Welcome to SAIL's Boatworks page: your one-stop page for stories about DIY boat projects and upgrades. Looking for a way to breathe new life into your tired steed? Or perhaps you've been pondering ways to improve its handling ability? SAIL's BoatWorks page can help. Here, you'll find top-notch stories, written by some of the most trusted names in the business.

Visit this page often to see our latest offerings. Have a BoatWorks worthy story that you'd like to share with the sailing community? Got comments or ideas on interesting projects? Send it to us at sailmail@sailmagazine.com.
We welcome your feedback.

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School's In

Channel your inner mechanic at diesel maintenance school FULL STORY

Keel improvements

Improve performance and take pleasure in fairing your boat's keel. More

See all maintenance

Water power

There's a great source of free power under your boat. You just need to decide how to tap into it. More

See all engines and systems

Sails Success

How to properly measure for a new set of sails More

See all sails and rigging

Winter Battery Maintenance

A few years ago, I left my boat’s two lead-acid batteries on board over winter. It wasn’t intentional—an early snowfall led me to cover the boat up sooner than anticipated, and I just never got around to taking the batteries off. More

See all electronics

Backstay Tensioner

Easy Upgrades: #1 of a series More

See all of upgrades

SAIL reader questions

See past and present reader questions on sails, maintenance, rigging, engines, systems and more. More

Ask our experts a question of your own!


Antal Mini Hook

Join SAIL for a look at Antal’s new Mini Hook halyard lock. This innovative piece of gear engages a lock point on the mainsail track—not the sheave—to bring you better reffing options while still using halyard locks and not the halyard itself.

More Videos

  • Wi-Fi for sailors

    Understanding the wireless communication. Which system is right for you? More

  • AIS for sailors

    Is there an AIS-B system in your future? More

  • First aid kit

    Having a first-aid kit on board can keep a mild accident from turning into a major emergency. More

  • Manual bilge pump

    Diagram and explanation of how a manual bilge pump works, including helpful hints on what to do when areas don't drain aft. More

  • Water power

    There's a great source of free power under your boat. You just need to decide how to tap into it. More

  • Rig check

    Skip it if you dare, but don't blame anyone but yourself. More

  • Anti-siphon valves

    A step-by-step guide to how anti-siphon valves work. More

  • Fresh air below

    The Commodore's Caspers keep his boat cool and mildew-free. More