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A loop of Amsteel cordage attached to a chain hook is slipped over a mooring cleat. This simple arrangement takes the strain off the windlass on Bob Steadman’s Cascade 36, Bettie.

Taking up the mooring strain Issue 59 : Mar/Apr 2008 To take the strain off our windlass, I needed a chain stopper. I found some nice ones on the market, but they were expensive and I had to come up w...

Illustration of someone going to the doctor

A cautionary tale from one who’s been there Issue 59 : Mar/Apr 2008 The sirens call when least expected, their soft and gentle songs luring honest sailors away from much-loved boats, turning heads tow...

Facing page: We use webbing straps for all of our boom attachments. Made by Grip-Sure Manufacturing in Richmond, B.C., they have a working load of 3,200 pounds, accommodate shifting directions of load, and are easy to inspect and replace. The red lines, led through holes in the boom, keep the straps from sliding back and forth. This page at left: running under triple-reefed main alone off Cape Mendocino, California.

Keep things under control with off-center vangs Issue 59 : Mar/Apr 2008 When we reconfigured MOMO, our Mason 43, for bluewater sailing, we searched for a way to replace our 4:1-purchase vang with some...

The sailboat Finisterre

A famous designer tells how yachts have changed Issue 61: July/Aug 2008 In honor of Good Old Boat’s 10th anniversary, I thought it would be interesting to look back over the changes in small-boat desi...

Possible CO locations

Dealing with potentially lethal gases Issue 59 : Mar/Apr 2008 Aboard sailboats there are several toxic or explosive fumes that are potentially lethal and must be detected for the safety of the crew an...

Picture of fender clips

Make your own from leftover wire Issue 60 : May/Jun 2008 After i completed some house re-wiring, i had some leftover #6 bare copper wire. I hacksawed a half-dozen pieces, then bent them up using a ben...

Steps to tying a stopper knot

This one really won’t jam in a block Issue 60 : May/Jun 2008 Having been a racing sailor for many years, i know firsthand the extra pounding a boat takes while you’re out there rounding the buoys. Ove...