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.
September 13, 2012
Mustang Catalyst Floater Jacket
Always the industry standard in personal safety gear and flotation, Mustang has continued product improvement to make their life-saving gear more comfortable. Their new Survival Catalyst Jacket features lightweight, breathable and waterproof layers they call the M-Tech Comfort System. The fabric layers are also more flexible allowing work or play while still protecting the wearer from foul weather. This line has quickly become the favourite of professionals but is equally affordable by pleasure boaters. Retail price for the jacket is about $650 and comes in sizes from Small to 2XL in red and black.
September 13, 2012
Jefa Autopilot AP-1&2
This new pilot from Denmark is now carried by Rekord Marine. The Jefa AP is a well-engineered autopilot that uses a three-dimensional integral (fluxgate style) compass and is independent of a GPS link or chartplotter. The AP models are suitable for both tiller and wheel-steered vessels, and are ideal for boats up to 45’. They are easily DIY-installed and very price competitive. Suggested retail for the 12-volt system with autopilot and separate rudder feedback is $2,559.
September 6, 2012
Don’t Bug Me!
I’m on vacation! Things can turn ugly in paradise when you finally reach that secluded anchorage. You set the hook and kill the engines, but the buzzing sound continues…you are not alone! Black flies, mosquitoes, wasps and of course, the little army of invisible spiders that you accidentally brought with you, all emerge in the stillness, buzzing around looking for something, or someone to munch on. Hopefully, you packed the AfterBite, lotions, antiseptic, cotton balls, antihistamine for those with allergies, BandAids and other first aid items, but the best route is to protect yourself from being bitten in the first place.
August 24, 2012
Hella Flexi Chart-Table Light
The new red/white LED chart-table lights from Hella makes night navigation less stressful. We learned just how important night vision is on a long transit earlier this summer, when we needed to do some careful night navigation through upper Desolation Sound. Navigation aids are few and far between so confidence about the course is paramount, and a constant reference to charts is needed. Cabin lighting is critical. Ordinary white lights in any cabin will quickly ruin night vision, so a dim red light for navigation is ideal. The new unit from Hella is a very low draw 2W or 0.2 Amp at 12-volt, and stays cool to the touch.
August 24, 2012
Pro-Furl Spinex Spinnaker Furler
Setting a spinnaker just got easier thanks to the introduction of a totally new approach – a top-down roller furling mechanism from Pro-Furl. This impressive product helps tame one of the most frustrating, and sometimes dangerous jobs in sailing, setting and retrieving a spinnaker. Traditionally this has meant some monkey-like fore deck work and some awkward retrieving sail hardware from a little-used storage bag, then reversing the process and trying to stuff a large and sometimes wet sail into a bag that seems too small, and doing all this with poor footing on a heaving deck with no hand-holds for steadying.
August 24, 2012
OceanAir Shades and Blinds
It’s hard to remember that we will get cool and breezy days in spring and fall after such hot days this summer – or that we need protection from all that heat. And most everywhere in Canada had hot days this year. Thankfully there is a line of products from OceanAir that are designed to minimize the discomfort that hot weather brings. Their lines of Pleated shades are designed for portlights, Cabinshades for larger windows, and Skysaver roller shades for hatches, all serve to minimize heat gain on board, but remain moveable so that cooling breezes can still be harnessed.
June 27, 2012
ePaint
With spring commissioning delayed in the west by poor weather this year, you may still have time to consider a new bottom paint that has been proving itself in field trials for several seasons now. ePaint (no, it’s not another product from Apple Computers) is new technology. The barnacle-resisting chemistry is a combination of effective antifouling ablative resins that are held in place by a special paint substrate. It differs from all other bottom paints because it contains no biocides, nor any heavy metals such as copper or tin.
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.