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...

$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!