May 17, 2013
Exposure’s X2 searchlight endorsed by the Norwegian Sea Rescue Association
The Norwegian Sea Rescue Association (NSRA), Redningsselskapet, has recommended the British made Exposure Marine X2 search light for the professional and recreational marine market, by adding it to their existing range of recommended safety equipment. The NSRA, Norway’s equivalent to the British based RNLI, a voluntary, membership-based organisation that aims to save lives and protect the environment, runs a fleet of high speed rescue craft based at 57 stations along the Norwegian coast. The X2 is to be used and tested throughout the fleet. Operating in near arctic conditions, man overboard (MOB) and rescue situations become ever more life threatening due to the cold. The NSRA chose the X2 due to its MOB related features, including a brilliant 700 lumens searchlight, as well as its high-powered SOS and Strobe facility easily visible from over
May 17, 2013
Deck-Guard Announces Debut of Solar-powered Bird Repeller for Use on Boats.
Deck-Guard, llc. announced the launch of their new ultrasonic, solar-powered bird repeller for use on boats. “Ask yourself this question…As a boat owner, how much time do you spend cleaning your boat of bird droppings?” asks George Telheiro, CEO of Deck-Guard, llc. “Wouldn’t you rather be spending that time enjoying your boat? Absolutely! That’s what Deck-Guard offers the pleasure boater.” Masts, spreaders, canvas covers, radars, and railings on boats provide perfect perches for birds. Bird droppings can stain canvas covers and other surfaces and can be difficult to clean. Gulls, cormorants, pelicans and pigeons commonly use boats to land on. If neglected, bird droppings can stain
May 16, 2013
2Tinga Tunnel Hull Dinghy – Amazing New Yacht Tender
Originally developed for high-speed search and rescue use where the virtues of an inflatable boat are well-proven, but where speed and seaworthiness are equally important, the 2Tinga tunnel hull dinghies are now available in yacht tender designs and colours. The tunnel hull design has another major benefit to yacht owners; it is easily towed, even at high speeds. Using your swim platform for a dinghy storage rack is not ideal and towing a dinghy at speed can be tricky and a waste of fuel too.
May 14, 2013
McMurdo Fast Find 220 Personal Locator Beacon
The McMurdo Fast Find 220 is a powerful distress beacon providing a direct method of alerting search and rescue authorities where no other forms of communication are available, using the 406 MHz search and rescue satellite communication system, COSPAS SARSAT. Also transmits a 121.5MHz homing signal.
April 25, 2013
Raymarine Dragonfly Delivers Amazing Views Of The Underwater World
Share your underwater images for the chance to win Dragonfly prizes. Raymarine’s innovative and award-winning DragonflyTM is the latest high-technology sonar that has to be seen to be believed. Now available internationally through marine retailers and dealers, all boaters want to get their hands on the compact, stand-alone, high clarity colour screen sonar and GPS chartplotter. Dragonfly’s technology provides two independent channels enabling the ultimate in fish targeting through its CHIRP ClearPulse technology, with amazing
April 25, 2013
Men’s SeaRacer + GripX3 Sneaker From Sperry
Men’s SeaRacer + GripX3 Sneaker Whether you’re sailing a dinghy or a big boat, peak performance requires maximum traction. Sperry Top-Sider introduces GripX3 Technology™. A patent pending innovation that provides sailors ultimate grab and grip through a unique and lab tested combination ofAdaptive Wave Siping™ and Hydro Grip™ rubber.
April 25, 2013
Paynes Marine Group Introduces Marine Business Tablewear
Paynes Marine Group has introduced Marine Business products to Canada. Marine Business S.A. was created in 1985 in Barcelona and is specialized in high-end nautical equipment for your comfort on board in tableware, kitchens, cabins, bathrooms and on deck. All their collections are created and designed to make life on board more enjoyable and comfortable. Marine Business products are designed and created to save space, they are unbreakable, non slip, adaptable, windproof and anti-tip.
