Gear & Buying Guides
Honest reviews of the kit that actually matters on a boat. Tested-and- compared picks across price points, refreshed annually. We use affiliate links where available — the recommendations are the same ones we'd give a friend.
Best Handheld VHF 2026
Five handheld marine VHF radios compared — Standard Horizon HX890, Icom IC-M94D (with AIS), Icom IC-M37, and budget picks. With buying-guide on DSC, IPX rating, and battery life.
Best EPIRB & PLB 2026
EPIRB vs PLB explained, plus tested picks — Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB1, ACR GlobalFix V5, Ocean Signal PLB1, ACR ResQLink View. Plus Cat I vs II, GPS, battery dates, and registration.
Best Sailing Lifejacket 2026
Five lifejackets compared — Spinlock Deckvest 6D and VITO, Crewsaver Crewfit, kids and foam picks. With buying guide on 150N vs 170N, hammer vs hydrostatic, sprayhood, and PLB integration.
Best Sailing Liferaft 2026
Five liferafts from coastal to bluewater premium — Plastimo, Ocean Safety, Crewsaver, Viking, Switlik. With buying guide on ISO 9650-1 vs 9650-2, cradle vs valise, Pack 1 vs Pack 2, and 10-year ownership cost.