boat life isn’t about deprivation. It’s about understanding energy, timing your loads, and building systems that work with nature instead of fighting it. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Caliber 40 LRC from the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aePzZ5BCjww https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com/for-sale/9969261 Caliber 40 LRC Used Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/used_sailboats/caliber-40-lrc/ If you’re shopping for a serious cruising sailboat, the Caliber 40 LRC is often described as “bulletproof.” Heavy displacement, huge tankage, conservative construction, and a reputation for offshore comfort have made it a quiet favorite among long-range cruisers. But like many purpose-built boats, the Caliber 40 LRC also has a less-talked-about design weakness that buyers and surveyors need to understand before writing a check. In this video, we take a practical, no-nonsense look at the Caliber 40 LRC SE. We go over build quality, layout, tankage, sailing performance, and long-term livability, and then we dig into the single design choice that has surprised more than a few owners over the years. This isn’t a hit piece, and it’s not a sales pitch. It’s a realistic look at a boat that does many things extremely well, but isn’t perfect. If you’re considering a used bluewater cruiser, living aboard, or planning extended coastal or offshore cruising, this is a boat you should understand fully before you buy. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

A Sailor’s Guide to Marine Insurance: https://www.practical-sailor.com/uncategorized/a-sailors-guide-to-marine-insurance Are older sailboats really uninsurable? If you’ve been shopping for a 20, 30, or even 40-year-old sailboat, you’ve probably seen the warnings online: “Insurance won’t touch it.” But is that actually true? In this video, we break down the real rules behind insuring older sailboats in the United States and Canada. We look at what insurance companies actually care about, why boat age alone is rarely the deciding factor, and how thousands of owners are still insuring older cruising sailboats every year. You’ll learn: Can you insure a sailboat over 25 or 30 years old? Why marine insurance companies require surveys on older boats The difference between agreed value and actual cash value insurance What insurance underwriters really look for on older sailboats Why condition matters more than age How people still insure classic sailboats, production cruisers, and refitted older boats Progressive insurance rules for older sailboats and the $75,000 value myth Tips to improve your chances of getting insured before you buy an older boat This video is aimed at anyone buying or owning an older monohull sailboat, classic cruising boat, or budget-friendly cruiser, and wondering whether insurance will be a problem. If you’ve been scared off by forum posts claiming older boats are “uninsurable,” this video will bring the conversation back to reality. Older sailboats are not banned. They’re not obsolete. And they’re still being insured every day, if you understand how the system actually works. If you’re researching: sailboat insurance for older boats insuring a 30 year old sailboat insurance problems with old sailboats marine insurance survey requirements can you insure a classic sailboat You’re in the right place. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

IVT Video: https://youtu.be/gywROgqs6q0?si=Cv-ipN-ZI0NIw8zA This boat: https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2002-hunter-460-10011924/ Catalina Morgan 440 Used Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/sailboats-over40ft/catalina-morgan-440-used-boat-review Is the Hunter 460 really one of the best-value cruising sailboats on the used market? In this video, we take a deep, honest look at the Hunter 460 sailboat, including real-world specs, magazine reviews, owner experiences, and the most common problems buyers need to know about. If you’re researching a 46-foot cruising sailboat, shopping for a used Hunter sailboat, or wondering why the Hunter 460 is often listed for less money than comparable boats, this video is for you. The Hunter 460 was designed as a comfortable, spacious cruising boat with a huge interior, manageable sail plan, and features aimed at real sailors, not race committees. But like any production sailboat, it has its quirks. We break down how the Hunter 460 actually sails, how it holds up over time, and what owners love and complain about after years of use. We’ll cover: • Hunter 460 specifications and design background • How the Hunter 460 compares to other 45–47 foot cruising sailboats • What magazine reviews really say about this boat • Owner comments, real cruising experiences, and liveaboard feedback • Known issues and common problems, including steering and rudder discussions • What to inspect before buying a used Hunter 460 • Why the Hunter 460 can be an incredible value on the used market If you’re asking questions like: “Is the Hunter 460 a good boat?” “Why is the Hunter 460 so cheap?” “Is the Hunter 460 safe offshore?” “Is a Hunter sailboat worth buying used?” This video answers them honestly, without sales hype. The goal here isn’t to defend Hunter or bash it. It’s to explain why the Hunter 460 offers a surprising amount of boat for the money, who it’s perfect for, and who should probably keep shopping. If you’re looking for a comfortable cruising sailboat that delivers space, livability, and capability for less than you might expect to spend, the Hunter 460 deserves a serious look. 👇 Let us know in the comments Would you cruise on a Hunter 460, or would you choose something else in this size range? Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Anchor Swivels: Caution Required: http://practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchor-swivels-caution-required Anchor swivels are everywhere. They’re shiny, expensive, and sold as a “must-have” upgrade for your anchoring system. But do they actually solve a real problem… or do they quietly introduce a dangerous new failure point? In this video, we dig into what reputable marine testing and real-world failures reveal about anchor swivels. We look at how and why swivels fail, what problems they’re supposed to fix, and whether most sailors actually need one at all. We’ll break down common swivel failure modes, side-loading issues, corrosion risks, and why many chain-twist problems are caused by retrieval technique, not missing hardware. You’ll also learn when a swivel might make sense, when it probably doesn’t, and what safer alternatives exist. If you anchor regularly, rely on your ground tackle for safety, or are considering adding an anchor swivel to your boat, this is one piece of gear you’ll want to understand before it fails. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Dissecting the Art of Staying Upright: https://www.practical-sailor.com/safety-seamanship/special-report-dissecting-the-art-of-staying-upright Is the Fountaine Pajot 44 really one of the cheapest ways to buy a brand-new 44-foot cruising catamaran… and if so, what’s the catch? In this video, we take a hard, honest look at the Fountaine Pajot 44 sailing catamaran. Not a brochure walk-through, not a sales pitch, but a real buyer’s perspective aimed at sailors who are seriously considering ordering a new catamaran. Using full onboard tour footage, we break down what you actually get for the money, where Fountaine Pajot saved costs, and why this boat has quietly become one of the most talked-about value propositions in the mid-40-foot catamaran market. We cover the real-world specs, layout choices, and livability that matter to buyers planning to cruise or live aboard. We also dig into the ODSea+ hybrid propulsion option, how the available 2000 watts of solar changes day-to-day life at anchor, and whether modern energy systems like this are worth the added complexity. Just as importantly, we talk about why you might not want this boat. Sailing performance tradeoffs, system complexity, production-boat realities, and who this catamaran is absolutely not for. If you’re shopping for a new cruising catamaran and trying to decide where the smart money actually goes, this video is for you. Whether you’re comparing it to other mid-40-foot cats, wondering why pricing has gone crazy in recent years, or just curious how a boat this size can come in at this price point, let’s break it all down honestly. Fountaine Pajot 44, FP44 catamaran, new catamaran review, cruising catamaran, liveaboard catamaran, hybrid catamaran, solar powered catamaran, catamaran buying guide, new sailboat review, 44 foot catamaran, ODSea hybrid system, modern catamaran design, best cruising catamaran Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

