- Additives
- Diesel 2015 November
and 2013 August
- Best Choice: Hammonds Biobor JF Diesel
+ Star Tron SEF Diesel
- Recommended: Valvtech Bioguard Plus 6
- Budget Buy: Star Tron Diesel
- Others: Raycor Biocide, Valvtech Bioguard, Standyne Performance, Star Brite Biodiesel, Gold Eagle, Fuel Right, Sea Foam
- Gasoline 2015 November
and 2012 August
- Best Choice: Hammonds Biobor Ethanol Buster
- Recommended: Mercury Marine Quikstor, Star Brite Star Tron Ethanol
- Budget Buy: Sea Foam Engine Treatment
- Others: Power Research Pri-G, Sta-bil Ethanol, Valvtech Ethanol Gas
- Avoid: CRC Phase Guard 4, Penzoil 2-Stroke Oil
- Adhesives (above water): 2016 December
and 2010 August
Silicone can be considered for glazing of portlights and hatches that do not need to be finished. See "Adhesive Removers" below
- Best Choice: Loctite Marine, Sika 291
- Recommended: 3M 4200 UV, 3M 5200, Sika 295
- Budget Buy: Loctite PL S40
- Others: 3M 4200 Fast Cure, Sudbury Elastomeric Sealant, Boatlife Boat Seal, Boatlife Boat Caulk
- Adhesives (underwater): 2016 April
- Loctite 242 for adhesion and removal for regular servicing
- Loctite 609 rapid curing, allows removal
- Loctite 263 requires heating with torch for removal
- 3M5200 Adhesive Removers: 2017 October
- Best Choice: Debond Marine Formula, Re-Mov DSR-5
- Recommended: Boatlife Release, North Star Un-Hesive,
- Budget Buy: Re-Mov DSR-5
- Others: Mostenbocker Lift Off, Kleen Strip Xylene, Kleen Strip Acetone
- Adhesive Removers: 2017 January
- Best Choice: Re-Mov DSR-5
- Recommended: Boatlife Release
- Budget Buy: Re-Mov DSR-5
- Others: Mostenbocker Lift Off, North Star Un-Hesive, Debond Marine Formula, Kleen Strip Xylene, Kleen Strip Acetone
- Air Conditioners: 2018 June
- Best Choice: Dometic Turbo 10 (permament installation)
- Recommended: Avallon APAC120S (portable on casters)
- Budget Buy: Kenmore 77060 (window unit)
- Others: Dometic Cruiseair Co 7000, Pompanette
- Air Conditioning While at Anchor: 2019 June
- AIS:
- Anchoring:
- Anchor Testing and Rode Loads 2012 May
-
- Dinghy Anchors 2015 December
- Full-size Tandem Anchoring 2016 September
, 2016 August
- Manson Ray, Manson Supreme, and Rocna 2008 December
and 2008 November
XXX
- Manson Supreme vs CQR 2015 April
and 2014 March
- Soft Mud Bottoms 2015 February
- Best of the Bunch: Fortress @ 45*
- Marginal in Soft Mud: Manson Boss, Mantus, Manson Supreme
- Unreliable in Soft Mud: Lewmar Claw, Lewmar CQR, Lewmar Delta, Rocna, Spade
- Any Wind Forecast, See Shelter: Danforth HT, Ultra
- Soft Mud Bottoms 2006 October
Fortress FX-11, Fortress FX-23, Spade Sword, Super Max XXX
- 2014 September
- Hitches to Grip Anchor Chain 2016 May
- Best Choice: Camel Hitch
- Recommended: Rolling Hitch + Rolling Hitch, Icicle Hitch, Prusik Knot, Soft Shackle
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Rolling Hitch, Rolling Hitch + Half Hitch, Rolling Hitch + Clove Hitch, Cow Hitch
- Chain, Galvanized 2014 June
, 2012 October
, 2008 July
, 2007 July
, 2006 September
insist on Proof-Tested and repeat tests personally
- Best Choice: Peerless G30
- Recommended:
- Budget Buy:
- Others: Peerless G70, Campbell G70, Maggi G70, Campbell G30, CMP G30
- Chain, Galvanized Coatings Test 2015 January
- Best Choice: Peerless 5/16" G30
- Recommended: Campbell 5/16" G43, Peerless 5/16" G70, CMP 8mm Grade L/G30
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Campbell 5/16" G70, Maggin 8mm G70, Peerless 5/16" G43, Maggi 8mm G40, Serafini 8mm P/G40, Campbell 5/16" G30, PWB Grade L/G30, Serafini 8mm Grade L/G30
- Chain Quality 2008 December
, 2008 November
, 2008 January
, 2007 January
, 2006 October
, 2006 April
, Need entry for
- Chain, Reduced Size Rodes 2014 February
- Chain Hooks 2017 February
, 2016 September
, 2016 March
- Kellets 2019 May
- Lockers 2011 June
, 2011 April
, 2011 March
- Pencil-thin Anchor Rode (G80 chain) 2016 June
- Resetting 2013 February
- Rodes for Smaller Sailboats (30' and below) 2019 September
- Best Choice: New England Ropes Mega Braid II 1/2"
