Seven Common Boat Problems You Can’t Ignore (and How to Fix Them) - https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/seven-common-boat-problems-you-cant-ignore/ What should you never bring on a sailboat? In this Practical Sailor top 10 countdown, we’re looking at the forbidden items that don’t belong aboard, from funny sailor superstitions like bananas on boats to very real safety problems like unfused battery wires, sketchy marine electrical work, wire nuts, household extension cords, automotive chargers, portable propane heaters, glassware, cardboard storage boxes, aerosol sunscreen, and dark-soled shoes. Some of these are annoying, some are messy, and some can genuinely create expensive or dangerous problems on a sailboat. Whether you’re buying your first sailboat, maintaining an old cruiser, upgrading your marine electrical system, or just trying to avoid dumb boat-owner mistakes, this video is a practical checklist of things to remove, replace, or rethink aboard your boat. We’ll cover why proper marine wiring matters, why tinned copper wire is worth the money, why battery wires need fuses, why household electrical gear doesn’t belong in damp marine spaces, and how small choices aboard can become big problems later. 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/

Found this free boat! It's a total mystery. Unsure of its year, make, or origin. Exposed glass, questionable wiring, and lots of sealant suggest past leaks and repairs. What is this thing? Let us know your thoughts! #BoatFind #MysteryBoat #DIYBoat #ProjectBoat #FreeFind

Mark offered a free 24-foot boat, Dagmar. We're checking it out to see if it's a hidden gem or a total disaster. First look reveals a sturdy trailer and a solid keel. Will we take it? #FreeBoat #BoatProject #Dagmar #MarineSalvage #DecisionTime

Is the Catalina 350 one of the best 35-foot cruising sailboats ever built? In this Practical Sailor boat tour, we take a close look at the Catalina 350, a beamy, comfortable, shoal-draft cruiser designed by Gerry Douglas for Catalina Yachts. With a nearly 13-foot beam, 4-foot-6-inch wing keel, masthead sloop rig, in-mast furling main, furling headsail, Universal M-35B diesel, large cockpit, walk-through transom, stern rail seats, proper galley, separate shower, and two-cabin layout, the Catalina 350 has become one of the most compelling used cruising sailboats in the 32-to-38-foot market. We’ll look at how the Catalina 350 sails, why the wing keel matters, what Bob Perry said about the design, how the cockpit and deck layout work for short-handed cruising, and why this boat feels much larger than 35 feet below. If you’re shopping for a used sailboat, coastal cruiser, liveaboard-capable sailboat, family cruiser, Great Lakes sailboat, Chesapeake Bay cruiser, Bahamas cruiser, or affordable cruising sailboat, the Catalina 350 deserves a serious look. Is it the fastest 35-footer? No. The toughest offshore cruiser? No. But for the way most sailors actually cruise, maintain, afford, and enjoy a boat, the Catalina 350 may be one of the smartest 35-foot sailboats ever made. 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/

Selling your sailboat this season? Before you list it on YachtWorld, Boat Trader, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or with a yacht broker, there are several things you should do first if you want your boat to sell faster and avoid losing thousands during survey and negotiation. In this Practical Sailor episode, we walk through a complete sailboat seller’s checklist, including how to price your used sailboat, whether to sell privately or use a broker, what paperwork and maintenance records to gather, what to clean, what to fix, how to prepare for survey and sea trial, and how to write a better boat-for-sale listing that builds buyer confidence. Whether you’re selling a Catalina, Hunter, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Island Packet, Tartan, C&C, Pearson, Sabre, or any other used cruising sailboat, this guide will help you prepare your boat before it goes on the market. We cover sailboat staging, decluttering, engine presentation, bilge cleaning, listing photos, disclosure, survey issues, price negotiation, included gear, and closing paperwork so buyers know exactly what they’re looking at. If you’re getting ready to sell a sailboat, list a used boat, work with a yacht broker, or prepare for a marine survey, this checklist will help you make the boat easier to trust, easier to inspect, and easier to 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/

Seven Common Boat Problems You Can’t Ignore (and How to Fix Them) - https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/seven-common-boat-problems-you-cant-ignore/ Can you really cross oceans or even live aboard a 24-foot sailboat? In this deep dive on the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, we break down one of the most capable small cruising sailboats ever built. With a full keel, cutter rig, heavy displacement, and a reputation for offshore passagemaking, the Dana 24 challenges everything people think they know about how big a boat needs to be. This particular Dana 24 for sale in La Paz, Mexico is fully outfitted for modern cruising, featuring solar power, updated electronics, and even Starlink. We cover real specs, performance, liveaboard practicality, and the honest pros and cons of cruising on a boat this small. If you’re thinking about sailing the world, downsizing, or living aboard a sailboat, this might completely change your perspective. 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/