April 24, 2013
OS2 Marine Jacket from Gill
A versatile performer capable of standing up to the toughest offshore and coastal conditions whilst keeping you dry and comfortable. Made from Gill’s durable 3 Dot™ fabric, creating an incredibly waterproof, windproof and breathable protective shell. The OS2 is everything an offshore coastal jacket needs to be. Features: – Deep cargo pockets with secure closure with handwarmer pockets behind – Retractable outer cuffs with PU inner seals for watertight comfort
April 5, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 8000 MFD and GPSMAP 8500 Black Box Series Integrates the Look and Feel of a Glass Helm
Garmin International recently announced the GPSMAP 8000 Glass Helm series, their newest flagship series of multi-function devices. Introducing a true glass helm appearance into the boating industry, the GPSMAP 8000 Glass Helm series boasts powerful new features and a revamped user-interface with a streamlined design that can make any helm look custom-built. Offering an 8-inch SVGA, 12-inch and 15-inch XGA multi-touch, pinch-to-zoom multi-function display, the GPSMAP 8000 MFD series boasts a lower profile than previous multi-function models.
April 5, 2013
Garmin quatix™ Marine Watch Provides More Information at Sea
Garmin International has announced quatix™, its first GPS watch designed for avid mariners, both power and sail. Quatix combines the most pivotal marine features and provides both comprehensive navigation and sailing capabilities while integrating Garmin’s industry-leading GPS technology and user-friendly interface. Quatix puts the most important boating information on your wrist. Quatix has features never before seen in one individual boating watch. In addition to Garmin’s easy-to-use interface and wireless integration with pre-existing Garmin marine devices, quatix is a great aide for mariners of any type.
March 27, 2013
SafeLink R10 wins Marine Innovation Awards
The SafeLink R10, Overall Winner of the 2012 Pittman Innovation Awards and winner of a 2012 Chuck Husick Marine Technology Award, is worn on a lifejacket and activated by sliding off the safety tab and lifting an arming cap to deploy the antenna. The compact, lightweight unit sends alert messages, GPS position and a special identity code directly to AIS receivers within approximately a four mile radius. A flashing LED light aids location at night.
March 27, 2013
Edson Introduces New Carbon Vortex Wheel
Edson’s latest addition to their custom sailboat wheel offerings is the new carbon, teak, and holly Vortex Wheel. It features elegant design details of alternating wood and composite materials that will serve as a stylish centerpiece to any racing or cruising yacht. The advanced design also boasts a lightweight structure that will add to the featherlight touch that the most demanding skippers require. A further hint of sophistication can even be added by including the name of the yacht on the wheel hub. This wheel is available in a range of diameters and can be made suite various wheel shaft sizes.
March 27, 2013
Kannad Marine SafeLink EPIRB
The Kannad Marine SafeLink 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) has integral GPS for highly accurate position information. It works on the global COSPAS SARSAT search and rescue satellite system, which is supported by international government search and rescue authorities around the world, so a call for help will be acted upon and fast. The ultra compact and stylish 406 MHz SafeLink represents the next generation in EPIRB technology. It is the first EPIRB to have an integrated antenna, enabling the compact size -and a user-replaceable battery, making future battery changes easier and more economical for the owner (for non legislated applications only). Waterproof and floats upright, allowing it to be tethered to a life raft and left to transmit.
February 27, 2013
Delorme inReach App Extends Smartphone Capabilities
New Earthmate app from DeLorme transforms your smartphone or tablet into a two-way text-messaging global communications device and GPS viewer, with the latest terrain and road details. While your average smartphone is great in places where people drink lattes (the 10% of the world that has cell phone coverage), with inReach you’re connected everywhere. Whether you’re crossing Antarctica or the Sahara, you’ll have reliable coverage on the other 90% of the earth.
February 26, 2013
Keep the Tension Where You Need it with a CamJam Tightener
Whether you’re setting up equipment or bundling and attaching extra gear to your bag, Nite Ize’s new CamJam and CamJam Small Cord Tighteners will make any tightening a stress-free task. Compact and lightweight, this innovative new product is designed to lock light loads securely into place with a simple pull of a cord. Simple in structure and versatile in use, this CamJam Cord Tightener will be any outdoor enthusiast’s new best friend! The CamJam Cord Tightener is an easy, knot-free way to tighten, tension, and secure cords. It may be small in size, but if offers big functionality where you
January 31, 2013
Bennett SLT Trim Tabs
Bennett, a well-regarded manufacturer of hydraulic trim tabs, has recently introduced “passive” trim tabs that do not need power. These are available in six-inch width for boats 10 to 14’, and in 10-inch width for boats 14 to 20’. Using only unpowered hydraulic actuators of Bennett’s own design, these tabs will provide bow-down control at speed, at prices below $200, much less than their powered siblings.
