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.
Tiller Extensions: Forespars Cobra and Spinlocks E-series
We try fixed-length and telescoping hiking sticks from Forespar, RWO, Ronstan, Spinlock and Wichard.
Busy Hands in Switzerland
We have reported several times in the past about instruments imported by an entrepreneur named David Laylin. He keeps a few Swiss working (some...
Mailport 05/01/00
Battery BurnupIn your January 1, 2000 issue, Mr. Dale Botwin reported his experience with an inexpensive Group 24 starting battery getting very hot and...
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...
GMDSS: Mass Confusion?
Recently we received the following e-mail from reader Gerard Lacroix, asking questions about radio communications that must be on the minds of others. Your...
Moisture Meters: Can You Trust Them? We Test Five Models
Youve made an offer on a used boat and have retained a marine surveyor to examine the vessel prior to completing the transaction. One...
Handbearing Compasses: Plastimo Iris
One of the most time-consuming chores at Practical Sailor is finding, selecting and assembling the products to be tested. Even before we figure out...
Standard HX350S Is Top-Rated Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio
In our bench tests of seven waterproof models, the Garmin VHF 720 and Icom M-1+ failed their dunkings.
ChartView Edges MaxSea in Nav Software Matchup
Though MaxSea is very easy to use, and works with Macs, ChartView has more capabilities.
Solo Ocean Sailing: Expert Tactics & Survival Tips for Sailing Alone...
Thinking about sailing solo across the ocean? Whether you're planning your first solo passage or looking to refine your offshore sailing skills, this video...
Latest Sailboat Review
Hunter 45DS Used Boat Review
Hunter Marine unveiled its latest large cruising monohull, the Hunter 45DS, in late 2007. The boat is essentially an upgrade of the 44DS, with twin wheels, a new transom, new styling, and a roomier, reconfigured interior. Hunter has sold 152 hulls since the boats debut, making it a fairly successful endeavor. To increase the Hunter 45DSs interior volume, designer Glenn Henderson opted for relatively high freeboard and additional length. Henderson also matched a nearly elliptical rudder with a smaller keel. The 54-horsepower Yanmar auxiliary engine moved the Hunter through calm water at 8 knots at 3,000 rpm. Testers sailed the 45-footer in flat water and 13.5 knots of wind, making 5.8 knots and were able to tack through 110 degrees. The current base price of the Hunter is $268,990.