Coleman Wins Cooler Cool-Off
The Ultimate Extreme Marine from Coleman and the expensive Frigid Rigid hold ice longer than comparably sized portable coolers from Igloo, Rubbermaid and Icey-Tek.
PS Advisor: 11/15/05
Holding TanksI'm planning to install a holding tank in my Pearson Vanguard. I've spent a little time researching the options, but I'm having trouble...
DC Watermakers: Expensive but Useful for the Cruising Sailor
Reverse-osmosis watermakers run from $3,000 to over $8,000, and though many are similar, close examination is required for the buyer who wants the right one for his or her onboard needs.
Battery Chargers: Newmar Earns Best Buy Status
Mastervolt's 12/25-3 has it all, but Newmar's PT-25 is the best value. Charles Industries' 2000SP is well-suited for lead-acid batteries, while models from Guest and Promariner have shortcomings.
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.






















