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How to use this search engine

You can use any of the three search methods that operate on practical-sailor.com’s search engine – Boolean, set logic and natural language. Read below for a brief guide to each:

Boolean

This common search method lets you easily combine terms by using programming devices called "operators" such as "AND," "OR," "AND NOT.” The Practical Sailor search engine uses this method as the default search system, and assumes the operator “AND” when more than one term is being searched.

AND requires all terms appear in a record.
OR retrieves records with either term.
AND NOT excludes terms.

Parentheses may be used to sequence operations and group words. Parenthesis MUST be used when searching using the operator “OR”.

Wild Card Character

For broad searches, you may use an asterisk (*) to represent multiple characters. For example: computer* would return items such as computer, computers, computerized, computeristic, etc. Please note: A "*" may be used only at the end of a search term.

Set logic

Set logic method is based on the mathematical concept of sets. The default behavior of the search is to locate an intersection (or 'AND') of every element within a query. This means that the query; "procurement regulation interface" is the equivalent to the boolean query: "procurement AND regulation AND interface."

Set logic operators

  • '-' (without)
    The '-'(minus) is the most commonly used logic symbol. It means the answer should EXCLUDE references to that item.
  • '+' (mandatory)
    The '+'(plus) symbol in front of a search item means that the answer MUST INCLUDE that item.

Sets (or lists) of things are specified by placing the elements within parenthesis, separated by commas. Example: (procurement,regulation,interface)

Example Finds
procurement regulation interface procurement with regulation and interface
procurement regulation -interface procurement with regulation without interface

Natural Language Query

This method is based on a close approximation to how people normally phrase questions in spoken communication. You may enter a query in the form of a sentence or question. Key words and phrases within your query will be identified by the search engine and extraneous words deleted from the search.

Example:
What is the state of the art in text retrieval?
The software will search for:
state of the art AND text AND retrieval.

Search parameters

You may enter specific parameters on the search engine input fields, or you can leave them blank. If you do not change or set the various search parameters, the default search is for all time periods, in all print categories of Practical Sailor, and ranked with the most recent first.

Document relevance

The Practical Sailor search engine is “tuned” to locate search terms within a specified proximity of each other, to achieve the most relevant result possible. Most search queries will produce the best results if the default setting, “Medium,” is used.

More questions? Contact us

Inside Practical Sailor Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Clear Plastic

by Darrell Nicholson on December 10, 2013

Look at any boat more than five years old, and chances are the clear dodger windows aren’t so clear anymore. By comparison, the windows on one of our test boats remained crystal clear for 15 years. Is clear vinyl really that vulnerable, or are boat owners doing something wrong to shorten its life? The answer to both questions, as it turns out, is yes. Here are some tips on preserving a view from the helm without spending a fortune on new Isinglass.

Read More

Reader Questionnaire

What major system on your boat is in most need of upgrade?
a. propulsion (engine, prop, etc.) (155 votes)

14%

b. sails, rig (327 votes)

30%

c. electronics (215 votes)

20%

d. plumbing (78 votes)

7%

e. refrigeration (104 votes)

10%

f. electrical system (150 votes)

14%

g. HVAC (heating/ AC) (65 votes)

6%
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