- Recommended: Samson Pro-Set 1/2"
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Samson Extra Strong, Yale Brait, Mamut Gravity Classic, Samson Nystron, Knot and Rope Bull Rope, Sterling Atlas Rigging Rope
- Rope to Chain Splices 2017 March
-- Use a BBB (G30) or G43 chain with a long chain splice as detailed in The Rigger's Apprentice
- Shackles 2017 January
, 2016 October
and 2015 August
Match 3/8" shackles with 5/16" chain
- Best Choice: None
- Recommended: Campbell G419A Orange Pin 3/8"
- Budget Buy: Crosby G209A Platinum Pin 3/8"
- Others: CMP Titan Yellow Pin 3/8", CMP Titan Black Pin 3/8", Peerless Peer Life Blue Pin 3/8", West Marine
- Others (2016 October): Van Beest Excel Omega G80 1/4" and 3/8"
- Shackle Orientation 2016 December
- Shank Strength 2013 April
and 2013 May
- Sizing 2019 May
- Snubbers 2013 November
- Snubber Sizing 2016 March
- Swivels 2015 September
- Swivels, Mantus 2016 March
- Anodes: 2017 January
and 2016 February
Zinc for steel and bronze. Aluminum for aluminum in salt water
- Best Choice: CMP Martyr Aluminum, CMP Martyr Zinc
- Recommended: Seashield Streamlined Aluminum, Seashield Streamlined Zinc
- Budget Buy:
- Others: Camp X-2
- Antennas:
- Antifreeze (fresh water): 2014 November
, and 2014 September
- Best Choice: Star Brite Antifreeze Antigel-50, Star Brite Antifreeze Antigel-100
- Recommended: West Marine Pure Oceans 50-Marine, Sudbury Winter Gard-50, Southwin RV Antifreeze 50 with Dowfrost, West Marine Pure Oceans-100 Marine
- Budget Buy: Star Brite Antifreeze Antigel-100, Camco Freeze Ban-50
- Others: Camco Artic Ban-50, Sudbury Winter Stor-50, Vodka
- Autopilots
- Backing Plates: 2016 August
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: 1/8" thick 8-18 stainless steel fender washer 1-1/4" diameter, 1/8" thick stainless steel plate 1-14" wide, 1/8" thick aluminum plate 1-14" wide, 1/4" thick structural fiberglass 1-1/4" wide, 1/4" thick hand laminated fiberglass 1-1/4" wide
- Budget Buy: 1/2" plywood 1-1/4" wide
- Others: Starboard
- Backstay Adjusters (Manual): Practical Sailor review: 15 August 1999
- Best Choice: Harken
- Recommended: Wichard, Dermac, Hasselfors
- Budget Buy: Johnson 46-501 ~$500
- Others: Sparcraft, SpinlocK
- Discontinued: Barton, Ronstan
- Battery Charging:
- Battery Monitor: 2017 October
, 2016 October
, Compass Marine article on the Balmar SmartGauge and an article on the Balmar SG200
- Best Choice: Victron BMV 700/5, Victron BMV 702, Xantrex Link Pro
- Recommended: Balmar SmartGauge
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Blue Seas Systems M2, CruzPro VAH 60, CruzPro VAH 56, CruzPro VAH 110, SCAD LVA
- Bedding Compound: 2016 December
- Best Choice: Dow 795
- Recommended: Lifesafe Butyl Tape, Sika 295, Sudbury Elastomeric Sealant, Boatlife Boat Seal
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: 3M Marine Silicone, Boatlife Rubber Silicone
- Binoculars: 2015 December
- Best Choice: Steiner 7x50 Marine (575), Steiner Commander V 7x50 (2305), Fujinon FMTRC-SX 7x50, Nikon Ocean Pro 7x50
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: none
- See also: image-stabilized 2007 November
, luxury 2009 December
, 7x50 > $300 2006 November
, 7x50 < 300 2006 August
- Blocks 40mm: 2011 June
- Best Choice: Selden 404-101-01R and 404-101-16R, Harken 40 Carbo 2650 and 2636
- Recommended: Garhauer 25-13 UAB, Schaefer 300-02 and 300-05
- Budget Buy: Harken 40 Carbo 2650 and 2636
- Others: Barton size 3, Garhauer 20-13, Karver KBO 10, Holt Organic 40, Ronstan Orbit BB RF45110 and Orbit BB RF45111
- Blocks, Ratchet: 2009 May
XXX
- Blocks, Snatch: 2008 August
and 2007 August
XXX
- Boarding Steps:
- Best Choice: Sailstep
- Recommended: Edson Marine One-Step
- Budget Buy: Doyle Marine Quickstep 1
- Others: none
- Boat Design:
- Boat Hooks: 2016 November
- Best Choice: Davis 4152
- Recommended: Davis 4372, Sea-Dog 491013-1, West Marine 6867840, West Marine 8243123
- Budget Buy: Seachoice 71050
