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    Bill Sandifer

    Bill Sandifer is a marine surveyor and small boat builder who has been living, eating, and sleeping boats since the early 1950s when he assisted at Pete Layton's Boat Shop, building a variety of small wooden boats. Since then Bill has worked for Charlie Morgan (Heritage), Don Arnow (Cigarette), and owned a commercial fiberglass boatbuilding company (Tugboats). Bill and his wife, Genie, restored a Pearson Ariel from a total wreck. They are now sailing an Eastward Ho 31.

    After replacing his deadlights, Bill has a clear view of his marina neighbors, upper photo, and no more leaks. The polycarbonate deadlights are mounted directly on the cabin sides, lower photo.
    • Maintenance
    • Projects

    Surface-mounted deadlights . . .

    . . . replace irreplaceable windows Issue 99 : Nov/Dec 2014 When it was time to replace the deadlights in the deckhouse on my 1978 Eastward Ho 31, I ran into a problem. Replace them with . . . what? T...

    Bill Sandifer
    May 12, 2026
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    Most winches are designed so they can be serviced in situ by anyone with a little mechanical aptitude. The trick is not to lose any parts, like the circlip that secures the drum on this Lewmar winch, above. Removing it takes a steady hand and a watchful eye.
    • Projects
    • Restoration

    Winches are forever . . .

    . . . when properly mounted and maintained Issue 107 : Mar/Apr 2016 When planning to buy a good old boat, most sailors typically look carefully at the design, the propulsion, the hull, the sails, and ...

    Bill Sandifer
    April 23, 2026
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    • Hull & Structure
    • Projects

    Delaminated Fiberglass Does Not Spelled D-O-O-M

    Delaminated fiberglass may conjure up images of free-falling straight through to the bilge but it need not frighten the most resourceful among us. The word “delamination” causes instant vi...

    Bill Sandifer
    July 26, 2019
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    • Interior
    • Projects

    Tanks: Easy to forget, too important to dismiss

    You’ve found your dreamboat, had it surveyed, and signed up for a long and happy relationship. The broker said it holds 20 gallons of fuel and 40 gallons of water. He didn’t say where the ...

    Bill Sandifer
    July 25, 2019
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    sail measurments
    • Sailing Tips

    Sail Brokers: New wings at Half Price

    Buying, selling, new and used: Sail brokers can stretch your sailing dollars Those of us who love good old boats do so out of aesthetic preferences, sailing abilities, and – let’s face it ...

    Bill Sandifer
    July 24, 2019
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    sailboat filter
    • Maintenance
    • Projects

    Fuel and Water Filters: Simple Insurance Policies

    Picture a hot, windless Sunday afternoon as you power home on a glassy sea. Suddenly your engine slows and stops or overheats. Today of all days! You really did not need this, and it could have all be...

    Bill Sandifer
    July 17, 2019
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    sailboat side view
    • Sailing Tips

    Diamond-in-the-rough, perhaps, but how rough?

    What to look for when buying your Dream Boat In the nautical lexicon, it seems these three words – good old boats – always go together. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing designs from...

    Bill Sandifer
    July 17, 2019
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    • Book Reviews
    • Dogwatch

    The Trailer Sailer: Book Review

    If you can ask a question about trailersailers, this book can answer it. If you use the information provided in this simple volume you’ll be successful in acquiring, outfitting, and caring for y...

    Bill Sandifer
    October 1, 2009
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    • Book Reviews
    • Dogwatch

    Fiberglass Repair: Book Review

    Fiberglass Repair: Polyester or Epoxy is a useful book for anyone who is considering fiberglass repair, whether novice or old pro. It’s full of valid techniques that will yield a professional job if t...

    Bill Sandifer
    October 1, 2005
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    • Book Reviews
    • Dogwatch

    A Complete Cruising Guide to the Down East Circle Route: Book Review

    After reading two articles about the Down East Circle Route, I decided I needed to know more about this cruise and the book about it by Nova Scotian Captain Cheryl Barr. When I got the guide, I was ho...

    Bill Sandifer
    October 1, 2004
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