Torries

core, the GX6500 features a

66- channel VHF with built-in

GPS; it can send and receive

Class B AIS data and share

both AIS and DSC data with

the vessel’s navigation system

via an NMEA 0183 or NMEA

2000 backbone. Additionally,

the fixed-mount VHF can be

paired with up to five Standard

Horizon RAM4W wired or

wireless mics, and it sports a

dual-zone 25-watt loudhailer

that features listen-back and

fog signals. The unit has a dedi-

cated NMEA 2000 port as well

as two kinds of voice scram-

bling for sensitive or private

conversations.

Standard Horizon is also

expected to release the

Quantum GX6000, which

shares the same features as

the GX6500 but uses a listen-

only AIS receiver. Both the

GX6500 and the GX6000

rely on dual antennas (one

for VHF, one for AIS), which

adds some installation com-

plication but should help

ensure that communications

are never missed.

As of this writing, both the

GX6500 and the GX6000

were awaiting FCC approval.

Once this is granted, the

radios are expected to

retail for $800 and $500,

respectively.

Weego Takes Charge

In researching new gear that

should make an appearance at

this winter’s and spring’s boat

shows, I came across another

item worth mentioning.

Weego understands that

without power, most modern

sailboats don’t leave the

anchorage. Recognizing that

dead batteries can ruin the

day, the company has intro-

duced a new line of portable

power solutions designed

to give your boat (or smart

device) a jump-start. Weego’s

product line includes the

jump-start-only Weego 22S

($75), as well as the Weego

22 ($100), Weego 44 ($150)

and Weego 66 ($200). The

Weego 22, 44 and 66 units all

include a USB charger, which

provides a fast charge for

devices like cellphones and

tablets, while also featuring

an IP65 weatherproof rating

and a built-in flashlight. The

new portable chargers rely

on lithium-polymer batteries

and include Weego’s patented

Smarty Clamps jump-start

system; the Weego 44 and 66

batteries also feature 12- and

19-volt outputs.

David Schmidt is CW’s

electronics editor.

BOATS & GEAR

The compact yet powerful Weego units can jump-start your

diesel and charge nearly everything on board.

january/february 2017

cruisingworld.com

108

now on military,

rescue & lifeboats

800 675 1105

http://www.speedseal.com

Upgrade

kits available

RUN-DRY

Award winning Bearing Encased*

COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURER

CRW0217_RV1_electronics (Schmidt).indd 108 11/22/16 10:03 AM