June 27, 2012
Electro-Scan Waste Treatment System
With increasingly stringent waste discharge legislation in both Canadian and US waters, boaters looking for waste removal solutions have at least a couple of options. Holding tanks are the obvious first-level fix but, of course, these need a pump-out station and there are not many of those on this coast. Raritan has another option for vessels up to 65’ in length.
June 27, 2012
Ronstan Sailing-Timing Watch
Long a trusted name in sailing hardware and gear, Ronstan has developed an impressive line of sailing performance watches. We used one at a regatta recently and found it both intuitive and easy to use. The screen was readily visible even in the hectic race action and in direct sunlight. All models are fully waterproof and feature a variety of functions for the sailor, the racer or the outdoor enthusiast. Day or stop functions are standard, as are audible alarm and countdown settings for racing starts. The LCD display has large numerals for easy reading in any boating environment.
June 27, 2012
Xtra-Large Carryall
There is never enough storage on most boats and carrying gear back and forth can be a hassle. A former sailor agreed and made a carryall that she used in her boating. It worked so well she is making them for other boaters. This expandable carryall is made of tough nylon net and webbing material and is surprisingly tough, yet it can swallow dozens of items. We found it really useful for life jackets, foul- weather gear and sea boots, for example. The maker claims she once put 24 life-jackets into hers and we can believe it. It measures 54” by 56” and is complete with a drawstring closure and carrying handles.
June 27, 2012
Anchor Rode and Chain from CMP
The new integrated chain and rope anchor rode from Canada Metals (CMP) is a welcome addition to ground tackle for any boat. Canada Metals (CMP) is no stranger to West Coast boaters – most of us have been using their anodes for years. In an effort to expand their product offerings, this past year CMP management purchased Rocna anchors to complement their Titan brand chain products.
June 27, 2012
Tactical Flashlight – TEAL XF3000
This impressive LED flashlight is powered by three Lithium-Ion batteries, each producing 3.7 volts (not AAA as reported earlier). These are rechargeable batteries and the light kit includes the charger. The light can be reduced in size and weight by unscrewing one battery in its case and it will work well with the remaining two batteries. We liked the brilliance of the three-battery set-up best. The suggested retail price is just under $200 for the whole kit.
June 26, 2012
Tactical Flashlight – TEAL XF3000 – Correction
We introduced the Teal Tactical Flashlight last month but made a mistake in its technical description. This impressive LED flashlight is actually powered by three Lithium-Ion batteries, each producing 3.7 volts (not AAA as reported earlier). These are rechargeable batteries and the light kit includes the charger. The light can be reduced in size and weight by unscrewing one battery in its case and it will work well with the remaining two batteries. We liked the brilliance of the three-battery set-up best. The suggested retail price is just under $200 for the whole kit.
May 8, 2012
Footprint Boats
This entirely new boat design is definitely from the “and now for something completely different” school of design. Why not a family-oriented boat that incorporates a number of features from the inexpensive and compact, pop-up tent trailer designs? Pop-up tent trailers were introduced decades ago for motoring families and they opened up comfort camping to those who wanted a bit more in the way of amenities than ground-pitched tents could provide. We used one for many years when we camped throughout northern areas in our younger years BB (before boats).
May 8, 2012
Softlines Mooring Lines
Spring commissioning is a great time to take a close look at mooring lines – is an upgrade or replacement in order? After handling mooring lines all last summer, we quickly became fans of softer polypropylene ropes, especially those from Softlines. These are the ultimate in softness in the hand and are super flexible, even in the cold. Like all poly lines, they float and so are less of a danger of fouling props or running gear. We also like how Softlines provide eye-splices through strongly stitched nylon webbing. Tests show the line will fail before the web attachments do.
May 8, 2012
Maxwell RC Series Anchor Windlass
Maxwell has put some effort into designing a windlass system with a gypsy that will accept any manufacturer’s chain profile. This was a challenge as there is no common standard of profile of chain even for a given size, including G4, Metric, BBB or proof coil, for example. And it’s further complicated as many boats use a length of chain that is spliced to nylon line for the remainder of the rode. A windlass has to be able to handle all these variations. The result is a new series of anchor windlasses, the RC6, 8 and 10. Each has been designed to accept common chain sizes and its accompanying nylon line.
May 8, 2012
SOS Dan Buoy
This new “man-overboard” device is one of the best safety products that we have seen in a long while. If a boat loses someone overboard there are a variety of signaling and retrieving systems available, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The SOS Dan Buoy from Australia is a real improvement over any existing product in how it works. When stored, it is a compact package about half the size of a typical briefcase and it weighs only about six lbs. It can be stored nearby inside the cockpit or the main outside helm. When needed, it requires only a quick toss overboard, as close as possible to the person lost overboard, and it does the rest.
