Electronics+Navigations

Touchscreen Navigation from Lowrance

by Adam Cort, Posted January 4, 2013

Lowrance has expanded its HDS Gen2 range to include the new wide-format, touchscreen HDS Gen2 Touch line. Available in 7-, 9- and 12-inch screen sizes, the units not only serve as powerful chartplotters, but can be integrated with Lowrance Broadband Radar.

Intellicast Boating App for the iPhone and iPad

by Donald McLennan, Posted December 7, 2012

For sailors who rely on smartphones, a good weather forecasting app is essential. Intellicast Boating for iPhone and iPad by Weather Services International (WSI) claims to be “the most technically advanced site-specific weather forecasting system in the world today,” and I tend to agree.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide

by Adam Cort, Posted December 4, 2012

Think your sailing sweetheart, your old man or your competitive kid has everything they need and more for getting out on the water? The editors at SAIL come to your rescue with practical, fun and stylish new items the helmsperson in your life won't be able to resist.

Compact Chartplotters: Big Value in a Small Box

by Ralph Naranjo, Posted December 3, 2012

Not every sailor wants or needs a large-screen chartplotter mounted on a binnacle or bulkhead, and for these sailors there is now a wide range of smaller, much less expensive digital charting alternatives.

Yellowbrick 3 Tracking & Messaging

by Adam Cort, Posted November 17, 2012

Stay in touch with the folks back home with the Yellowbrick 3, which harnesses the power of Iridium satellites to transmit position data and to send and receive messages from any point on the globe.

Smartphone Anchor Watch

by Donald McLennan, Posted November 8, 2012

Many onboard electronics systems include anchor-watch alarms that sound if a boat drifts too far from where you anchored it. But what if you’re ashore at that time?

Apps for Sailors: Smartphone AIS

by Donald McLennan, Posted October 11, 2012

While Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) have been appearing on more commercial and recreational vessels, many sailors still find it to be cost-prohibitive. As an alternative, I recently used a combination of smartphone apps and AIS websites...

Charge, Protect and Listen to Your Tunes

by Adam Cort, Posted July 6, 2012

The SoliCharger functions as a carrying case, charger and speaker system for iPhones, iPods, cell phones, MP3 players or even a Sony PlayStation.

Essential Sailing Apps

by Lindsey Silken, Posted June 26, 2012

While your smartphone or tablet will never take the place of your other onboard electronics, it never hurts to have a backup. Loading up with a bunch of apps to help you get from point A to point B can also be a lot of fun, whether you’re underway or planning your next cruise from the comfort of your office or living room. Here are a few we’d recommend.

Digital Tracking Systems

by Ralph Naranjo, Posted June 13, 2012

Some might say that seamanship has been sidelined by technology, with safety and security more dependent on button pushing than sail changing. There may be some truth to this. But at the same time, there’s no question that today’s technology does fill some very real needs.