If your boat is squeezed for space, and you have a hard time finding room for a kayak, take a look at the new foldable Inlet model from Oru Kayak. It folds up like an origami, fits into a duffle and weighs just 20 pounds. And it was just named one of Time’s 100 Best Inventions of 2019. Anton Willis, the founder of Oru, got the idea for a folding kayak after he saw a story in The New Yorker about origami. He was an ocean kayaker, but he didn’t have any place to keep his kayak in his San…
This just looks like fun. In case you’re looking for a new toy, or a way to relax once you’ve dropped the hook on your next cruise, consider the Fliteboard, an electric-powered foiling surfboard. (See the video below.) Built in Australia, the Fliteboard flies several feet above the surface, giving you the sensation of gliding over the water. A handheld remote control lets you control the speed, but the company says it can hit 27 mph. The Fliteboard is made to foil on oceans, rivers and lakes, in fresh and salt water. You don’t even need waves, although they certainly…
Now here’s a really good idea, and it fits in your pocket: The new Snap Tool Multi-Key from Davis Instruments. The Snap Tool also fits in your palm, and you can use it to twist, cut, pry, snap and take care of any number of tasks and jobs onboard. The patented Snap Tool is the Swiss Army Knife of boating tools, a toolbox of its own. It has three metric and four SAE hex wrenches, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, a scraper and a recessed cutting blade. No fewer than three deck plate keys open just about any deck fill. A…
Here’s a new idea that was just introduced at the Annapolis Powerboat Show: The SmartMooring, an app-controlled device that travels along an underwater chain and brings your boat to you. Forget the dinghy. Just stand on a dock, press a button on your smartphone and SmartMooring will deliver your boat. At the end of the day, when you’re back at your deep-water mooring, press the button again and SmartMooring will carry you back to shore. (You can see how it works in the video, below.) Tom Derecktor, an engineer and member of the Derecktor Shipyard family, developed the SmartMooring after…
Here’s a new water bike that uses America’s Cup foiling technology to help you pedal around your next mooring or off your dock. It’s called the Manta 5 Hydrofoiler XE-1, and the company says it’s the world’s first production hydrofoil bike. The rear foil measures 6’ 5″, while the front one is 4 feet. Using the same principle as foils on the world’s most famous racing sailboats, the Hydrofoiler has foils to minimize drag and raise the bike out of the water as it gains speed. Top speed on the Hydrofoiler: 12 mph. In case you get tired pedaling, the…
The new UGO Tablet, a waterproof dry bag that floats, just may be a better mousetrap. Indeed, it was just recognized as the best new product for boating operation and safety at the Newport International Boat Show. With the UGO, you don’t have to worry about dropping your cellphone in the water, or getting your key fobs, cash and credit cards wet. The UGO is 100 percent waterproof. It’s built with three high-tech layers on the outside, plus a flotation layer to keep it from sinking. In any event, it is waterproof up to 20 feet below the surface. The…
Argos Nautic will launch its new 396 Yachting RIB at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, starting Oct. 30, and the semi-custom Florida-built tender has room for six adults in its 13-feet, 6-inch hull. The new Argos Nautic is remarkable not only for the number of passengers it can carry in comfort, but also for the number of options that are available for a new owner. Argos Nautic, founded in 2009, builds upscale RIBs as tenders, or sportboats, in a variety of colors, patterns and textures. The new 396 Yachting weighs 925 pounds, so it can be carried on the…
Crewsaver, the British company, just introduced a revolutionary new life jacket with a halo-like hood that’s designed to keep water from entering a man overboard’s mouth or nose. The new spray hood also retains heat and enhances the man overboard’s visibility, making it easier to accomplish a safe recovery. The new jacket, called the Ergo-Fit+, was just introduced at the big METSTRADE show in Amsterdam. Crewsaver called it the next level in man overboard protection. It will be available in the worldwide market in March. The hood was inspired by developments the aviation industry. “We work closely with organizations across…
If you want to jump start your boat, or your upcoming holiday shopping, take a look at the new Weego power packs. The Weego 44 and Weego 66 Power Packs are compact, rugged devices that have more power and features to make sure your vessel can start every time. They make a useful piece of gear for your boat at any time, and they also could be a much-appreciated addition to a holiday gift list for your favorite boat owner. Both Weegos have 10 percent more cranking amps of power, with the Weego 66 (pictured above) providing 660 cranking amps,…
Yamaha, Raymarine and Awlgrip were among the winners of the 2018 Innovation Awards at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference in Tampa. The awards, made in 13 categories, were managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by eight members of Boating Writers International. “This year’s entries were very focused on improving the boating experience,” said Alan Wendt, chairman of the judging panel. “From solving simple issues with canvas to more complex engineering challenges with hardware and composites, there is ample evidence of innovation underway in a thriving industry.” Yamaha won the outboard category for its new V-8, XTO…