May 8, 2012
ICOM “New Look” Marine Electronics
Though ICOM has been a well-regarded manufacturer of marine electronics for many years, they were a bit late to the market with fully integrated products. Not any longer! ICOM recently announced a “new look” family of marine electronics that meets the competitive offerings and goes a step further. We were first impressed with the new M92D hand-held marine VHF radio. It now has a fully functioning GPS receiver built in and continuously shows the current Lat/Long in the screen to the left of the radio channel setting.
May 8, 2012
Harken Performa Winches
Sailing hardware manufacturer Harken is offering a new set of performance winches that are specifically designed for sport sailboats or performance cruising sailboats from 30 to 50 feet in length. Performa winches are midway between Harken’s two existing winch sizes and are specifically designed for smaller diameter, high-strength lines such as Dyneema and Kevlar /PET-covered lines that are common on this size of sailing craft today. The winches are built of rugged components and have composite self-tailing jaws, which are shaped for easy line entry and give the best in gripping power on the winch drum.
May 8, 2012
DeRust Cleaning Products
Rusty metal products can sour seasonal cleaning and commissioning chores and until recently there hasn’t been much available that easily eliminates rust stains on any boat. Even good quality stainless steel will rust in places if left unattended. And untreated iron or steel will quickly rust in marine environments. Recently, Protocol Environmental, a local manufacturer of specialty chemicals introduced us to their newest product, DeRust, a rust treatment product that can be brushed or sprayed on.
May 8, 2012
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.
April 25, 2012
Autotether™ Gives Wireless Freedom in an Engine Shutdown Safety System
In the U.S., new engine shutdown regulations are being introduced but doesn’t a safety switch system make a lot of sense anyway? Autotether's™ wireless lanyard system recently received the Connecticut Technology Council 2011 Innovation Pipeline Award as the most promising new technology product of the year.
April 18, 2012
Protect Your Boat From Chafing With “No-Wear” Guards
Chafing and rubbing from mooring lines, sheets, halyards and fender ropes can ruin the appearance of your boat and cost a fortune to fix. No-Wear Guard can stop the chafing damage on almost every kind of boat. No-Wear chafe guards are the first in the world to combine high-quality, flexible marine grade stainless steel with an aircraft-quality adhesive, creating a product that will look great and protect your gel coat, wood or plastic for years to come.
April 10, 2012
Keep an Eye on Things with Gost™ “Mini Ball” Cameras
GOST™ (Global Ocean Security Technologies – formerly Paradox Marine) has introduced several new models of its GOST Mini Ball Camera. The camera is now available in PAL, reverse image (NTSC and PAL) and also in wide angle with a 2.8 mm lens for enhanced security and surveillance on board. Measuring only 2.4 inches (61mm) in diameter, this rugged, marine grade, water – resistant and tamper proof analogue camera – just slightly larger then a golf ball – can be mounted discreetly inside or out – and it won’t detract from a boat or yacht’s decor or ambience.
March 9, 2012
Digital Yacht Puts A Wireless “Wi-Fi” Hot Spot On Your Boat
Wireless is the “buzz” in marine electronics with more and more applications available for wireless devices such as iPhones and iPads. With lots of onboard systems using legacy NMEA 0183 data, Digital Yacht America has devised a NMEA to WiFi adaptor – a small black box unit which converts traditional NMEA navigation and instrument data into a wireless TCP/IP feed. Essentially, it creates a local WiFi hot spot on board your boat which your mobile device can access. Many software applications allow data to be read through an individual TCP/IP port (e.g., iNAVx for the iPhone/iPad) or SmarterTrack 2011 PC navigation software.
March 1, 2012
Racers Will Love the Gill Regatta Master Watch II
The lightweight, new and improved Regatta Master Watch II from Gill is designed specifically for the competitive sailor. Water resistant to 50 meters, features include a stopwatch, countdown timer – with Sync function, compass, calendar and alarm, all displayed on a large digital screen. Serious racers will enjoy the countdown feature that gives a sound signal every minute, and in the last minute prior to the race start, the seconds count down in a large full screen display for ease of viewing. The synchronization feature allows sailors to readjust their timings to the closest minute at any time in the sequence.
February 15, 2012
Sperry Top-Sider’s “Son-R Technology™” Lets You See With Your Feet
Sperry Top-Sider® just announced updates to its new SON-R Technology, a patent-pending sensory feedback system engineered into a line of multi-water sport shoes. These shoes are specially designed to address the challenges water enthusiasts face when navigating across varied and unseen underfoot terrain. Whether on slippery rocks while portaging a canoe, or on the slick fibreglass of a boat, Sperry has engineered a complete collection of footwear that creates a safer and more enjoyable experience in, on and around the water.
February 10, 2012
Go Green While Getting A Six Pack!
