Fire Extinguisher Test
The Kidde Pro Plus 5HM is our top choice among the clean-agent portables. The Sea-Fire, with its lower toxicity, makes sense for enclosed spaces. We also like the Kidde Foam Spray's ability to stop re-ignition.
Seaberths Examined
The design of offshore production-built sailboats often overlooks a crucial element in crew comfort and safety—the seaberth. So what qualifies as a proper seaberth? û
Big-Screen Chartplotters Under $2,000
Standard Horizon is right on target with its highly rated CP1000C. It bests two other value-priced, 10-inch plotters.
A Reader’s Review: RayTech RNS 5.0
An upgrade to Raymarine's latest nav software prompts some useful feedback.
Sea Anchor Match-up
Sea anchors have evolved to become a vital component of the serious sailor's arsenal in heavy weather. We favor Fiorentino's for their rugged construction.
Belt-style Inflatable PFDs
High buoyancy and a good price lifts the Sospenders 38MBP past the competition. Stearns is a close second with its 375 model.
PS Advisor: 10/01/04
Quick-Stop Defined Dan Dickison's editorial mentions "the Quick-Stop." I thought I knew of most of the MOB-type products, but I haven't heard of this...
Inflatable PFDs Put to the Test
The UK-made Crewsaver's Crewfit takes first prize in our test of nine vests. The hitch—it's not USCG approved. Mustang is our runner-up.
Headings: The Bare Essentials
Noted seamanship authority John Rousmaniere offers a problem-focused approach to determining and selecting basic but essential safety equipment for the coastal cruising vessel.
EPIRB Update: 09/04
In the wake of independent tests conducted by the Equipped to Survive Foundation (ETS), wherein the GPS components of two EPIRB models from McMurdo...
$40,000 for a 40 Foot Cruiser? The Bristol 40 Reality Check
You can find Bristol 39s and Bristol 40s for around $40,000 — and at first glance, that sounds like one of the best deals...
Latest Sailboat Review
Tartan 33 Used Boat Review
In 1978, Tartan brought out the Tartan Ten, a 33', fairly light, fractionally-rigged "offshore one design." The boat was a huge success: fast, easy to sail, and unencumbered by the design limitations of a rating rule. But the Tartan Ten had one big problem: limited accommodations with stooping headroom, an interior most kindly described as spartan. A hardy crew could take the Tartan Ten on a multi-day race such as the Mackinac, and you might even coax your family aboard for a weekend of camping out. But cruising or extended racing in comfort? Forget it!