Sunglasses: MJ Commanders Lead Way; Serengetis a Best Buy
We prefer Maui Jim, but Oakley and Costa Del Mar also fare well in our test of 19 pairs from eight manufacturers.
Offshore Log: Seeing in the Dark
Two of the most important tools on our night passages through the Java Sea and South China Sea were our Fujinon FMTR-SX binoculars and our ITT Night Mariner 250 binocular-style night vision scope.
Lifesling Goes Throwable
Were safety conscious at Practical Sailor. Readers know that, from the numerous articles about our in-the-water and bench tests. We rarely fail to comment...
Foul Weather Gear: The New Suits Are Breathable, Dry, and Costly
In the early 1980s, W.L. Gore & Associates and Atlantis teamed up to create waterproof foul weather gear that was also breathable. They had...
Hobie, Nikon Our Picks Among High-End Seagoing Sunglasses
The importance of quality eyeware was publicly manifested by the Navy Air Corps in 1951 when it commissioned Bausch and Lomb to begin developing...
Optronics Blue Eye Shines Bright Among Handheld Spotlights
If youve ever powered down the Intracoastal Waterway at night in the rain or came into an inlet from the sea looking for channel...
Best Boat Shoes: Harken & Rockport
Anyone whos ever taken a spill jumping from a dock or launch onto the deck of a boat knows the value of good boat...
Top Flashlight: Dorcys The Boss
While the Pelican PeliLite proves the value of 'marine-grade,' The Boss has the edge.
LED Flashlights: Tektite Expedition Best Value
Of 18 models tested, we like the Tektite Expedition.
Engel Portable Freezer vs. Norcold Tek II
The December 1996 issue contained a special section devoted to refrigeration. It dealt with icebox conversion kits (Adler-Barbour was best), thermoelectric coolers (Coleman was...
The Tartan 365: A Modern Cruiser with Performance Pedigree
Welcome aboard the Tartan 365, a modern performance cruiser that blends innovative design, speed, and luxurious comfort. In this video, we take a detailed...
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.