Simple, Portable Heads: Thetford owns the Throne
Our evaluation of six dead-simple porta-potties finds top quality in Thetford's 155, a Best Buy in Sealand's Sanipottie, and an odorless miracle in Pooh-Powder.
Perko, Hella, and Orca Green Shine
LED running lights are getting better all the time. Hella Marine's new NaviLED Pro series just manages to edge out Perko's 170 Series for top honors in our test, while Orca Green Marine makes the best LED tri-color.
DC Electrical Distribution Panels: Blue Sea Systems on Top
Blue Sea Systems' 8023, with its excellent warranty, intuitive labeling, and bright night lighting, is our choice for an accessory DC panel. Newmar's panels are easy to work with, but need better lighting.
Battery Selector Switches
We pushed 11 of the most popular battery selector switches on the market to their rated limits. Blue Seas edged BEP by a hair as the top standard-duty switch, while Perko has the best heavy-duty switch.
Trolling Motor Test
Minn Kota's 3X steering and ergonomic features push the RT80/S-3X past the competition in the 80-lb. thrust class. In the 50-lb. class, we like the no-frills MotorGuide SW46 HT.
12-Volt Booster Packs
Wal-Mart's EverStart booster delivers a lot of cold cranking amps for the money, but lacks a light. The versatile Xantrex Powerpack 300 Plus, is a do-it-all booster and a good choice for smaller boats.
Cabin Heater Update
After a test report was published in the Jan. 1, 2005 issue on eight small portable electric heaters, a number of readers contacted Practical...
Portable Gas Generators
Excellent voltage stability gives the Yamaha top honors among the inverter-type gas generators. For a less expensive, but louder, option we'd take the Briggs & Stratton.
Portable Cabin Heaters
Among the 12V models, the Back Seat is tops; among the 110 V models, we like the Caframo; and the alcohol-powered Origo is always a reliable standby.
Washdown Pumps
If you need a lot of flow-and have the dough-get the Groco. Otherwise, we like the two models from Johnson and the $85 SHURflo.
Lithium Batteries on Sailboats: The 3 Mistakes Everyone Makes
Lithium batteries are one of the most popular sailboat upgrades today—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. In this Practical Sailor Saturday episode,...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet Estero Used Boat Review
Florida-based Island Packet targets a relatively narrow niche, so the toughest competitors to its new boats are often older Island Packets. Introduced in 2010, the 36-foot, shoal-draft Estero is the company’s latest attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray too far from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. After sailing the Estero on Florida’s Sarasota Bay and inspecting its interior, construction, and systems, Practical Sailor testers noted that the shoal-water cruiser will appeal strongest to Island Packet fans who’ve been waiting for a shoal-draft, easy-to-sail boat that compares to the IP37 in terms of interior space. These strengths will be most apparent on intracoastal or riverine adventures like the Great Loop.