Battery Monitors: The E-Meter Vs. the Sophisticated SALT
In the February 15, 1997 issue, we reviewed battery monitors and stated that Cruising Equipments E-Meter was the only one of the four models...
Crimp Connections: AMP Super Champ and Ancor Our Top Picks
One of the most nettlesome areas of boating electronics is making dependable wire connections that will last for years. Because marine elements are conspiring...
5-Model Genset Bench Test
An article in the June, 1997 issue about small gensets struck a chord with readers. The report was of the type we call a...
Odyssey: A Lightweight 12-volt With Punch
The first thing we can tell you about the 12-volt Odyssey battery is that it came in the mail—UPS to be exact—which is an...
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...
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...
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...
The Expensive Rolls Still a Best Buy in Deep Cycle Batteries
Traditional lead-acid (flooded) batteries have been with us for decades. The basic technology has been improved and refined, but still remains the same chemical...
Cabin Fan Test: Hella, Caframo Blow Best Breeze for the Buck
There are lots of things that can make being aboard a boat unpleasant. Among them: Too little wind, seasickness, crowded waterways, rain, guests with...
Offshore Log: An Evolution in EPIRBs
Sailing shorthanded makes you think a lot about safety. Even after you develop confidence in your boats ability to take what the ocean hands...