There’s been lots of talk about electric boats recently, but few examples are actually out on the market. So far, the battery technology for large-scale applications seems to us to be a significant environmental consideration. I suspect that the carbon footprint of a big lithium-ion battery bank might totally negate the energy savings of the electric engine. Then, on September 28th 2011, a company called BionX introduced its own electric boat. There is some very interesting thinking behind it, but the size and scale is in the dinghy range, not the cruiser range.
February 7, 2012
New Floater Coat from Mustang
Mustang Survival, the well-known Vancouver-area manufacturer of quality safety gear, has introduced a new generation of its familiar floater coat. The Catalyst model is the latest combination of a waterproof yet breathable exterior with a segmented foam middle layer that provides flotation and an inner layer that allows breathability and aids in wicking moisture away from the wearer. Mustang calls this new design the M-Tech Comfort System and it makes for a more comfortable coat that still provides warmth and protection from rain, as well as flotation in an emergency.
January 10, 2012
BOATaid 24-7
BOATaid is a mobile and web based service available 24/7 across Ontario to help boaters obtain emergency assistance on the water and much more. The first ever service of its kind providing boaters with location based information they can rely on in an emergency to obtain towing, on site repairs, battery boost, or fuel delivery. The cost of these emergency services is covered by most boat insurance policies with no deductible. Until now it was not always easy for boaters to find qualified service providers in an emergency situation away from their home port.
October 26, 2011
Whale Pump
Whale electric products, including the universal freshwater electric pressure pumps, are designed to retrofit any existing pump location with flexible feet that absorb vibration and reduce noise.The Whale Gulpers for toilet and shower waste both boast a unique, virtually unblockable valve design and multi-directional head means that they can be mounted almost anywhere. The Whale Quick Connect plumbing system does not require collet clips and therefore is less expensive, easy and fast to install. The unique 'Double Gripper' and o ring seal combination prevents leaks.
October 26, 2011
Dickinson Round Sea-B-Que
The truly innovative Dickinson Round Sea-B-Que combines legendary quality, a tough round design and the rugged good looks that makes for an unbeatable marine grill. Built with 304 marine grade, 18 guage stainless steel, the round Sea-B-Que design allows for strength and resistes flame outs in high wind conditions. A list of accessories is available, including deck legs. Model 00-SBQ-R shown here measures 18" wide by 14.25" high and 16" deep. It weighs 20.5 lb., has a cooking surface of 14.375 diameter and offers 7,000 BTU.
October 26, 2011
Nova Kool R1600 Singe Door Fridge
The Nova Kool R1600 DC fridge has a capacity of 48 litres with the following features including a positive latch system; storage for tall bottles; shelves with powder coated wire for durability; reversible door swing; and a two-year manufacturers warranty on all components. This 12V unit offers low battery protection to help prevent full discharge of batteries. Its stainless steel unit uses environmentally sound 134a refrigerant and has been designed for mobile applications on grades up to 30°.
October 26, 2011
MARINE PRODUCT – Lewmar CPX Windlass
Lewmar identified the need for a high-quality product that is lighter than the all stainless steel deck unit. Subsequently, the CPX deck unit features an alloy base. With an emphasis on reliability, Lewmar has reduced the number of parts without compromising on performance, making the windlass easier to service. Lewmar strives to keep up to date with new developments in the motor/gearbox industry, constantly testing new products coming to market, and the CPX Windlass is no exception. The result is a highly reliable, light weight, high performance windlass.
October 26, 2011
Big Orange Holding Tank
The Big Orange holding tank vent filter is easily installed on the vent line of your holding tank and begins working immediately by filtering the air coming from your holding tank to remove the odour. In fact, the Big Orange holding tank vent filter uses the same activated carbon pellet technology that is used in industrial exhaust scrubbers to eliminate the odour coming from your holding tank. Big Orange boasts a large carbon pellet volume, more than any other vent line filter available on the market. It lasts longer and works better. Unlike "the other guys", the Big Orange holding tank vent filter uses an easily refillable cartridge so you don’t need to buy a new filter every year.
October 26, 2011
Raritan Atlantes Freedom ® Toilet
The Raritan Atlantes Freedom ® Toilet has powerful bronze cutting blades designed to "shred" most objects. It is now available in two bowl sizes: standard household and elongated. Enjoy the freedom from clogged toilets and marine size bowls. There are no fuses or relays inside the unit and timer module (A8 model only) can be removed and the toilet will still operate.
October 26, 2011
Isotherm Divino Wine Cellars
Isotherm offers its customers a great opportunity to have a wine cellar on board. This high-class equipment enables boat owners to keep great wine and champagne at the perfect temperature. Both 23 and 35 bottles wine cellars can be built into the dressers or columns of modular furniture with no alteration of furniture design. For a perfect integration, the profile of the door is totally lined up with the doors of the furniture.Both models feature double door locking systems to prevent unwanted door opening in rough sea conditions and specialracks designed for storing champagne bottles.