Should We Rescue This Free Sailboat? A friend is giving away an old sailboat for free, and now we have to answer the dangerous question every sailor secretly loves: is this a cheap sailing adventure waiting to happen, or is a “free boat” just the most expensive kind of boat? In this Practical Sailor video, we take a first look at a free sailboat project and decide whether it is worth saving. We’ll tour the boat, look at the hull, trailer, rigging, deck, hardware, cabin, sails, outboard situation, keel, rudder, and all the little clues that tell you whether an old sailboat is a bargain, a rescue project, or a financial ambush wearing bottom paint. This could become a full sailboat restoration and refit series, where we bring home an old pocket cruiser, inspect everything, fix what needs fixing, install new sailing gear, upgrade hardware, and find out what it really takes to turn a free sailboat into a safe, usable, fun little cruising boat. If you’re into sailing, sailboat restoration, cheap sailboats, free boats, trailer sailers, old sailboats, DIY boat repair, sailboat refits, pocket cruisers, small cruising boats, boat projects, affordable sailing, or learning how to inspect a used sailboat before buying it, this is exactly the kind of adventure we’re getting into. So here’s the question: should we rescue this free sailboat, bring it home, and turn it into a Practical Sailor project boat? Or should we run away before the “free” boat starts sending invoices? Tell me what you see, what worries you, what you’d check first, and whether you think this old sailboat deserves a second life. #FreeSailboat #SailboatRestoration #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/

Overloading a boat drastically impacts performance. Check the waterline first! Older boats hide aging wiring and plumbing, and poorly done upgrades (like lithium conversions or solar) can be nightmares. Core integrity and hardware mounting points are crucial. #BoatBuying #SailingTips #YachtLife #Maintenance

Sailors are facing a silent rule: If your boat is too old, you might be denied a slip. No laws, just quiet rejections. Discover why marinas are turning away vessels over 25-30 years old. #Boating #MarinaLife #Yachting #BoatOwner

Hanse 430e Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/sailboats-over40ft/hanse-430e-boat-review/ Are you Catamaran Shopping? The Lagoon 380 is one of the best-selling cruising catamarans ever built, and for the first time, used models are dropping under $200,000. In this Practical Sailor deep dive, we break down everything you need to know before buying a Lagoon 380 catamaran, including specs, performance, owner vs 4-cabin layouts, real-world cruising capability, and common issues. If you’re searching for an affordable catamaran, liveaboard sailing cat, or entry-level multihull, this video covers the reality behind the hype. We analyze Lagoon 380 reviews, owner feedback, charter history, maintenance concerns, saildrives, build quality, and what to look for in a used catamaran. Whether you’re comparing catamaran vs monohull, researching cruising boats, or trying to find the best budget catamaran for sailing the Caribbean or coastal cruising, this guide will help you decide if the Lagoon 380 is the right boat for you. 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/

Bruce and Bob’s Pacific Loop: A Solo Sailor’s Search for Utopia: https://www.practical-sailor.com/voyaging/910506/ If you’re considering a C&C 110, C&C 115, or C&C 121, there’s one critical detail you need to understand before you buy: cored hull construction. In this Practical Sailor deep dive, we break down the design philosophy behind the modern C&C revival, including Tim Jackett’s role, and why these performance cruising sailboats are built with advanced composite materials like Core-Cell. We cover C&C 110 specs, C&C 115 review insights, C&C 121 performance, and what makes these boats fast, capable, and appealing for sailors looking for a blend of speed and comfort. But with that performance comes risk. We explain the real-world concerns around cored hull sailboats, including water intrusion, delamination, impact damage, and long-term maintenance. We also dive into sailboat survey tips, resale value considerations, and why some buyers avoid cored hull boats altogether. If you’re searching for used sailboats for sale, best performance cruising sailboats, or want to understand the pros and cons of cored vs solid fiberglass hulls, this video will help you make a smarter buying decision. 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 Roma 430 blurs the lines between racing and cruising, borrowing from offshore classes like the Class 40. It transforms passages into fun, making the ocean feel smaller for enthusiasts. #Roma430 #Sailing #PerformanceCruiser #Yachting

This 43-foot yacht redefines control in challenging conditions. With a deep keel, attached rudder, and canoe stern, it tracks steadily, behaving predictably offshore. It's designed not to surf, but to arrive safely. #Yachting #OffshoreSailing #Sailboat #OceanLife

Jeanneau 55 Boat Review: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/sailboats-over40ft/jeanneau-55-boat-review/ If you’re searching for luxury sailboats you can live on that don’t sacrifice sailing performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 461 is one of the most compelling options on the used market. In this Practical Sailor review, we take a deep dive into the Bruce Farr–designed Beneteau Oceanis 461, a proven liveaboard sailboat that blends comfort, space, and real-world sailing ability. We cover key specs, layout options, performance under sail, and what makes this one of the best comfortable cruising sailboats for couples and families. If you’re looking for a sailboat you can live on full time, a luxury cruising sailboat, or a comfortable bluewater cruiser alternative, this is a must-watch. We also explore how the Oceanis 461 compares to other larger Farr-designed Beneteaus, including the Beneteau 50, Beneteau 57, Beneteau 44CC, and Beneteau 62. These boats represent the next step up from performance cruisers into true liveaboard cruising yachts, offering more space, better accommodations, and layouts designed for long-term comfort. Whether you’re researching best liveaboard sailboats, affordable luxury sailboats, or trying to find the perfect balance between sailing performance and onboard comfort, this video breaks down everything you need to know before buying a large cruising 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/

