Gear

NautiBuoy: Something New Afloat

By Peter Janssen on September 2, 2016 Gear

You may not absolutely need this on your next cruise, but you’ve got to admit, it looks good. Here’s the new inflatable NautiBuoy, a “multi-functional platform” made with high-strength PVC that can serve as a portable swim platform, a float, a dock, whatever. It’s light-weight, maneuverable, and you can hook several together with a special “Air Toggle” connection system that the company says keeps them stable in the water. Made in the UK, NautiBuoy comes in a variety of sizes, and will be introduced to the U.S. at the Fort Lauderdale show. nautibuoymarine.com

How to Beat the Summer Heat

By Peter Janssen on August 2, 2016 Gear

Too hot this summer? Probably. From boat misters to fans, air conditioners and even big hats, here are nine ways to stay cool on board until the weather changes. http://blog.boattrader.com/2016/07/nine-ways-beat-summer-heat-boat.html

Weego: Very Cool New Battery Charger

By Peter Janssen on July 30, 2016 Engine Room, Gear

Do you worry about a dead battery? Who doesn’t. But here’s an answer: The very cool Weego Jump Starter 44, a new and improved portable battery charger that’s safe, reliable, user-friendly and comes with a sense of humor. The Weego has enough power to start gas engines up to 6.4 liters and diesel engines up to 3.2 liters. It also provides 12-volt power for accessories (portable marine electronics, compressors, whatever) through a dedicated 12-volt port. It’s safe, with overheat protection, power surge protection, and even protection against salt-water spray. And it can be recycled up to 1,000 times. But it’s…

Ten Tips for Green Boating

By Peter Janssen on July 14, 2016 Gear, Maintenance

We all want to keep the planet blue – and green. Here are some tips to keep it that way: http://www.riyachting.com/programs/ten-tips-for-clean-boating?utm_source=Multi-lead+List&utm_campaign=65849fc7e0-Wednesday_+July+14_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c884307d0f-65849fc7e0-336878677

Evinrude’s New, Cleaner Outboards

By Peter Janssen on June 27, 2016 Gear

Evinrude’s parent company, BRP, just announced a new line of cleaner, fuel-efficient outboards for a wider range of boats. The new 150- and 200-hp E-TEC engines use intelligent design and cleaner combustion technology; in fact, they deliver up to 30 percent more torque, better fuel economy and 75 fewer total regulated emissions compared to standard four-strokes, according to the company. The sophisticated two-stroke E-TECs are available with power steering and trim for optimal performance at any speed or in any sea condition. They do not require any break-in period, and they are covered by a five-year warranty, including corrosion, and…

A Pocket-Sized FLIR

By Peter Janssen on January 15, 2016 Cruising Life, Gear

A Pocket-Sized FLIR The new FLIR Scout TK got a lot of attention at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where it was introduced, and for good reason. This small, pocket-sized infrared monocular packs a lot of fun, and safe boating, into a 6-ounce package. A consumer version of the same technology in FLIR units used by the military and law enforcement, the new monocular is the smallest and lightest camera in the Scout series. it has all the power to cut through night and low-light conditions with full-color thermal imaging to help you see people, boats, buoys,…

Twin Disc’s New Thruster Panel Makes Your Helm Look Good

By Peter Janssen on January 8, 2016 Cruising Life, Gear, On Watch with Peter Janssen

Twin Disc’s New Thruster Panel Makes Your Helm Look Good We all know about the trend toward making docking easier, with pods, joysticks, thrusters and much more. But now Twin Disc has come up with something to make your helm station look better while you’re using this new technology: a new Digital Thruster Panel, which works with the company’s Express Joystick System and Power Commander electronic propulsion control, that not only looks good but is also easy to use. The new upscale panel is made of polished stainless steel, designed for the marine environment, and works equally well with lower…

Yanmar Updates A Popular Cruising Engine

By Peter Janssen on December 31, 2015 Cruising Life, Gear, On Watch with Peter Janssen

Yanmar has just introduced a new common-rail diesel engine in the popular 400-500-hp range for larger cruising boats. The new in-line, six-cylinder 6LY440/400 is the fourth generation of classic Yanmars dating back to 1989, all designed specifically for marine use. Since it has the same slim block as earlier engines in the series, it’s a good choice for both OEM and refit applications. The new 5.8 litre engine develops 440-hp at 3300 rpm, getting extra boost from a water-cooled turbocharger; other engines in the series are rated at 400 and 370 hp. Like all Yanmars over 45 hp, the 6LY440/400…

New No-Smells Freshwater Head

By Peter Janssen on December 30, 2015 Gear, On Watch with Peter Janssen

We’ve all been there at one time or another. That odor of rotten eggs drifting up from the head is every boat owner’s headache. Is it coming from the toilet itself? The hoses? The holding tanks? Whatever it is, it’s no fun. The problem is that you can’t have a cruising boat without having at least one, or preferably two, heads on board. Bowing to the trend to make boats more family-friendly (and particularly more friendly to the ladies of the family), manufacturers are packing heads into smaller and smaller boats, even center consoles. The new Hunt 32cc, for example,…

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