Vesper Class B AIS Sea Trial
During a recent passage from Sarasota, Fla., to Havana, Cuba, Practical Sailor had the chance to compare the new Vesper XB-8000 Class B AIS...
USCG Now Allows Digital Instead of Print Charts
Heralding in a new era for electronic navigation, the U.S. Coast Guard recently published guidance that allows mariners to satisfy chart-carriage requirements using electronic...
In the Perfect Position to Fail
For centuries, navigators have been coping with two key variables that convey major consequence. The first is the quest for an accurate position fix,...
Sonar that Sees Whats Ahead
Most depthfinders are historical instruments. They collect and display information from the recent past-not the best arrangement for the sailor. By the time the...
Playing with Cards
As we dug into the topic of electronic storage media-the memory cards we use for routine software updates on our marine electronics-we found that...
Garmin 741xs Goes Wireless
Photos by Frank Lanier
Planned obsolescence is probably the most irksome way to keep manufacturing costs down and inspire us to buy stuff. Each time...
Ray e7 Gets Makeover
In December 2013, we installed Raymarines e7D multifunction display (MFD) on our test boat, a 1978 Union 36, as part of long-term testing and...
Wireless Multiplexers
ConclusionIf your needs are fairly simple-combining an AIS with an NMEA 0183 instrument, for example-the Digital Yacht MUX100 and WLN10 or 10HS may be...
A NMEA 2000-and Beyond-Survival Guide
NMEA 2000 (aka NMEA 2K or N2K) is the communication standard replacing NMEA 0183. It is a technical standard (IEC 61162-3) used for connecting...
Updating Onboard Electronics with N2K
A sailboat is no place for unnecessary complexity, which was the direction we were headed on my Beneteau 39, Breeze Pleeze, when it came...
A Terrible Sailing Accident – SV Platino
This week, a cautionary tale of sailing vessel Platino. A sailing accident, equipment failure leading to dismasting and rescue. We discuss what led up...
Latest Sailboat Review
Beneteau First 375 Used Boat Review
A Mexican vacation with her husband had Debbie Bulk dreaming of a better way to see local village life, away from the regular tourist...