Tartan 30: An Affordable Classic: https://www.practical-sailor.com/sailboat-reviews/tartan-30/ If you’re searching for fast cruising sailboats that don’t sacrifice comfort, the Beneteau First 40.7 might be one of the best answers ever built. In this Practical Sailor review, we take a deep dive into the Bruce Farr–designed Beneteau First series, including the First 40.7, First 36.7, and First 34.7. These performance cruisers blend race-winning hull design with practical interiors, making them some of the most well-rounded sailboats on the used market today. If you’ve been looking for a sailboat that’s actually fun to sail but still comfortable enough for family cruising, this is a must-watch. We cover the history of the Beneteau and Bruce Farr partnership, what makes these boats sail so well, real-world performance, ownership considerations, and whether these are truly “the fast sailboats your wife will love.” Whether you’re researching the best performance cruising sailboats, affordable used sailboats, or trying to find the perfect balance between speed and comfort, this video breaks it all down in a clear, practical way to help you decide if the First 40.7 or its smaller siblings are right for you. 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/

Diesel Repower From Scratch: Part 1: https://www.practical-sailor.com/systems-propulsion/diesel-repower-from-scratch-pt-1/ Can a 1997 sailboat really be worth $350,000? In this video, we take a deep dive into the Hampton 43 pilothouse cutter, a heavy-displacement offshore cruising sailboat built for serious passagemaking. We break down the specs, design philosophy, and real-world capability of this bluewater cruiser, including its cutter rig, canoe stern, interior helm station, and full refit with modern systems like lithium batteries, new engine, new rigging, and updated electronics. If you're searching for offshore sailboats, bluewater cruisers, pilothouse sailboats, or long-range cruising boats, this is one you need to see. We also take an honest look at the downsides. At this price point, is the Hampton 43 overpriced, or does the level of refit and offshore capability justify the cost? This is not a typical liveaboard or entertaining boat—it’s built for ocean crossings, not dockside comfort. If you’re considering a serious world cruising sailboat, or comparing older bluewater boats vs modern production cruisers, this video will give you the insight you need 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/

Giving Old Winches New Grip: https://www.practical-sailor.com/subscriber-only/giving-old-winches-new-grip/ Are marinas starting to quietly ban older boats? Across California and other high-demand coastal areas, boat owners are reporting increasing difficulty getting slips for vessels over 20–30 years old. While there’s no official law restricting boat age, many marinas are enforcing stricter requirements like mandatory insurance, marine surveys, and condition standards that disproportionately impact older sailboats and powerboats. In this video, we break down what’s really happening in the marina industry, why older boats are being rejected, and how rising costs, liability concerns, and changing marina business models are reshaping boating as we know it. We also explore a practical workaround for boat owners who don’t want to play the “new boat” game, including how to find affordable marinas, what types of harbors still welcome older boats, and why smaller coastal towns may be the key to staying on the water long-term. Whether you live aboard, cruise full-time, or are considering buying an older sailboat, this video will help you understand marina rules, boat age restrictions, and how to navigate the changing landscape of boating without breaking the bank. 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/

Discover the trade-offs of the MS 300 sailboat. Sacrificing pure sailing performance for enhanced comfort, protection, and flexibility. Is this the right choice for you? #Sailboat #Yachting #BoatReview #SailingLife

Boats aren't static homes; they're constantly moving, flexing, and aging. From bottom paint to through-hulls, every system needs maintenance. Expect 10% of value yearly, adding $200-$800 monthly. #BoatMaintenance #SailingLife #YachtLife #Maritimelaw

Do Hybrid Propulsion Systems Make Sense on Small Boats? https://www.practical-sailor.com/systems-propulsion/electrical/do-hybrid-propulsion-systems-make-sense-on-small-boats/ What is the fastest cruising sailboat in the world—and can a monohull really compete with catamarans for speed while still being livable? In this video, we take a deep dive into the Roma 430, a high-performance cruising sailboat that’s redefining what’s possible for sailors who live aboard and travel long distances. If you’ve ever wondered how fast a cruising sailboat can go, what life is like on a performance monohull, or whether you can realistically cruise at 15–25 knots, this is the boat you need to see. We break down real-world sailing speeds, offshore performance, sail handling, and what it actually takes to push a cruising sailboat to near 30 knots. If you’re living on a sailboat, planning to sail around the world, or comparing monohull vs catamaran for long-distance cruising, this video will give you a clear, no-nonsense look at the trade-offs between speed and comfort. We cover cruising sailboat design, liveaboard layouts, sailboat performance upgrades, and the realities of owning a fast offshore cruiser. Whether you're searching for the best cruising sailboat, fastest bluewater sailboat, or just dreaming about sailing faster passages and covering more miles per day, this breakdown of the Roma 430 will change how you think about cruising forever. 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/