Cobra Two-Way (GMRS) Radios

GMRS radios – often called civilian pattern – are ideal companions to marine VHF radios. Popular for many years, Cobra has introduced a new pair that impressed us and our boating companions. We have always used these products for communication between dinghy and “mother” ship or between buddy boaters who want to talk freely without using priority VHF channels. These are called “civilian” because their use requires no license and range is limited to about fifteen miles or so.

The new Cobra models, the CXT135 and CXT235, are similar in look and feel but the 235 features a full NOAA weather alert capability as well as an All Hazards audible alert feature. Both radios have rechargeable Li-ION battery packs. Advanced models in this line have a Rewind-Say-Again feature that is proving to be popular safety feature on their marine VHF radio line. This feature repeats the last 15 seconds of any radio call to allow full hearing and understanding of an important call that might otherwise be missed.

The CXT 135 retails for about $50 while the more powerful CXT 235 is suggested retail priced at about $60.00.

www.cobra.com


Neptunus 650F Review

Neptunus 650F 400

By Andy Adams

Over the years Canadian Yachting has had the pleasure of doing several boat review articles on new Neptunus models and we are familiar with the qualities that Neptunus is famous for. They have all been exceptional yachts, but this is the one I would most want to own myself. It’s a personal choice and a matter of taste as to whether you would prefer to have a sedan express model or a flybridge but in my opinion, the flybridge layout offers some wonderful attributes.

We met with Neptunus Managing Director Jan Willem De Jong this past fall to take the new Neptunus 650F out in Lake Ontario. 

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Destinations

The Other Virgin Islands

Sunset off St John

By Mark Stevens

I was first seduced by the United States Virgin Islands during a ferry ride from St. Thomas to Tortola to begin one of our earliest British Virgin Islands charters nearly twenty years ago.

A perfect sunset off St. John with St. Thomas views for backdrop.

Clearing Pillsbury Sound, surrounded by voluptuous emerald mountains as the ferry sliced through royal blue waters, I was struck by the unspoiled ambiance of St. John, the island gliding past our starboard beam and the irresistible charm of a village called Cruz Bay visible from our quarter stern.

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