Cabin Lights
The Alpenglow fluorescent is still a top-flight area light, and a good bet for a dome-light retrofit. Taylorbrites's new cold cathode lamp is a winner over the bunk, but new LED lights from Imtra and D.R. Smith are bright, not too cold, and easy on the power.
Battery Boxes and Trays
In fully covered battery boxes, we like the pricy Blue Seas. If tray-type hold-downs are your preference, go for West or Gil.
Digital Multimeters
Our choice for a high-quality, no-compromise digital multimeter is the new Fluke 111. We also investigated the Wire Tracker™ from Ancor. No more mystery cables?û
Battery Monitors
We recommend two CruzPro units and the Link 10. For simple amps and voltage data, the Microlog is a smart lower-cost choice.
Your Last Set of Trailer Lights?
Conventional, incandescent trailer lights have several built-in areas of weakness, starting with the bulb itself. It's possible, though difficult, to surround the bulb with...
Wet-Cell 12-Volt Battery Test
Two batteries from Deka and one from Interstate lead the pack in our test of eight deep-cycle batteries.
PS Advisor: 08/15/03
Solar Panel PowerYour review of solar panels left me with some "solar panels for dummies" type questions. For trickle-charging a battery, how do you...
Strippers and Crimpers
One crimp or two? In our test and survey, we again find that the well-made multi-purpose tool will suffice for most wiring jobs. If you have more serious work to do, try Klein's #1005 crimper and Ancor's 702030 automatic stripper.
Solar Panel Survey 2003
PS readers weigh in here with opinions on their solar panels. With types and configurations available for all situations, it's hard to imagine any instance when having a panel or two aboard would be a bad idea.
Towed Water Generator
In our experiments last summer, the Hamilton Ferris generator did very well with a spinner in the water, less well with its optional wind blade.
Discover the Cool New Tortue 147 Aluminum Catamaran | Ultimate Shallow-Water...
In this video, we take a deep dive into the Tortue 147, a brand-new aluminum catamaran designed for adventure, freedom, and exploration. Built tough...
Latest Sailboat Review
Beneteau First 345 Used Boat Review
The Beneteau First 345 was designed as a moderate displacement racer/cruiser, and much of its popularity has been because of its success in blending the two functions. In fact, it could be said that the First is a racing boat that contains a cruising interior. The architect is Jean Berret, a Frenchman noted for his cruising and racing designs (he designed the 1985 Admiral's Cup winner, Phoenix, a Beneteau one-tonner).