January 31, 2013
Blue Sea USB Charger
With the rapid proliferation of smart phones and portable electronics that all need to be recharged, the engineers at Blue Sea have created a simple dash-mounted 12-volt fitting that has two separate USB receptacles for recharging. It is also available in a standard cigarette lighter adapter plug for boats with that fitting available.
January 31, 2013
Pirit Heated Hose
Fresh water freezes in winter so what do you do when you need water all winter? Recognizing this need, Paulin & Co. developed just the product, an electrically heated garden hose. With heating elements fabricated right into its walls, the 5/8-inch hose has its power supply through an electrical cord at the supply end. It can be set to operate automatically and turn on at 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) and off at 57 degrees F (14 degrees C) or higher.
January 31, 2013
Captain Phab Aluminum Magic Cleaner
We have always been impressed with the Captain Phab line of cleaners (the Purple Power Cleaner and Black Streak Remover both tested very well in our onboard trial last year). They have a new cleaner designed just for aluminum, which so easily oxidizes and turns grey and powdery in our environments. The new acid-free Aluminum Magic and its partner Aluminum Brighter gel are just what boaters need to keep those aluminum bits looking clean and ship-shape.
January 31, 2013
Caframo Hatch-Mount Fan
Recognized for innovation at the recent International Boatbuilders Exhibition, Caframo’s new under-hatch-mounted fan is a terrific addition to sail or powerboats alike. Using manually activated suction cups the new Taku 12-volt fan will mount under all makes of deck hatches that are at least 16 inches in width. The fan unit itself pivots and is also hinged so it can blow in almost any direction, either exhausting air or blowing fresh air inside.
January 31, 2013
Kannad Safe-Link R-10
Kannad of Britain has launched a personal safety device that triggers an AIS signal instead of a typical distress call on the 406 MHz band. The Safe-Link R-10 is a very compact device that is designed to be mounted on the manual inflator hose of a collar-style PFD. Once armed at the start of a watch or a cruise, it will be triggered by a quick downward pull of the attached lanyard. It will then transmit its AIS signal with updated GPS coordinates over a range of up to four miles, and will operate for up to 24 hours.
January 31, 2013
Navionics SonarCharts
Navionics has greatly improved the resolution of its electronic charting of underwater landforms with new high-definition data that draws true bottom contour lines. Created by integrating existing hydrographic data with sonar logs received from the extensive Navionics user community, these new SonarCharts provide up-to-date detail with a level of accuracy not previously available. This new software is compatible with Platinum+ cartography packages for iPad and iPhone at retail prices of $5.00 and $10.00 respectively.
January 31, 2013
3M 90-day Duct Tape
Just when we thought there was nothing new in duct tape, the original inventor, 3M, has developed one that has an extended 90-day life in direct sunlight. Users will admit that, for all its usefulness, traditional duct tape will lose its effectiveness if left outside. Ultraviolet rays are the culprit and they will soon destroy the backing of other duct tapes, leaving them useless. This new longer-life tape will give an honest 90-day outdoor life. In red only, about $10 per roll.
January 31, 2013
Scotty Trap Puller
Scotty has a winner with their new trap puller. Fitting into a standard Scotty gunwale mount, this puller will haul up about 100 lbs, enough for up to three prawn traps and perhaps two crab traps. The 12-volt high-torque motor draws only about 15 amps. With a horizontal windlass and an extension arm and directional pulley, it is easy to mount and use. It can also be dismounted when it’s time to switch to a down-rigging fishing system. Finally, fishing and trap gear on one mount. About $500.
January 31, 2013
Mustang MIT 100 Inflatable PFD
Mustang’s newest inflatable, the MIT 100, shows the continued product improvement that we have come to expect from Mustang. The fabric is lighter and has some stretch content that makes the PFD 20 percent lighter and more comfortable to wear. The fold-up design is better with only one Velcro closing flap on each side that is easily opened for pre-use inspection. The arming mechanism and the auto-inflate are instantly visible and the wearer can ensure its safe operation quickly.
