Electrical

Raytheon Still Top LCD Radar

Early radar antennas needed large, open radiator arrays with correspondingly large motors to turn them. These evolved into compact, enclosed antennas that weigh as...

Offshore Log: Shurflo Pump Lacks Oomph

Our Shurflo pump has been a disappointment. At the time we installed it, it was the highest-capacity pump of its style available, and smaller...

PS Advisor 08/15/98

How Many Zincs?Could you please advise me on the subject of zincs, in particular about the number of zincs recommended for a boat? Several...

Solar Panel Performance Test

Charging batteries is a never-ending problem aboard most boats. Long-term cruisers usually have several ways to replace consumed battery capacity-engine-driven alternators, solar panels, wind...

Coleman 1000: First of the Truly Portable Generators

Portable power-is it just what you need for extra AC power and battery charging needs, and, if so, what size generator do you really...

Offshore Log: A Caribbean-built Wind Generator

For the serious cruiser, efficient power generation ranks right up there with an abundant supply of fresh water; without it, life is a real...

Coleman 1000: First of the Truly Portable Generators

Portable power-is it just what you need for extra AC power and battery charging needs, and, if so, what size generator do you really...

Alkaline Battery Tests: Results Say It’s Bedtime For Bunny

The last time we tested alkaline batteries (June 15 and November 15, 1995), we reported that Duracell dominated the market, with Energizer and Rayovac...

Alkaline Battery Tests: Results Say It’s Bedtime For Bunny

The last time we tested alkaline batteries (June 15 and November 15, 1995), we reported that Duracell dominated the market, with Energizer and Rayovac...

Low-draw LED Anchor Light

On the back page of the Fall 1999 Davis catalog are six new products—amber, red and white LED Clusters™ in either single- or double-contact...

Living on a Boat Off Grid: What No One Explains

Living on a boat off-grid sounds simple until you actually try it. No shore power. No marina hookups. No endless electricity. Just batteries, solar,...

Latest Sailboat Review

Union 36 Used Boat Review

While not the best boat for light-air sailing, the Union 36 is a good sailboat for the bluewater cruiser. It wont get you there fast, but it will get you there comfortably and in one piece. The boats teak decks and lavish use of interior wood is attractive but requires much upkeep and maintenance. A product of the Taiwan-U.S. boatbuilding industry, the Union 36 is a heavy-displacement, full-keel, cutter-rigged double-ender designed for ocean sailing. The Union 36 is nearly identical to several other boats built during the same period: the Hans Christian 36, Mariner Polaris 36, and the EO36. According to well-known naval architect Bob Perry, the Union 36 and its cousins are all based on the design of a 34-footer that Perry was commissioned to create back in the early 70s.