October 18, 2011
Mobile Devices Link You to Your Boat from Anywhere On The Planet
Over the past two years, we have featured a number of articles focusing on the functional and performance benefits available through the universal NMEA 2000 protocols developed to enable a wide range of devices to all communicate with each other using one language. Separate from that, there is now a rapidly growing interest in using mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers in place of notebooks and desktop computers because they offer connectivity on the go using easily carried equipment. Also, the “cool factor” is very high!
October 17, 2011
Ventilating Sail Delivers Cool Breezes To Stuffy Cabins
Hot, stuffy cabins can lead to long, sleepless nights. Keeping sleeping quarters cool and comfortable is easy with the Windscoop Ventilating Sail from Davis Instruments. The attractive, lightweight sail is aerodynamically designed to direct even the slightest breeze below deck to where it's needed. For sailboats, the self-supporting Windscoop can be hung from a halyard, boom or roller furling sheet. On powerboats, owners build a simple frame from aluminum tubing and a stanchion base or floor flange for mounting.
October 17, 2011
9-in-1 SafetyPuck
The 9-in-1 SafetyPuck warning light is just that, a creatively designed puck-like product that sports 16 LED lights all around the unit that allows for a wide array of illumination patterns. The nine light patterns provide 360 degree light coverage and range from flashing or flickering, to pulsing or swirling, and even a flashlight-like beam. One side of the SafetyPuck is magnetic so it can stick to the side of any vehicle providing light visible for up to a half mile. It is durable enough to function in a temperature range of 130 degree to negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and even can be run over by a car and not be damaged. In addition to its use on land, it is waterproof and floats, making it ideal for use in boats and watercrafts.
October 17, 2011
Low Lux Night Vision Camera
The new Low Lux Night Vision camera is a safety-device that extends your play time or work hours on the water. The black and white picture allows for safe maneuvering of waterways or when docking. Use as a stand alone device or an enhancement to radar. This camera connects to any monitor with a RCA video jack or with a DVR you can record your trip. The camera can be mounted permanently or use the optional vacuum mount for a quick and easy removal. Measuring only 6" in length and 3.5" in diameter, the camera is small enough to be stored after usage to prevent theft.
October 17, 2011
TRAC Ecological Products Barnacle Buster™
Marine growth build-up is the #1 reason water-cooled equipment malfunctions. These deposits reduce equipment effectiveness often resulting in costly downtime. Even a thin layer of growth, as little as 1/64” can result in a 15% decrease in efficiency. While conventional methods of cleaning, such as mechanical brushing, do have some success, harsh acids are harmful to the user, the equipment, & the environment and in many instances, these methods result in damage to the equipment users were trying to clean.
October 17, 2011
Garmin® Debuts GDL™ 40 Cellular Marine Weather Receiver
Garmin International Inc. announced the GDL 40 – an affordable marine weather solution that brings on-demand graphical weather and radar data directly to a compatible NMEA 2000 Garmin chartplotter. The GDL 40 is the first and only cellular marine weather receiver on the market today. “For the first time, using the GDL 40, mariners will be able to purchase vital weather data on-demand when they need it most,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales.
October 17, 2011
The Coastal Keelboat Vest by Salus Marine Wear
The Coastal Keelboat Vest by Salus Marine Wear has just received Coast Guard approval for your sailing enjoyment this spring. The Coastal keelboat vest is inherently buoyant rather than being an inflatable, so it is actually lighter in weight and can provide safety and protection while sailing and racing. The big news for keelboat sailors at all levels, is that The Coastal keelboat vest by Salus features a built-in harness, so you can tether yourself and you can adjust the harness as needed.
August 30, 2011
Inspecting the Aging Sailboat
This book will help you with all the maintenance issues you may face if you own, or are looking to own, a fibreglass boat. It provides clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations as to how to recognize the problems (both on the surface and below) and how to determine the difference between cosmetic flaws and the serious flaws you need to address more quickly.
August 30, 2011
An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude
“As I write this, back in the real world, back in an office, back home, back up against a deadline, I glance down at the mouse pad to my right, and I am filled once again with powerful longing. The pad is printed with a picture of a laughing woman stripping off a wetsuit on a golden beach. Her hair is streaked blond, her shoulders broad on an otherwise slender frame, muscular shoulders that look like they know how to work. She is completely relaxed, and radiates happiness. The slice of beach in the photo is deserted – pristine, private, no one and nothing on it, except for a pile of snorkeling gear in the sand at the woman’s feet. Behind her, the sea is turquoise glass, on which sits a lone boat with a white hull and a tall mast that has impaled the sky’s single puffy white cloud like cotton candy on a stick.