- Others: Garelick 55170/02, Sea-Dog 491036, West Marine 7784267
- Boat Reviews:
- Boat Soaps: 2013 January
- Best Choice: Star Brite Biodegradable Citrus
- Recommended: Mother's Marine, Star Brite Seasafe, Woody Wax Ultra Pine
- Budget Buy: Ecover Ecological, Eagle One Nano
- Others: K2R Ship Shine, Mary Kate Heavy Duty Roll Away, Interlux All-Purpose, Nautical Ease, 3M Marine Boat Soap, Sudbury Boat Soap, K2R Super Spray
- Cam Cleats: 2010 May
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: Harken 365 Carbo-Cam, Selden 433-301-01, Spinlock PXR0810/T
- Budget Buy: Garhauer
- Other: Ronstan RF5010, Harken 150 Carbo-Cam, Selden 433-201-01, Schaefer 70-27
- Cell Phone Booster:
- Chafe Gear for Docklines: 2019 September
, 2012 October
, 2011 July
- Best Choice 2019: Goyer Marine Firehose XT Custom Guard
- Second Best 2019: Climbing webbing
-
- Best Choice: Fjord Chafe-Pro 08-HB-02
- Recommended: Fjord Wooly CPW-18PB, Leather
- Budget Buy: Fjord 05-98Y-14, Davis Secure (No. 395), Double Jacket Fire Hose
- Other: Fabric Combo Double Layered, Fiorentino LineRap LRP-SM, Fjord 08-NH-02, Robship 708-89240, Taylor Made Chafe Guard RCG1.14, Taylor Made Chafe Guard 96013, Hydrant Hose, Single Jacket Fire Hose
- Chain Hooks:
- Charts:
- Clothing:
- Compasses -- Handheld: 2008 February
- Best Choice: KVH Datascope ($321)
- Recommended: Vion Mini-Morin 2000 ($115), Weems & Plath hockey puck ($145), Plastimo Iris 100 ($115)
- Budget Buy: Plastimo Iris 50 ($80)
- Others: Ritchie Sportabout, Vion Axium 2, Brunton Nexus Universal, Davis
- Corrosion Inhibitors: 2007 September
and 2007 April
- Best Choice: thru-hull fitting
(cleanest, thin oil)
- Recommended: Boeshield T-9 (messy, thin wax), LearChem Corrosion Block (clean, thin film), West Marine CorrosionPro Lube (messy, heavy wax), Corrosion X (clean, thin oil), CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor (messy, heavy wax)
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: none
- Cruising Guides: 2016 November
- Best Choice: 2016 Yachtman's Guide to the Bahamas, A Crusing Guide to: The Northern Bahamas (Rev. Ed. Vol 1), The Island Hopping Digital Guide to: The Northern Bahamas Part 1
- Recommended: 2016 ICW Crusing Guide by Bob432
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: none
- Decking:
- Dehumidifiers: 2016 October
and 2013 June
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: Perfect Home EWDH4, Eva-Dry EDV-2200
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: none
- Deicers: 2016 November
- Best Choice: Kasco Marine Deicer
- Recommended: Taylor Made Oil Free Deicer
- Budget Buy: Kasco Marine Deicer
- Others: Power House Ice Eater, Kasco Robust-Air-RA-1, Kasco Robust-Air-RA-2
- Descaling Solutions for Boats: 2017 August
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: Trac Ecological Barnacle Buster (safe with steel), Trac Ecological Sew Clean (best for steel, best for sanitary systems), Jelman CLR (best for aluminum), Eco Lab Lime-A-Way (safe for aluminum), Rydlyme Marine Rydlyme (safe for steel)
- Budget Buy: Muriatic Acid 30% solution (NOT for Aluminum)
- Others: White Vinegar (very slow), Oxalic Acid (do NOT use)
- Diesel Fuel Tank Vent Filters: 2014 January
H2Out AVD2
- Ditch Kit
- Drogues: 2016 September
- Best Choice: Galerider 36 and 42
- Recommended: Fiorentino Shark (small), Burke Marine Seabrake GP24L, Paratech Delta Drogue 96, Ace Sailmakers Series Drogue (90 cones)
- Budget Buy: Paratech Delta Drogue 72
- Others: Jimmy Green Yacht Drogue 25, Ocean Safety Para Drogue
- Dust Masks and Respirators 2017 September
Compare against the materials Safety Data Sheet section 8
- Half Face
- Best Choice: 3M 6000
- Recommended: Scott Xcel #7421, MSA/Safety Works Advantage 200 Series
- Budget Buy: North 7700
- Others: none
- Full Face
- Best Choice: Scott AV-3000
- Recommended: North 76008A
- Budget Buy: 3M FX FF-400
- Others: 3M 6900
- Electrical Wiring:
- Engines:
- Coolant 2014 December
, 2014 October
and 2014 September
- Coolant 2014 October
