VHFs for Hearing Challenged
Like an increasing number of senior sailors, I require hearing aids to effectively communicate. However, in the cockpit of a sailboat-with the wind blowing...
Testing Telemedicines Limits
Early into the 645-mile race between Marion, Mass., and the island of Bermuda in 2009, trouble brewed aboard the C&C 40 Corsair. The bizarre...
An Experiment in Boosting Wi-Fi the DIY Way
In November 2010, Practical Sailor posted a Reader Workbench article written by subscriber Ed Mini of Mystic, Conn., on a do-it-yourself Wi-Fi booster/antenna assembled...
The SPOT Sat Phone
The number and popularity of satellite-based communication gadgets have grown rapidly over the last few years. These devices range from one-way communication electronics like...
Comparing Class B AIS Transceivers
The popularity of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) has grown exponentially in recent years, particularly among small- to mid-sized cruising sailboats. Lower costs have played...
Marine Handheld VHFs Test
While technologies like cellular and satellite phones have revolutionized onboard communication, they are still just supplements to the good-ole marine-band VHF radio. VHF radios...
Where Credit Is Due: April 2013
Raymarine and West MarineAbout six months ago, I bought a Raymarine Smart Controller remote for my autopilot. It is a great unit that I...
DeLorme inReach vs. Iridium Extreme
Many love the solitude that sailing offers, but not necessarily the limited (or non-existent) communications that can accompany it. For those sailors, there are...
Plotting Your Escape in the Age of Satcom
I wanted to try a little experiment this week. Something safe, with little risk of getting hurt. Something I could do while drinking coffee...
Satcom Moves a Little Closer to Affordable
The type and send feature lets users type messages on the fly and send them to contacts, selected social-media networks, or emergency personnel. The...
The AMAZING 50 Footer You’ve Never Heard Of – Pegasus 50...
A 50 footer packed with innovation for shorthanded cruising, the Pegasus 50 has features like carbon fiber rig, bulkheads, and bimini. When compared to...
Latest Sailboat Review
Pacific Seacraft 34 and 37
Pacific Seacraft was founded in 1976 by Henry Morschladt and Mike Howarth, who first produced 25-foot daysailers. Like many boatbuilders, the company suffered during...