The $tingy Sailor

Let Your Boom Off Its Leash with a Topping Lift

The standard equipment C-22 backstay pendant is simple and handy for holding up the boom when the mainsail is lowered. It also works fine to keep the boom more or less centered over the boat when docked or anchored. But it’s not very convenient for shorter crew members to reach and it won’t help you…

Upgrade Your Main Sheet to Double Ends

“Double your pleasure, double your fun” used to be the Doublemint gum slogan because of its double strength mint flavoring. You can double the utility of your main sheet by upgrading it to double ends. What you already have, a working end at the fiddle block that attaches to the traveler stays as it is…

18 Perished in US Sailing Tragedies in 2017

Every year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard, and the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety publish a report of statistics about recreational boating accidents. The 2017 report was just published and there were fewer sailing deaths than last year. Surprisingly, the numbers of general boating deaths, accidents, injuries, and…

Flatten Your Mainsail Foot with an Outhaul

You’re familiar with basic mainsail running rigging, right? The halyard hoists it up the mast and the main sheet adjusts the angle of the sail to the hull. Both lines are important but they don’t adjust the aerodynamic shape of the mainsail, which can make a big difference if you want to get the best…

Make This Fold-Up Paper Towel Holder

Meal preparation and cleanup, spills, and children are just a few of the reasons to have a roll of paper towels on board. But a roll can take up a lot of precious shelf space and the roll won’t stay dry for long in a locker exposed to the bilge. What’s the solution? Hang it…

2018 Stingy Sailor DIY Project Contest Winners

The entries for the 3rd annual Stingy Sailor DIY Project Contest have all been received and scored. I’m very pleased at the size of some of the project entries this year. A big thanks to everyone who entered whether you won a prize or not. This contest is possible because of the generous contributions of the following…