Getting Greenland Ice Charts By Satellite Phone

by John January 1, 2005

Question: What can you tell me about receiving Greenland ice charts by satellite phone?  Is it a good solution and more reliable than weather fax?

GSM Phone

by John January 1, 2005

Question: I recently purchased a GSM phone for when I travel on business and pleasure to Europe and Asia. What interests me is how do I arrange in advance the software and Sim cards for say Hong Kong, so that when I am there, I can get my e-mail as well as use the phone [...]

Forward Scan Sonar

by John January 1, 2006

Question: We are looking at sonar options for use in areas with poor charts and low visibility. Our interest is primarily for checking anchorages and narrow passages, looking for obstructions. We have a small plotter/sounder in the dinghy, but nobody wants to go out in the dink when it is cold and rainy (and warm [...]

Which Navtex Receiver Should I Buy?

by John January 1, 2006

Question: I’m planning to purchase a navtex receiver (NASA model, made in UK), so your comments about your experiences with navtex captured my attention. I wouldn’t want to purchase something that didn’t have a good track record where it counts. We considered the Furuno, but based on [magazine] reviews, the NASA model would suit us [...]

Radar Scanner Position

by John April 1, 2008
The stern of aluminum sailboat Morgan's Cloud showing the radar mast and antennas, taken in Hinlopen Strait, Svalbard, with pack ice closing in behind.

Question: What is your preference regarding the best place to mount a radar antenna? As far as we can tell from the pictures of Morgan’s Cloud you have mounted yours on a pole aft. Our previous experience with radars tells us that the antenna should be as high and free as possible. Wouldn’t a radar [...]

Keeping Time

by Phyllis October 1, 2009
Timex Ironman 30 Lap watch

Question: What do you use for time keeping at sea? If you use a wristwatch then which one?

Q&A Radar Reflectors and/or AIS Transponders

by John May 3, 2011
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Question [Edited for brevity]: We have been upgrading the safety equipment on board our boat and are thinking of installing radar reflectors to amplify and enhance the radar signal we create to alerting oncoming vessels of our position during offshore sailing in bad weather and heavy seas. The Echomax Active-XS-Dual Band reflector seems very good, [...]