Gear: Standard Horizon Handheld HX870 Radio
March 9, 2015
These HX series handhelds are full-fledged DSC radios with all the direct/group calling and position polling features found on fixed radios.
These HX series handhelds are full-fledged DSC radios with all the direct/group calling and position polling features found on fixed radios.
Take the Weather With You A new star among the constellation of weather apps
The fixed camera on the stern of Vestas Wind captured the worst possible unintended gybe. That’s when you’re blasting along at 19 knots through a tropical night offshore, and your Volvo Ocean 65 suddenly smashes its way up onto a reef, shearing off the rudders and spinning 180 degrees as the waves and wind take total control
Having accurate tide and current information is invaluable when planning your trip through shallow waters or anticipating tidal changes when setting your anchor. Many of the popular navigation apps include tides and currents.
Billing itself as the “world’s smallest PLB,” Ocean Signal’s rescueME PLB1 measures just 3in high by 2in wide and 1in deep. Specific features include a retractable antenna, 66-channel GPS receiver, fully functional 406MHz satellite transmitter, a 121.5MHz homing beacon and a strobe.
Garmin’s GNX 20 and 21 instruments allow trimmers, drivers and navigators to get all the information they want, when they want it, no matter what the conditions. Measuring 4in across, the glass-bonded, monochrome displays feature over 50 different vessel parameters, including depth, wind, speed, course over ground, distance to waypoint and other navigational data.
SAIL electronics editor, Ben Ellison, says Bluetooth-equipped My Team Talks headsets are an outstanding piece of gear for those who want to make sure all hands know what’s going on when, say, anchoring in a stiff breeze.
MotionX-GPS ($1.99 iPhone) or MotionX-GPS HD ($1.99 iPad) from MotionX hosts a rich set of GPS and map features to provide a customizable map display, an interactive navigation interface and a digital compass on your iPhone or iPad.
Rechargeable, water-resistant, tactical-grade flashlight includes ultra-bright 1,006-lumen LED bulb and weather-resistant housing. Includes a two-way USB port to power and charge other devices, and include an AC/DC charger. Corded or cordless. Lithium-Ion battery.
Recent upgrades to Jeppesen’s MAX-N cartography, which is used on Lowrance, Simrad and B&G Zeus Touch multifunction displays, provide navigators with a host of new features
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