- Best Choice: Detroit Diesel Power Cool Plus, or Fleetgard Cummins ES Complete EG OAT which is about 25% more expensive
- Recommended: Star Brite Star Cool Synthetic, Peak Final Charge NOAT, Zerex G05, Fleetgard Cummins ES Complete EG OAT, Fleetgard Cummins ES Complete PG OAT
- Budget Buy: Detroit Diesel Power Cool Plus
- Others: Star Brite Extended-Life Engine Coolant, West Marine Pure Oceans Engine Coolant, Southwin RV Antifreeze, Star Brite -50 Marine and RV Antifreeze, West Marine Pure Oceans -50 Antifreeze
- Determining a Fuel-Efficient RPM 2016 September
- Oil Changer, West Marine 2016 January
- DIY Fairing Compounds: 2016 August
- Best Choice: West Sytem w/407 or 410
- Recommended: Interlux Epiglass HT 9000 w/YXA-450, MAS Flag Resin w/Phenolic Microballons, Cold Cure w/Glass microballons, Silver Tip w/Glass microballons
- Budget Buy: West System w/407 or 410
- Others:
- Epoxy Fairing Compounds: 2016 July
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: Interlux Watertite YAV135, Interlux Interfill 830 (fast) YAA867, Interlux Interfill 833 YAA813, MAS Fairing Compound (per text, not chart)
- Budget Buy: System Three QuikFair
- Others: Jamestown Total Fair
- Fasteners, Glue On: 2017 July
- Fiberglass Mold Release Agents: 2016 September
- Best Choice: Meguiar's Mirror Glaze 8 Maximum Mold Release
- Recommended: Evercoat PVA Mold Release,
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Aquanet Ultra Hold Hairspray
- Finishes:
- Hanging Hooks: 2019 June
- Best Choice: Schaefer Handi-Hanger
- Recommended: Ronstan Utility Hook, Schaefer Handy-Hook, SeaDog Hammock Hook
- Budget Buy: DIY Aluminum 1/8" x 3/4"
- Others: Ronstan Deck Fair Lead, Ronstan Jiffy Reef Hook, Davis Quick Fist 540, Davis Super Quick Fist 544
- Headsails 2015 October
and 2015 November
- Hose Clamps: 2014 August
and 2013 February
- Best Choice: ABA, AWAB
- Recommended: None
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Murray, Breeze, American Valve, Ideal/Tridon, Koehler, Norton, All Stainless, Shields, Trident
- Instruments:
- Insurance:
- Kayaks: 2017 October
- Best Choice: Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 (sit-in), Ocean Kayak Frenzy (sit-on), Walker Bay Airis Sport (sit-on)
- Recommended: Hobie Lanai DLX (sit-in), Hobie Sport (sit-on)
- Budget Buy: Advanced Elements Sport Kayak (sit-in), Ocean Kayak Frenzy (sit-on)
- Others: Perception Impulse, Walker Bay Airis Play, Stearns Sea Eagle, Hobie Outback, Perception Pescador Pilot
- Lashings for Standing Rigging 2019 June
- Lines:
- Low Friction Rings: 2018 April
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: Antal Low Friction Ring, Harken Lead Ring, Nautos Low Friction Ring, Ronstan Ropeglide
- Budget Buy: Omega Pacific Rappel Ring
- Others: Mad Rock Ultralight Bent Carabiner, Harken Single Block
- Mainsail Halyard Shackles: 2014 September
- Best Choice: Schaefer 93-75, Tylaska H8
- Recommended: Schaefer 93-45, Schaefer 93-42, Tylaska H5
- Budget Buy: Ronstan RF1034
- Others: Ronstan RF1033, Equiplite EQ105NS, Equiplite EQ10NSM, Equiplite EQ105SSL, Colligo CSS102
- Mainsail Track Hardware: 2015 January
and Need entry for
- Mainsheet Tackle: 2013 June
20' to 30' boats 4:1 purchase
- Best Choice: None
- Recommended: Antal OPF 70, Harken Carbo 75 Ratchet
- Budget Buy: Garhauer 30US or 30UAG/UAB
- Others: Nautos Ratchet, Ronstan Series 60, Schaefer Series 5, Selden PBB 60
- Man Overboard Recovery 2019 September
and 2010 January
- Marine Stoves: 2014 March
and 2007 July
- Mast Climbing: 2014 October
. See also L-36 Final Update on mast climbing. See Mast Climbing
- Mechanical Terminals (Standing Rigging): 2016 April
and 2015 June
- Best Choice: Hayn/Petersen Hi-Mod
- Recommended: Sta-Lok, Norseman (2015 June only)
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Norseman, Poured Sockets
- Mildew Preventatives: 2013 November
- Best Choice: Goldshield GS5
