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…

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How to Restore Rusted Parts

I buy a lot of used sailboat hardware on eBay and craigslist.org. The reason is simple, I usually can’t afford new! If you’re reading this and you aren’t independently wealthy then you know how expensive parts and supplies for our boats are. I only buy new when I can get a great discount and buying…

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Do it Yourself Trailer Surge Brakes

If you’re new to trailer sailing, you could be unsure about your trailer’s brake system (or lack thereof). If you own an older trailer, the system could be badly corroded from many wet launches and need repair or replacement. If your trailer doesn’t have a brake system, you might be wondering why and if you…

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Enter the 2018 Stingy Sailor DIY Project Contest

Did you do a project on your sailboat last year that you’re particularly proud of? Or did you make an ingenious improvement that you’d like to share with other skippers? I’ve received comments and emails from many of you who rolled up your sleeves and took on DIY projects large and small, simple and complex. Now’s your turn…

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Book Review: Sailboat Electrics Simplified

What is the least understood, most dangerous, and pound for pound most expensive system on a sailboat? Electrical systems, without a doubt. Few DIYers understand how to work on them, they are the number one cause of catastrophic fires, and everything about them costs multiple times what the same thing does in an automobile.

Product Review: MastGates Sail Track Gates

Do you know how to reef your mainsail when the wind gets overpowering? If not, you really should learn how. If you already know, is your sailboat rigged so that you can reef and unreef quickly in high winds while underway? If not, besides a jiffy reefing line like I describe in Single line jiffy reefing, you’re…

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