Communications

PredictWind Satcom Reviews

Unless you plan to have Internet access where youre sailing, its essential to set up the service on the PredictWind website before setting sail....

A Look at PLB Battery Life

Analyzing the resultsOnce all of Imanna’s numbers were crunched—decibels above 1 microvolt (dBμV) are converted to decibels above 1 milliwatt (dBm), the antenna gain...

Remote VHF Mics Test

0)]Standard Horizon RAM3Standard Horizon’s RAM3 remote microphone provides full remote control of its Quantum, Matrix, Quest-X, Quest+, and Phantom series fixed VHF radios. This...

Is the SEND Device Message Loud and Clear?

Tracking AegeanAs a result of the Aegean incident, GEOS has changed its protocol for responding to alerts with no position data. Now, when a...

Feature Loaded High-end VHFs

Standard Horizon GX2150The GX2150 Matrix AIS+ has a built-in dual-channel AIS receiver that allows the VHF to display AIS target information, including MMSI, call...

A Rundown on Common VHF Features and Functions

AquaQuake: A draining function specific to Icom radios; a vibrating "buzz" clears water from the speaker grill.Noise-canceling: Reduces background noise, so you can be...

Useful and Fun Nautical Apps for iPad

Instrument DisplayThese apps replicate onboard instrument displays, using the iPad’s GPS information.• Marine SailMaster HD: The Marine SailMaster HD app, designed by Leland Roys,...

Practical Sailor Reviews Iridium and Inmarsat Satphones

Iridium’s new 9575 satellite phone is a step up from its current 9555 and should be available at presstime. It is called the Iridium...

USCG Safety Alert Concerning DSC-equipped VHFs

Most of today’s fixed VHF marine radios come equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability, and many high-end handheld VHFs do as well. For...

Local Loft Versus Web-based Service

Not every sailor has a selection of local sailmakers to choose from. He or she must instead rely on Internet research and phone conversations...

A Rival for Island Packet, Made in China – Outbound 46...

Like Kraken Yachts and some Passport sailboats, Outbound Yachts are made in China. It's heavy like an Island Packet, but fast like a Beneteau....

Latest Sailboat Review

Pearson 303 Used Boat Review

The Pearson 303, introduced in 1983, is a fairly typical example of the kind of work Pearson was doing in the mid-1980s, continuing until...