January 28, 2013
Time for a Greener Choice in Boating Anodes
When it comes to making environmentally friendly choices, the tradeoff is not always paying more for something that doesn’t work as well. Boat owners seeking a “greener” sacrificial anode have an option that works better than the old, familiar zinc versions while costing less: aluminum anodes. Aluminum is a far better environmental anode choice than zinc. Though zinc is a heavy metal—not particularly desirable to have in excess quantities in water—the bigger concern is with the percentage of cadmium that zinc anodes must contain in order to work as anodes. Cadmium is a nasty heavy metal, with its use and disposal becoming increasingly restricted and regulated. In anodes, it’s of considerable concern to scientists studying estuarial pollution and its inevitable presence in aquatic life, especially once in the human food chain.
January 28, 2013
Beverage Container Does the Job and Gives Something Back
Inspired in 2008 on a beach in Hawaii by many beverage containers that were not doing a good job of keeping fluids cold on a hot day, Travis Rosbach began the process that lead to the creation of the first Hydro Flask, incorporating principles of vacuum insulation, safety (BPA-free), food grade stainless steel, a range of durable colours and a charitable arm called FivePercentBack.org. A Hydro Flask is a reusable water bottle that truly performs in any environment. It keeps hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold. Keeps your cold liquids cold for 24 hours, and your hot liquids hot for 12 hours. Made from food grade 18/8 Stainless Steel, Hydro Flask stainless steel water bottles are safe and 100% BPA-free. 18/8 stainless steel is remarkably light, yet extremely durable.
January 25, 2013
Kannad Marine: Correction to Feb 2013 CY Print Article
The Canadian Yachting Feb 2013 (page 56) issue included a review of Kannad Marine’s personal safety device, the Safe-Link R-10. Canadian Yachting would like to correct a misspelling of the company’s name in this article as well as the correct version of their website URL: www.kannadmarine.com
January 24, 2013
Don’t Let a Clogged Head Cut The Cruise Short!
With Raritan’s Atlantes Freedom Toilet, boat owners can declare their independence from clogged heads. Now this excellent performing toilet features the company’s Vortex-Vac discharge system. This technology creates a vacuum internally, so no remote vacuum pump or tank is required. It also eliminates the need for foot pedals and other mechanical components that can fail. Unlike typical vaccuum toilet systems, a convenient, built-in shredder with stainless steel blades transforms waste into small particles to reduce clogs. A unique discharge loop eliminates odours and enables the bowl to hold water, similar to home toilets. Vortex-Vac is quiet, efficient and has both low-power consumption and
January 24, 2013
Retrofit a Sunroof to Your Current Boat
Almost all the latest cruisers feature an electric sliding sunroof because enjoying the fresh air and warm sun is one of the best parts of boating. But, what if you have an older boat with a hardtop? With Webasto’s new Series 40 Marine Sunroofs, boat owners can bring more of the outdoors inside. This new roof platform offers a sleek, low-profile and is designed to fit in smaller boat roofs. The Webasto Series 40 features a reliable, intelligent E-Drive system that self calibrates. This sliding sunroof operates on 12V DC. With an attractive design and safety glass, it offers a 74″ x 54″ opening. Similar to other Webasto Sunroofs, the Series 40 is extremely quiet and has a watertight seal. Options include a sunblind/fly screen, fixed panel for panoramic views
January 23, 2013
Remote Controlled Tender Lift
FreedomLift has manufactured a unique tender lift system, designed to enable boat owners to carry their tender or PWC (Personal Water Craft) with consummate ease. Some tender lift solutions are expensive, some are poorly designed, unattractive or heavy. FreedomLift has technology which allows tenders to be affixed to boats and carried with minimal hassle and effort. FreedomLift’s Removable Lift Arms enable the tender to be elevated much higher above the water, providing it with safety and protection from rough sea conditions and ensuring that the tender remains in good condition.
January 22, 2013
Technical and Stylish Floatable Eyewear by Gill
Gill’s popular range of floatable sunglasses has been totally refreshed with a collection of new designs offering additional technical features. Specifically designed for use on the water, not only do they provide maximum UV protection from the sun, through high quality 100% glare free polarized lenses, but are also comfortable and stylish to wear. Polaroid’s polarizing lenses are made up of a number of functional elements ultra-carefully bonded together to achieve a high-performance optical product: The main element of the sandwich lens construction is the polarizing light filter in the center. Laminated to both sides of the filter are UV light absorbers, which block 100% of harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation.