- Recommended: Siamons Concrobium, 3M Mildew Block, DIY Formula A (1 qt hot water, 1 tbl baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), 2 tbls washing soda (sodium carbonate), and 2 tbls trisodium phosphate (TSP))
- Budget Buy: DIY Formula B (1 qt hot water, 2 tbls baking soda, 2 tbls Borax, and 1 tbl TSP)
- Others: White Vinegar, Forespar Tea Tree Spray, Chorox Bleach, Renuzit, Forspar Tea Tree Gel, Damp Rid Odor Genie, NIS Pur-A-Fy Air, StarBrite Nosguard SG
- Mooring:
- Navigation Applications: 2012 February
- Best Choice: iNavX
- Recommended: Navionics Marine & Lakes
- Budget Buy: Navimatics Charts & Tides
- Others:
- Paints:
- Bottom Paints:
- In general, the order of failure is, first to last: freshwater, eco-friendly, low-copper single-season, water-based paints, dual-resin paints, high-copper multi-season ablative, and high-copper multi-season hard.
- Choosing a Bottom Paint for Dummies 31 August 2011
- 8 month saltwater immersion test 2016 March
ablative and hard 8 months
- 12 month immersion test 2014 October
: ablative and hard 12 months
- 20 month immersion test 2020 April
and 2017 April
: ablative and hard 20 months in Florida, copper-free 5 months in Michigan
- XXX 2014 March
- XXX 2012 March
ablative and hard 14 months
- XXX 2006 October
- Propeller Paints: Updated 2020-03-20, 2017 March
, 2014 October
, 2014 February
, 2011 October
, 2010 July
- 2019 January
Mailport mentions Rust-Oleum Cold Galvaning Compound Spray suggest two or three coats on a clean prop.
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: Prop One, Prop Speed, Velox, Pettit Alumacoat SR, E Paint EP-ZO
- Budget Buy: Trilux Prop & Drive, Pettit Barnacle Barrier
- Others: Interlux Trilux 33, Flexdel Aquagard II Spray, E Paint EP-SN-1, Mussel Buster
- Topside Paints: 2012 December
- Preventers: 2017 July
- Best Choice: 8mm Climbing Rope
- Recommended: Captain Don's Boom Brake, Dutchman Boom Brake
- Budget Buy: Kong Figure-8
- Others: 10mm Climbing Rope, Gybe Tamer, Walder Boom Brake
- Roller Sails: 2019 August
- Best Choice: Fin Delta Riding Sail
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: Delta Riding Sail, SailRite Riding Sail Kit (not to be used in a storm)
- Others: none
- Roller Furlers: 2019 October
and 2009 August
XXX
- Best Choice: Selden Furlex 304
- Recommended: Harken Mk IV
- Budget Buy: Profurl C 320
- Others: Harken ESP, Schaefer 2100-55, Facnor LS-LX-RS
- Roller Furler Fairleads 2015 October
- Lead/End Blocks
- Best Choice: Garhauer SB-25; Harken 57C 7402
- Recommended: None
- Budget Buy: Nautos 92088
- Others: Harken 40C 7401; Harken 7405; Schaefer 300-35
- Articulating Blocks
- Best Choice: Nautos HT-450A
- Recommended: None
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Nautos 92388; Selden 538-972; Spinlock SPWL2
- Limited Articulation Blocks
- Best Choice: Schaefer 300-34
- Recommended: None
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Garhauer SB-20-13; Garhauer D; Harken 168NP
- Dead Eye Leads
- Best Choice: Spinlock SPWL1
- Recommended: Selden 480-501-01R
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Nautos HT-445
- Outside Stanchion Blocks
- Best Choice: Harken 7403
- Recommended: None
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Garhauer SB-3; Schaefer 506-44
- Rope Clutches: 2014 November
, 2009 June
, and 2009 March
- Best Choice: Spinlock XTR 0812/B
- Recommended: Antal V-cam 814, Karver KJ 15, Lewmar D1, Spinlock XAS/1
- Budget Buy: Garhauer #14 11S
- Others: Ronstan Constrictor CT312P001
- Rust Stain Removers: 2006 May
- Best Choice: Star Brite Rust Stain Remover
- Recommended: FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover
- Budget Buy: Power One Ship N Shore
- Others: Aurora Boat Scrub, Fiberglass Kreme Cleaner, Instant Rust Out, Marykate Rust Stain Remover, Muriatic Acid, Rust Free
- Safety:
- Boat Brake and MOB Self Recovery 2019 January
(Same as "Last Chance Line" below)
- Jacklines, Chest High: 2018 July
- Jacklines, On Deck: 2015 November
- Best Choice: APS custom jacklines
- Recommended: West Marine webbing, Wichard Lyf'safe jacklines
