WAAS Up? New Acronym Stands For Better GPS Accuracy
Raytheon's Raychart 320 is consistently more accurate than two conventional DGPS units from Raytheon and Garmin — and it's less expensive.
Deka Deep-Cycle Battery Performs…
Following our August 1, 1999 discharge tests of batteries from Exide, Interstate, GNB, Rolls and West Marine, a number of readers asked for a...
Deka Deep-Cycle Battery Performs
Following our August 1, 1999 discharge tests of batteries from Exide, Interstate, GNB, Rolls and West Marine, a number of readers asked for a...
Tillerpilots: Raytheon vs. Simrad
Of four models tested, the Simrad TP10 lags behind the others, while the TP30 outpoints the Autohelm ST2000.û
Keep Your Cool With A/C
Part 1—How marine air-conditioning systems work and what to look for when shopping for one.
Fixed-Mount GPS:Northstar 941X is Super, the Garmin 126 a Best Buy
In the December 1998 issue we covered the latest crop of handheld GPS devices and were impressed with the many capabilities of these units....
Fixed-Mount GPS:Northstar 941X is Super, the Garmin 126 a Best Buy
In the December 1998 issue we covered the latest crop of handheld GPS devices and were impressed with the many capabilities of these units....
US Coast Guard To Test 406 MHz EPIRBs
Carrying a 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)-a big improvement over older 121.5 MHz beacons-is an effective way to make sure youre...
Cabin Fan Destruction Test
In the double issue of September, 1999, was a report—part of a special section on ventilation—on cabin fans.A dozen fans were tested for noise,...
Raytheon Dominates RadarTesting; JRC 1500 Is A Best Buy
Raytheon’s flexible RL70 series is unmatched, but the JRC 1500 is a great buy.
Lithium Batteries on Sailboats: The 3 Mistakes Everyone Makes
Lithium batteries are one of the most popular sailboat upgrades today—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. In this Practical Sailor Saturday episode,...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet Estero Used Boat Review
Florida-based Island Packet targets a relatively narrow niche, so the toughest competitors to its new boats are often older Island Packets. Introduced in 2010, the 36-foot, shoal-draft Estero is the company’s latest attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray too far from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. After sailing the Estero on Florida’s Sarasota Bay and inspecting its interior, construction, and systems, Practical Sailor testers noted that the shoal-water cruiser will appeal strongest to Island Packet fans who’ve been waiting for a shoal-draft, easy-to-sail boat that compares to the IP37 in terms of interior space. These strengths will be most apparent on intracoastal or riverine adventures like the Great Loop.