Marine Electronics

Wireless Wunderkinder

From hand-held controllers to acoustic anchor monitors, the marine wireless revolution is just getting revved up.

Handheld GPS Test

Among the eight units evaluated, the venerable Garmin GPS 76 bests the competition with its large, easy-to-read screen, intuitive software, and moderate price.

Entry-Level LCD Radars

Our field test of seven relatively inexpensive radar systems (average price around $1,500) reveals Furuno's 1712 as the top choice among monochrome displays. For color, we prefer the Simrad RA30.

Navman Tracker 5600 vs. Si-Tex ColorMax 6

The Navman 5600 screen has been improved, but the Si-Tex machine outshines it in most important areas, including sunlight viewability and price.

Networked Systems—Furuno vs. Raymarine

Two big names go head-to-head and both finish with identical ratings. Raymarine, however, squeaks past Furuno with a better warranty.

Networked Systems—Furuno vs. Raymarine

Two big names go head-to-head and both finish with identical ratings. Raymarine, however, squeaks past Furuno with a better warranty.

Battle of the Rechargeables

Our test of rechargeable AA batteries reveals that nickel- metal-hydride is the optimum technology, and Rayovac's 15-Minute Rechargeable I-C the top performer.

JRC PLOT 500F vs. Lowrance LCX-19C

We continue our look at combo units for the nav station. Here, JRC's Plot 500F gets the nod over Lowrance's LCX-19C.

Garmin 188C vs. Si-Tex Combo

In a two-on-one chartplotter/sounder shootout, a pair of Si-Tex units takes on a single Garmin combo machine.

Color Plotter/Sounders: Furuno’s GP-1850 WF and Simrad’s CE 33

Furuno's upgraded screen tilts the balance against the feature-rich Simrad.

Hate Heeling? These Sailboats Stay More Upright

Do you—or someone you sail with—hate heeling? You’re not alone. For many sailors, excessive heel is the single biggest reason people feel uncomfortable on...

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