- Budget Buy: Dyneema 12-strand single braid 5/16" line, Mantra Mark IV webbing
- Others: Polyester or Nylon rope, 1/4" stainless steel
- Last Chance Line and MOB Self Recovery 2019 January
(Same as "Boat Brake" above)
- Lifelines 2016 July
- Liferaft Maintenance Schedules
- Lume-On to light up life jacket bladders 2016 May
- Man Overboard Lights: 2016 February
2017 April
- Best Choice: ACR Firefly Pro Waterbug
- Recommended: North American Survival Systems EF-20A-1 Lightning
- Budget Buy: West Marine See-Me
- Others: ACR Firefly3 Waterbug, ACR Rapidfire, Electric Fuel CFX-1
- Nonskid Deck Coatings blog entry, 2017 January
, 2013 November
, 2012 January
- Best Choice: Tiflex Treadmaster, Durabak (Durabak REVOKED)
- Recommended: KiwiGrip, AwlGrip Griptex 73012 + Interlux Perfection LPU, Seadek
- Budget Buy: Interlux Interdeck, Epiphanes Polypropylene Beads + Interlux Perfection LPU
- Other: Epiphanes Nonskid Deckcoating, Pettit EZ-Decks, West Marine Seagloss Pro, Interlux Intergrip + Interlux Perfection LPU, Softdeck
- Snap Hooks: 2018 March
See also "Tethers"
- Best Choice: Wichard Proline Snap Hook
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: Kong Tango
- Others: Black Diamond RockLock Twist Lock, Plastimo Safety Tether, Wichard Safety Hook, ISC SH903, Spinlock Race Safety Hook
- Tethers: 2018 April
See also "Snap Hooks"
- Best Choice: Wichard Proline, West Marine Double Safety Tether
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: Kong Dual Safety Tether
- Others: Plastimo Double Tether, Wichard Dual Safety Tether, Glow Fast Dual Hook Tether, Spinlock Safety Deckware Series
- Sail Repair 2018 July
- Polyester Sails (Stitch-free) 2017 November
- Use Tape or Epoxy on sail, nylon tape on spinnakers, polyurethanes or Dr Sails on Sunbrella
- Best Choice: Dr. Sails
- Recommended: Sail Rite/Bainbridge Polyester Repair Tape, West Systems G-Flex, 3M 5200, Loctite Marine Sealant, Sikaflex 291
- Budget Buy: Sail Rite/Bainbridge Nylon Repair Tape, Loctite PLS40
- Others: Tear Aid Type B, Weldwood Contact Cement, Ailene's Multi-surface Adhesive, West Ssytems G5 Epoxy
- Laminate Sails 2019 May
, 2018 November
- Best Choice: Sail Rite #2353 Dacron Repair Tape, Sail Rite #721 Insignia Cloth
- Recommended: Sail Rite #721 Insignia Cloth, Sail Rite #104990 Laminate Repair Tape, Lifesafe Sail Bandage
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Sikaflex 291, West Systems G-Flex, Sailing Technologies Dr Sails
- Sanding:
- Screw Hole Repair 2018 May
- Best Choice: Epoxy and 6oz fiberglass cloth
- Recommended: Epoxy only
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Epoxy and sawdust, Epoxy and microballons, Epoxy and silica
- Seating 2013 February
- Best Choice: ComfortSeat, Sport-A-Seat
- Recommended: WestMarine High-Back Go Anywhere
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Picnic Time Oniva, PicnicTime Ventura, WestMarine Go Anywhere 2
- Single Sideband Radio (SSB) 2014 November
- Best Choice: ICOM M802
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Furuno FS1575, Sea Marine 245
-
- 2014 December
ICOM M802, ICOM AT-140 HF, KISS Ground, GAM Split Lead Antenna, Farallon PACTOR-4
- Shoes: 2014 August
- Best Choice: None
- Recommended: Sperry Shocklight 2, Columbia Powervent, Keen Venice H2 Sandals
- Budget Buy: Columbia Powerdrain Cool PFG
- Others: Swims Luca Sneaker, Adidas Boat CC Laces
- Snap Shackles: 2014 July
- Best Choice: Tylaska T12
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: Ronstan RF6210
- Others: Ronstan RF6310, Schaefer 45-05
- Missing: Winchard
- Slow Cookers: 2016 May
- Best Choice: Tiger Thermal Magic NFI-A600
- Recommended: Wonderbag, Heylo Bag, Thermos Shuttle Chef
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: none
- Solar Panels: 2018 March
- Rigid Solar Panels
- Best Choice: Kyocera 140W 50"x26"x1.8" $300
- Recommended: Nature Power R 90W $300, Solar Land 100W $220, Grape Solar 100W $145
- Budget Buy: Renogy 100W 47"x21"x1.4" $140
