NEWS & NOTES
an optional Mase diesel generator
and provide ample storage.
The cockpit and saloon are on the
same level, separated by a weathertight hinged door. The saloon, galley,
and helm occupy the same cabin and
feature 360-degree visibility through
high-quality Diamond/Sea-Glaze
windows. The forward windows are
raked so water easily streams for
better visibility when running at
speed. Accommodations include a
full-beam V-berth master stateroom
and en-suite head.
The Cutwater line of boats will
be built at a dedicated facility in
Monroe, Washington, ensuring
high-quality construction, as well
as cost efficiencies from utilizing
Fluid Motion’s experienced crew
of builders and craftspeople. Base
prices are $139,937 for the Cutwater
26 and $169,937 for the Cutwater
28. For more information, email
markmansfield@cutwaterboats.com
or log on to www.cutwater
boats.com.—J.W.
SATELLITE HANDSET WARS:
THE EPILOGUE
In last issue’s “Electronics”
column, titled “LEOs vs. GEOs,” we
examined the fierce competition for
market share in the satellite phone
handset industry. The article noted a
penchant for those in the industry to
hire consulting firms to compare
different brands of satellite phones
and then issue a thick “white paper”
finding fault with the competition.
In the most recent example
cited, the consulting firm of Frost
& Sullivan, hired by Iridium, found
the Iridium 9555 “superior to the
Inmarsat phone in most measurable
areas,” including consistently good
performance in all test locations,
faster network acquisition, faster call
connection, and better call quality
and network performance. The
exception was price: at $599, the
Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro costs about
half as much as the Iridium 9555.
