marine - Ocean Navigator

15 Nov

Electronic wind indicators

Bill MorrisMarine Electronics Newslettermarine

by Bill Morris Whether you are racing or cruising, knowing your precise wind speed and direction while underway contributes greatly to sailing strategy as you count down the miles remaining to your destination. But before you run to your local chandlery to select a digital or analog wind sensor and display, consider the wide array of options in these systems and find the package best suited to your needs. Some wind indicators are available as stand-alone units while others are included as part of a larger kit, which may include a thru-hull depth finder with transducer and a GPS receiver…

VHF antenna mounts

Bill MorrisMarine Electronics Newslettermarine, VHF, VHF antenna

by Bill Morris While we are perusing the various types and brands of radios for our boat’s nav station, we should give ample attention not only to what type of VHF antenna we intend to install, but the mounting system for that antenna as well. Holding the antenna securely to the deck, mast or aft pulpit plays a critical role in getting our signal out efficiently and safely, especially in an emergency. To be sure, if you are crossing oceans, you will undoubtedly carry, at the very least, an antenna for your marine SSB or ham radio station, but we’ll…

High-gain cellular antennas

Bill MorrisMarine Electronics Newslettermarine, marine electronics

Getting out on the boat in coastal waters can separate us from important phone calls from family and the office that we’d rather not miss. That is, unless our boat is equipped with a high-gain marine cellular antenna. The Marine weBoost Drive Reach Cell Signal Booster is a great example of the accessibility and power available for cell phones within 15 to 20 miles offshore. “This kit includes a high-gain outside antenna for either the RFI 82-inch Whip or the Poynting high-gain omni antenna,” explained Marketing Director Chad Steglich of Powerful Signal of Hurricane, Utah. The 29.5-inch Poynting OMNI-493 UV-stable…