- Others: none
- Semi-Rigid Solar Panels
- Best Choice: Solbian 50W $500
- Recommended: Ganz Eco-Energy 55W $655, Giocu 115W $675, Nature Power 50W $500, Eco-Worthy 50W $100
- Budget Buy: Go Power 50W
- Others: Suaoki R 50W
- Roll-up Solar Panels
- Best Choice: none
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Power Film 28W $425, Power Film 42W $530
- Spray Waxes: 2014 December
- Best Choice: Turtle Wax Ice Premium Care
- Recommended: Sudbury Miracle Coat
- Budget Buy: Mothers California Gold Spray Wax
- Others: many others listed. XXX
- Stainless Steel
- Advantages and Ailments: 2014 July
- Simple Tips for Stainless Steel Maintenance: 2014 May
- Passivating Stainless Steel: 2020 July
- Best Choice: Spotless Stainless, Stellar Solutions Citrisurf 2310
- Recommended: Stellar Solutions Citrisurf 77+, Stellar Solutions Citrisurf 2250
- Budget Buy: Millard Dry Crystals
- Other: Stellar Solutions Rust Rescue 200, Flitz Premium Polish
- Stuffing Box
- Sunbrella Repair 2017 September
Compare against the materials Safety Data Sheet section 8
- Best Choice: 3M 5200
- Recommended: Loctite Marine Sealant, Sika Sikaflex 291, Sailing Tech Dr. Sails Epoxy
- Budget Buy: Loctite PL S40
- Others: Sail Rite Polyester Repair Tape, Sail Rite Nylon Repair Tape, Tear Aid Type B, Weldwood Contact Cement, Aleene's Multi-Surface Adhesive, West Systems G 5 Epoxy, West Systems G-Flex
- Tether Snap Hooks: 2018 March
- Best Choice: Wichard Proline
- Recommended: Kong
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Spinlock Race Safety hook, Plastimo Safety tether, Wichard Safety hook, ISC SH903, Black Diamond RockLock twist lock
- Teak Caulks: 2008 October
- Best Choice: Teak Decking Systems
- Recommended: Bostik/Simson, Maritime TDC
- Budget Buy: None
- Others: Boatlife Life Caulk, Boatlife Teak Deck Sealant, Boatlife Type P, West Marine Multi-Caulk
- Teak Cleaners: 2016 March
- Best Choice: Oxalic Acid + Borax
- Recommended: Star Brite Sea Safe, Star Brite Sea Safe + Borax, Oxalic Acid, U.S. Borax Powder, Up-and-Up Ammonia
- Budget Buy: Oxalic Acid + Borax
- Others: Clorox Bleach, L.A. Totally Awesome Cleaner, Jelmar CLR
- Toilet Paper: 2016 October
- Best Choice: Scott Rapid Dissolve
- Recommended: Sealand Toilet Tissue, Scott Extra Soft, Scott Naturals, Thetford RV/Marine Toilet Tissue, Giant Single Ply Tissue, West Marine Pure Oceans Marine Toilet Tissue`
- Budget Buy: Scott 1000
- Others: Culeman Rapid Dissolve, Scott Cushiony Soft Tube Free, CAMCO Ultra Soft / TST RV & Marine Mega Roll, Cottonelle Extra Comfort Care, Charmin Ultra Strong, Charmin Ultra Soft, Thetford Aquasoft, Marcal 1,000-count Long Lasting
- Toilet Sprays: 2012 December
- Best Choice: Bactank T3
- Recommended: Zoal No-flex, Raritan KO (Kills Odors), Raritan CP (Clean Potties), Forespar Refresh, Yara Chemicals Odorlos, Happy Camper
- Budget Buy: Bactank T3
- Others: Rid-X
- Top-down Spinnaker Furlers: 2014 February
- Best Choice: Selden GX15
- Recommended: Profurl Spinex 2.5
- Budget Buy: Colligo CN3s
- Others: Karver KSF2, Ronstan Series 120
- Varnish:
- Velcro: 2016 April
- Best Choice: Scotch/3M Extreme/Dual Lock
- Recommended: Scotch/3M Reclosable Fastener, Scotch/3M Outdoor, Velcro Industrial Strength Tape
- Budget Buy: Scotch/3M Reclosable Fastener
- Others: Velcro Sticky Back Indoor/Outdoor, Velcro Industrial Strength Extreme, Perfect Self-adhesive hook-and-loop
- Vinyl Cleaners and Protectants: 2016 January
- Best Choice: IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish 302, Star Brite View Guard
- Recommended: Novus No 1, Sudbury Step 2, Eisenshine UV Glaze, IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner 301, Aerospace Protectant
- Budget Buy: Star Brite View Guard
- Others: Aquatech Marine Glass Cleaner and Protectant, Camco Armada 210
- Watermakers 2013 February
. See also Need entry for
- Best Choice: Spectra Ventura 200T Deluxe
- Recommended: Racor Village Marine Little Wonder (LWM-145)
- Only two units tested.