The Art of Maintaining Teak Trim on a Sailboat: https://www.practical-sailor.com/subscriber-only/the-art-of-maintaining-teak-trim-on-a-sailboat Most sailboat owners assume their bilge pump is a reliable last line of defense. It’s installed, it runs when tested, and it’s easy to believe it will work when water is coming in. Unfortunately, real-world bilge pump failures are far more common than most owners realize. In this video, we take a close, practical look at why bilge pumps fail at the worst possible moment. From misleading pump capacity ratings and voltage drop to float switch failures, wiring corrosion, poor hose routing, and maintenance issues that quietly reduce performance, this is the information every boat owner should understand before an emergency happens. We also explain why simply installing a bigger bilge pump doesn’t always make a boat safer, how discharge plumbing and check valves can dramatically reduce flow, and why redundancy and proper installation matter more than advertised gallons-per-hour ratings. Whether you sail coastal waters or offshore, understanding how your bilge pump system really works can buy you valuable time when it matters most. If you own a sailboat, are refitting an older boat, or are planning upgrades to improve onboard safety, this video will help you make smarter decisions about bilge pumps, wiring, switches, and maintenance. bilge pump failure sailboat bilge pump boat safety systems bilge pump wiring float switch failure marine electrical systems boat maintenance sailboat maintenance bilge pump capacity boat flooding prevention offshore sailing safety bilge pump installation boat refit tips marine corrosion practical sailor Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

