Communications

Communications Options

Alongshore, you're good to go with a VHF plus Net-ready cell phone. Offshore, keep the SSB, and for heavier use include an Inmarsat system or sat phone.

Fixed-Mount VHF Radios: Icom Dominates

Out of 11 models that went on the bench, Icom had three that shined. Standard also did well. Digitial Selective Calling still has a way to go.

VHF Handhelds: Icom M-1 and Uniden HH-940 Our Top Picks

It has been several years since weve done a general review of handheld VHF radios. We did, however, review waterproof models in the November...

Offshore Log: Shurflo Pump Lacks Oomph

Our Shurflo pump has been a disappointment. At the time we installed it, it was the highest-capacity pump of its style available, and smaller...

Marine Electronics:SEA 159, Icom M45 and M49 Are Top Fixed-Mount VHF Radios

What with all the current interest in handheld GPS and LCD radar, its easy to forget that most fundamental and important piece of marine...

Marine Electronics:Garmin 48 Tops in Handheld GPS

As it is with notebook computers, GPS receivers continue to evolve into faster, smaller and more powerful devices. Our latest crop of test models...

Marine Electronics:Garmin 48 Tops in Handheld GPS

As it is with notebook computers, GPS receivers continue to evolve into faster, smaller and more powerful devices. Our latest crop of test models...

Marine Electronics:SEA 159, Icom M45 and M49 Are Top Fixed-Mount VHF Radios

What with all the current interest in handheld GPS and LCD radar, its easy to forget that most fundamental and important piece of marine...

Buyer’s Guide: Simrad CP32 and RayChart 520 Top Gray Scale GPS/Chartplotters

The Simrad CP32 and Raytheon RayChart 520 have the best combination of features and displays of 10 gray scale units tested.

Comings and Goings

Weve been aware for some years that the Loran navigation system is presumably on the way out, this despite the fact that the global...

Beneteau 42CC The Center Cockpit Comeback That Didn’t Catch On… But...

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to center-cockpit cruising sailboats—and why they disappeared from mainstream production—today’s review takes you right into the heart of...

Latest Sailboat Review

Catalina Morgan 440 Used Boat Review

The Catalina Morgan 440 is a massive ocean-capable design from the drafting board of Gerry Douglas, a prolific designer for Catalina Yachts for over...