Communications

VHFs for Hearing Challenged

Like an increasing number of senior sailors, I require hearing aids to effectively communicate. However, in the cockpit of a sailboat-with the wind blowing...

Testing Telemedicines Limits

Early into the 645-mile race between Marion, Mass., and the island of Bermuda in 2009, trouble brewed aboard the C&C 40 Corsair. The bizarre...

An Experiment in Boosting Wi-Fi the DIY Way

In November 2010, Practical Sailor posted a Reader Workbench article written by subscriber Ed Mini of Mystic, Conn., on a do-it-yourself Wi-Fi booster/antenna assembled...

The SPOT Sat Phone

The number and popularity of satellite-based communication gadgets have grown rapidly over the last few years. These devices range from one-way communication electronics like...

Comparing Class B AIS Transceivers

The popularity of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) has grown exponentially in recent years, particularly among small- to mid-sized cruising sailboats. Lower costs have played...

Marine Handheld VHFs Test

While technologies like cellular and satellite phones have revolutionized onboard communication, they are still just supplements to the good-ole marine-band VHF radio. VHF radios...

Where Credit Is Due: April 2013

Raymarine and West MarineAbout six months ago, I bought a Raymarine Smart Controller remote for my autopilot. It is a great unit that I...

DeLorme inReach vs. Iridium Extreme

Many love the solitude that sailing offers, but not necessarily the limited (or non-existent) communications that can accompany it. For those sailors, there are...

Plotting Your Escape in the Age of Satcom

I wanted to try a little experiment this week. Something safe, with little risk of getting hurt. Something I could do while drinking coffee...

Satcom Moves a Little Closer to Affordable

The type and send feature lets users type messages on the fly and send them to contacts, selected social-media networks, or emergency personnel. The...

Beneteau 423: What You Should Know | Boat Review

Looking to buy a 40-45 foot sailboat? Considering a Beneteau 423? See a Beneteau 423 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...