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...

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.

Cabin Fan Test: Hella, Caframo Blow Best Breeze for the Buck

Oscillating models fail early in long-term testing.

Offshore Log: An Evolution in EPIRBs

New GPS-connected EPIRBs and ACR's forthcoming Personal Locator Beacon promise to improve search and rescue operations at sea.

Spare Parts

Kenyon InstrumentsReader Ernie Copp owns some old Kenyon instruments. The company has long been out of business. Following his successful search to find someone...

Battery Power Packs: Are They Too Good to Be True?

Batteries dead? Need to jump start your engine? We test four 17-lb., 17-Ah power packs that can do that job and others. The most expensive is also the best-the Solar ES-5000.

GPS 406 MHz EPIRBs: ACR vs. NAT

ACR and National Airborne Technology have taken two distinct approaches to transmitting position data along with distress signals. We favor NATs integral GPS over ACRs peripheral connection, but its twice as expensive.

Can a Normal Sailor Actually Buy a Foiling Dinghy Now?

Foiling sailboats used to belong to the extreme edge of the sport: America’s Cup teams, SailGP, Olympic sailors, Moths, kite foilers, and high-performance racing...

Latest Sailboat Reviews

Catalina 470 Used Boat Review

Although it conforms to CE ratings for ocean sailing, this boat is better suited for coastal cruising in comfort and short offshore passages. It's got a great set of layout options for living aboard.

C&C 40 Used Boat Review