Search

The article discusses the decline in popularity of alcohol stoves in favor of propane stoves in the boating industry. Propane stoves are seen as more convenient and efficient for larger boats, while smaller boats often use portable propane or butane stoves due to their affordability and ease of use. However, there is a global push for cleaner cooking fuels, which has led to the development of a new Origo-type alcohol stove by Cleancook. This stove is designed to be easy to manufacture at a reduced cost and aims to bring clean cooking to less wealthy nations where wood fires are still commonly used. The article also mentions the availability of alcohol stoves through online retailers and addresses common misconceptions and concerns about alcohol stoves. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Practical Sailor explores the topic of recoating Dyneema ropes to provide extended protection against chafe and UV damage. The article discusses the characteristics of a suitable coating for Dyneema, such as being watery to soak deeply into the fibers and not stiffening the rope. The author tested three coatings, Yale Maxijacket, Flexabar Rope Dip, and Marlow ArmourCoat, and found that all three significantly reduced chafe. The author recommends Maxijacket as the top pick, although it has become increasingly hard to find. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Practical Sailor provides tips on how to gybe spinnakers without getting snagged. It explains that boats that are faster than the wind on a broad reach, such as performance multihulls and planing skiffs, tack downwind by passing the sheets between the luff and the forestay in an inside jibe. In light winds, slower boats can also use this method, but it may require a crew member on the foredeck. The article also discusses the option of an outside jibe, where the sheets pass forward of the tack, but warns of the potential for the sheets to fall in the water and get run over. Preventive measures, such as using lightweight, floating sheets and adding a batten along the foot of the sail, are suggested to avoid snags. The article emphasizes the importance of practice in preventing sail wraps and snags. [Extracted from the article]

Testing "Waterproof" Socks: Which brand best keeps feet warm and dry? They are not quite as warm as dry socks, because ½ of the insulation is wet, but they are much warmer than wet socks, and you can always wear another sock under them. Here boot socks are on top, and Randy cold weather socks on bottom. SHOWERS PASS CROSS POINT MOUNTAIN SOCK These are very similar to the mid-calf Randy Sun Cold Weather Sock, they fit our shoes without changing the fit and were comfortable enough for allday wear. [Extracted from the article]

If there is gravity forcing the flow towards the screen, and the screen area is large enough, often gravity alone is enough to drop the debris off the screen, making cleaning a breeze. Phoroa courtesy of manufacturers APRIL 2021 23 PRACTICAL SAILOR Stories and photos by Drew Frye OTHER STRAINER TIPS Avoid duplex strainers or filters with an integrated valve. Strainer Cleaning Done Right PARTICLE SIZE MESH SIZE MICRON RATING .079 INCHES (~1/16") 10 2000 0.055 INCHES (~ 3/64") 14 1400 0.033 INCHES (~ 1/32") 20 800 TECH GUIDE PARTICLE SIZE VS. MESH SIZE VS. MICRON Photos by Drew Frye This table correlates mesh size to microns. APRIL 2021 WWW.PRACTICAL-SAILOR.COM 20 W ire mesh screens are a pain to clean. [Extracted from the article]

Ascenders and descenders are always sensitive to rope size and stiffness. We tried both a climbing-specific chest harness and the flip line/chest ascender method, and decided the flip line method was simpler and more versatile (as illustrated on page 17). You are now secure to work, supported by both the foot and by the knee ascenders, two flip lines, and you are backed up by the chest ascender. Professional arborist gear, less expensive with Petzl Adjama harness ($80) Additional harness padding needed Complete kit Additional harness padding needed Additional harness padding needed; fits masts to 50 feet TOTAL $959 $625-$845 $600 $450 $240 $730 Best Choice Recommended Budget Buy VALUE GUIDE LOWER ASCENDERS FOOT ASCENDERS BRAND Camp Climbing Technology ICS Petzl MODEL Turbofoot Foot Ascender Stryder Foot Ascender Croll PRICE $70.00 $80.00 $80.00 $70.00 KNEE ASCENDERS BRAND Camp DMM ICS Petzl MODEL Turbo Chest Anthron Chest Ascender Pantin PRICE $80.00 $60.00 $70.00 $80.00 Recommended (Based on field use over several years, these are all equally good). [Extracted from the article]