January 22, 2013
Introducing a Beverage Container that Does the Job and Gives Something Back
Inspired in 2008 on a beach in Hawaii by many beverage containers that were not doing a good job of keeping fluids cold on a hot day, Travis Rosbach began the process that lead to the creation of the first Hydro Flask, incorporating principles of vacuum insulation, safety (BPA-free), food grade stainless steel, a range of durable colours and a charitable arm called FivePercentBack.org. A Hydro Flask is a reusable water bottle that truly performs in any environment. It keeps hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold. Keeps your cold liquids cold for 24 hours, and your hot liquids hot for 12 hours. Made from food grade 18/8 Stainless Steel, Hydro Flask stainless steel water bottles are safe and 100% BPA-free. 18/8 stainless steel is remarkably light, yet extremely durable.
December 11, 2012
Swobbit System Introduces New Carbon Pole for Boat Cleaning
Ocean Accessories has created a new Swobbit® product in the form of a lightweight, extendable carbon pole, specially designed for safe cleaning of boat superstructures from the dock or deck. The pole allows for the use of all Swobbit Uni-Snap® cleaning accessories, weighs just 18 ounces and extends from 7 to 13 feet.
November 21, 2012
So Where Do You Go At Night?
Those of us who recall the world of sailing in the 1970s will remember magazine stories of voyages by intrepid souls to the South Pacific and beyond. This was the stuff dreams were made of―at least for us working stiffs who hoped one day to go to sea. The boats were sometimes home-built or at least home finished, in everything from fiberglass and wood to concrete. Most of these trips worked out just fine and the sailors returned to the drudgery of the working world with a least one dream fulfilled. One such family was Patrick Hill's, who set off in a Fraser 42 for a voyage that would take them from Vancouver to Tahiti, Bora Bora and home again, all in just over 14 months.
October 16, 2012
Caframo Taku Hatch Fan a Breath of Fresh Air
Canada's Caframo, a leading manufacturer of marine fans, has introduced their Taku Hatch Fan at the 2012 International Boatbuilders’ Exposition & Conference (IBEX), held this past October 2-4 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY. The 12-volt Taku is designed to provide both powerful ventilation to remove hot, stale air from the cabin and quiet circulation to move air throughout. A unique locking suction cup mounting system allows the fan to be installed directly on a hatch glass in seconds, with no hole drilling or fasteners required.
October 4, 2012
Wave Blade Scraper
Haul-outs are difficult enough and modern bottom paints are never perfect. Some unwanted growth is inevitable so here’s one way to make the cleaning job a bit easier. The Wave Blade is an electric scraper that attacks mussels and barnacles, and saves operator time and knuckles (speaking from “bloody” experience!). The action is side-to-side and it is effective in scraping hull bottoms and any underwater components that attract marine growth. Wave Blade is 12V-powered but has an adapter for 120V and comes with a three-inch multi-purpose blade, a flat chisel steel blade, replacement foam boots, and is complete with safety gloves and glasses, all in a convenient carry bag. Retail is about $400.
September 17, 2012
Majestic 12V TV-DVD player
An Australian manufacturer has launched an impressive line of portable entertainment units with full TV screens; some models have an integrated DVD player. Better yet, they only require 12-volt DC power and come with a cigarette lighter power cord, or can be wired directly into the boat electrical system. They draw less than 2 amps when operating. The screen is bright and has its own integrated stand or can be mounted on any of their several bracket systems. Integrated screen and DVD units come in 19 and 22-inch models at prices starting about $370. Accessories also include remote amplifiers and extra speakers.
September 17, 2012
Rescue Lasers
This new family of laser lights is the best personal safety equipment introduced this year! The size of small flashlights and powered by AA or the included lithium batteries, these lasers have a night-time range of up to 20 miles! And they are eye-safe, and can be used to signal to aircraft. Light in weight at between three and six ounces and built of rugged aluminum, these have a quality look and feel. I did a personal test and immediately bought two. In three sizes with red and green lights priced between $100 and $200.