- Water Tank Fill Filters: 2015 June
- Best Choice: Shurflo Waterguard, Hydronix SPC-25-1010
- Recommended: Camco Taste Pure, Watts WPC-975
- Budget Buy: Camco Marine
- Others: Calgon RV-800, Pentek S1, Pentek SCBC-10, Hydronix SPF-25-1001, Hydronix SDC-25-1001, McMaster/Carr 9316T211
- Water Tank Final Filters: 2015 August
- Best Choice: Pentek Floplus-10
- Recommended: Pentek CBC-10, General Electric Fxulc NT, Doulton Super Carb OBE
- Budget Buy: , Kx Matrix 06-250-125-975NT
- Others: Pentek Microguard 10MCB
- Water Tank Paints: 2014 December
Amerlock2, Rust-Oleum W9200 System Potable Water Coating, Hempel Hempadure 3556, Sherwin Williams Tank Clad HS Epoxy
- Water Tank Sanitizing: 2015 July
Puriclean Clean Tabs
- Water Tank Treatment: 2015 July
Aquamega Tabs
- Water Tank Vent Filters: 2015 June
Gauze over end in the hull, or Shurflo 255-323
- Whipping Twine: 2014 December
- Best Choice: Robline No. 10 braided
- Recommended: Marlow No. 4, Marlow No. 16, Robline No. 10 Dyneema, Berkley Fireline 50-pound
- Budget Buy: Robline No. 15 braided
- Others: Marlow No. 2, Marlow No. 8, Robline No.4, Robline No. 8
- WiFi Booster: 2014 April
- Winches: 2016 November
, 2016 August
- Best Choice: Andersen 40ST, Pontos 4 Speed Trimmer
- Recommended: Antal XT40ST, Harken 402STA, Lewmar EVO 40ST, Selden 2 speed S40, Selden Reversing R40
- Budget Buy: Barient 28ST
- Other: Barlow 28 bronze
- Winch Grease: 2017 February
and 2016 October
- Best Choice: Green Grease Synthetic Waterproof, Lewmar Multi Purpose Winch Grease
- Recommended: Valvoline Full Synthetic, Starbrite Lithium Grease, Starbrite Pro Star Ultra High Performance Wheel Bearing Grease, Andersen Winch Grease, Harkin Winch Grease
- Budget Buy: Green Grease Synthetic Waterproof
- Winch Pawl Lube: 2018 March
- Best Choice: Anderson Winch Grease, Valvoline High Performance 85W-140 for medium viscosity
- Recommended: none
- Budget Buy: Mobil One 5W-30 for light viscosity, Valvoline High Performance 85W-140 for medium viscosity
- Others: Singer Sewing Machine oil, 3-in-1 oil, Harken Pawl Oil, Lewmar Race oil, Valvoline Synpower 75W-90, Echo Chainsaw Bar lube, Finish Line Wet Bike lube, Harken winch grease, Lewmar winch grease
- Wind Instruments: 2014 August
, 2014 May
, and 2014 March
- Winterizing:
- Wiring:
- Corrosion 2012 December
- Conductive Greases vs Corrosion 2017 April
- Best Choice: Omni Green Grease
- Recommended: Super Lube Silicone, Forespar Lanocote, No Ox Id Special A
- Budget Buy: none
- Others: Super Lube Synthetic, Kopr-Shield, No-Alox