Headings: Future Fixture or Fancy Fad?
Every four years, solo sailing luminaries assemble in France to race non-stop around the world in the Vende Globe, and the equipment aboard their boats deserves examination as a harbinger of what we may some day see aboard our own boats.
Furuno vs. Garmin
Though they're similar in functionality, Furuno's NavNet, with more options and better 10-inch screen, bests the new Garmin Marine Network.
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.
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – October 2026
This month leans into used-boat value and hands-on maintenance: Tim Labute tours the traditional, shoal-draft Bayfield 32, Nick Nicholson revisits the much-requested Morgan 38/382,...
Video: Catalina 34: Should you still buy one today?
If you're shopping for an affordable cruising sailboat for the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, ICW, Bahamas, coastal cruising or weekends aboard, this video will...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Morgan 38/382 Used Boat Review
In 1977, the Morgan 382 was introduced, designed by Ted Brewer, Jack Corey and the Morgan Design Team. According to Brewer, the boat was loosely based on the Nelson/Marek-designed Morgan 36 IOR One Ton. The most obvious difference between the 38 and 382 was the elimination of the centerboard and the addition of a cruising fin keel (NACA 64 012 foil) with skeg-mounted rudder. They are two completely different designs from two different eras in yacht design.
