Getting a Handle on VHFs
Feature-filled Standard Horizon edges Icom.
Take One Deep Breath
With pre-recorded instructions, the rechargeable Safety Mate calmly talks you through a range of first-aid procedures, right down to counting the 30 chest compressions...
Diving into Plotter/Sounders
Navman out-pixels ’em all, and Furuno bests the rest.
Radar Shootout
Furuno, Raymarine score; Northstar disappoints.
Small-Screen Plotter/Sounders: Lowrance Bests Garmin and SI-TEX
High-resolution and fine sounder detail give Lowrance the win.
Uniden Adds Some Color to VHF Radio
Uniden’s UM625c has impressive transceiver performance and a color display screen, but the Icom M602 is still our top pick for a high-end VHF radio.
Towed Generators, Phones and Tunes
Globalstar fares better at sea this time, the iPod conks out
Electronic Charts
Navionics’ Platinum and Gold charts excel over C-Map and Garmin
Mid-Priced VHF Radios: Icom and Uniden Lead the Way
Icom's M422 wins by a hair, with feature-rich radios from Uniden, Navman, and West Marine not far behind. Uniden's UM525 is a Best Buy.
Northstar 6000i Network: Easy to Use, but Pricey
We rated the Northstar 6000i's sounder, daytime viewability, and overall user interface Excellent, but its high price and screen fogging hold it back. The Furuno system is still our top choice.

















