The $100K Cruiser Showdown: How the Catalina 380 Stacks Up: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/catalina-380-comparison The new Beneteau Oceanis 52 is one of the most talked-about cruising sailboats in years. Bigger, brighter, more comfortable, and more modern than ever before—but has Beneteau gone too far? In this video, we take a full walk-through tour of the Beneteau Oceanis 52 filmed at the Annapolis Boat Show and dig into what this boat really represents. Not a brochure overview. Not a sales pitch. A real review for sailors who care about how boats actually sail, live, and age. We look closely at the Oceanis 52’s hull design, cockpit layout, sail handling, and interior, and talk honestly about what Beneteau got right—and where compromises were clearly made. We cover key specs, how this boat compares to other modern cruising sailboats buyers might be considering, and why comfort has become such a dominant theme in today’s production designs. This is a boat aimed squarely at modern cruisers sailing short-handed, anchoring often, and valuing ease of use—but that raises an important question: does prioritizing comfort come at the expense of sailing performance and offshore credibility? If you’re considering a Beneteau Oceanis 52, comparing it to other 50-plus-foot cruising sailboats, or just curious where modern sailboat design is headed, this video is for you. Let us know in the comments: Has Beneteau gone too far—or is this exactly what most sailors actually want? Beneteau Oceanis 52, Beneteau Oceanis review, cruising sailboat review, Annapolis Boat Show sailboats, modern cruising sailboats, Beneteau sailboat tour, Oceanis 52 review, best cruising sailboats, production sailboats, sailing yacht review, Practical Sailor Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Trapped by Wind and Rocks: A Reefing Gone Wrong Off Vancouver Island: https://www.practical-sailor.com/safety-seamanship/trapped-by-wind-and-rocks-a-reefing-gone-wrong-off-vancouver-island Choosing a sailboat keel isn’t just about performance numbers or design theory. It’s about how you sail, where you sail, and honestly… who you are as a sailor. In this video, we break down the major sailboat keel types and match them to real-world sailing personalities. From deep fin keels built for speed and pointing ability, to modified fin keels that balance performance and forgiveness, to full keels prized for tracking, comfort, and tradition, each keel design comes with clear strengths, compromises, and a distinct feel underway. Rather than arguing which keel is “best,” we focus on which keel makes sense for your priorities. Do you like sailing fast and trimming constantly? Do you value predictability, stability, and a smooth motion offshore? Do you want access to shallow anchorages without giving up too much windward ability? Your answers matter more than internet opinions. We cover: • Deep fin keels and why racers and performance-oriented sailors love them • Modified fin keels, skegs, and why they’ve become the default for many cruisers • Full keels, tracking, comfort, and why they still have devoted fans • The real tradeoffs between speed, control, draft, and handling • How keel choice quietly shapes your entire sailing experience If you’re shopping for a boat, planning a refit, or just trying to understand why different boats feel so different on the water, this video will help you think about keels in a more practical, human way. Because the right keel isn’t the one that wins arguments. It’s the one that fits how you actually sail. Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Anchoring in Squishy Bottoms: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sails-rigging-deckgear/anchoring-in-squishy-bottoms The MacGregor 26 might be the most controversial sailboat ever built. Half sailboat. Half powerboat. Water ballast. A 50-horsepower outboard. Capable of sailing… and towing a water skier. For decades, sailors have loved to hate it, dismissed it, mocked it, and argued about whether it should even exist. And yet, thousands of them are still out there. In this video, we take a deep dive into the MacGregor 26 to find out why it became one of the most polarizing boats in sailing history. We look at how it actually sails, how it performs under power, why its water ballast design makes traditional sailors uncomfortable, and what the boat gets right that almost everyone overlooks. Is the MacGregor 26 a terrible sailboat? A brilliant compromise? Or a misunderstood boat that solved problems most sailors don’t want to admit they have? By the end of this video, you may find yourself rethinking everything you thought you knew about this boat — and why, for the right owner, it might actually make more sense than many “real” sailboats. If you’ve ever argued about the MacGregor 26, rolled your eyes at one in a marina, or secretly wondered why so many people bought them, this video is for you. MacGregor 26, MacGregor sailboat, MacGregor 26 review, trailerable sailboat, water ballast sailboat, hybrid sailboat powerboat, controversial sailboats, sailboat review, Practical Sailor, best trailerable sailboat, MacGregor 26 sailing, MacGregor 26 powerboat, weird sailboats, most hated sailboat Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/

Power Up: Installing Your Budget Lithium System—and Keeping It Safe: https://www.practical-sailor.com/systems-propulsion/electrical/power-up-installing-your-budget-lithium-system-and-keeping-it-safe STOP wasting money on faulty boat gear! In this exclusive deep-dive, Practical Sailor reveals the 4 worst products and maintenance mistakes that routinely fail in our long-term testing, costing sailors thousands in repairs and wasted time. You bought a sailboat to sail, not to fix broken gear. Based on decades of unbiased product testing, we expose the items and chemicals you need to avoid if you want to keep your boat safe, corrosion-free, and operational. Learn the truth about why "bargain" products become the most expensive mistake on the water. We cover everything from major fire hazards to the simple household cleaner that is actively destroying your sanitation system seals. In this video, we answer these critical questions: • Which gelcoat "gimmicks" look great for a month but require expensive removal later? • What are the major fire risks associated with non-marine electrical cords and poor wiring terminations? • Why do cheap, land-based 12V coolers and dehumidifiers always fail in the marine environment? (The corrosion trap). • What is the #1 product sailors use to clean their head that actually destroys joker valves and causes worse holding tank odor? Don't risk system failure or compromise your safety. Watch now to start buying smart! (Remember to subscribe to the @practical-sailor channel for more independent gear reviews and practical maintenance guides!) 🔗 Important Links from the Video READ THE FULL TEST RESULTS: 1. Gelcoat Coating Tests & Recommended Waxes: [Link 1: https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/wax-test-results 2. DIY Electrical Survey & ABYC Wiring Standards: [Link 2: https://www.practical-sailor.com/systems-propulsion/do-it-yourself-electrical-system-survey-and-inspection 3. Joker Valve Damage Test (The Chemical Culprit Revealed): [Link 3: https://www.practical-sailor.com/systems-propulsion/joker-valves-for-marine-heads SUBSCRIBE to Practical Sailor Magazine: https://www.practical-sailor.com/landing/subscribe-now/?t=topnav 🏷️ Keywords and Tags sailboat maintenance, marine products to avoid, practical sailor review, boat system failure, worst boat upgrades, boating safety, marine corrosion, boat electrical fire hazard, marine head maintenance, joker valve failure, gelcoat restoration tips, marine product test, sailor maintenance tips, boat cleaning mistakes, diy boat repair Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear. https://www.practical-sailor.com Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/