Your Monthly Boating Art Fix

It doesn’t get much better than this, unless of course you’re cruising! But if you’re not, then you want to fix your gaze on the new 2012 Onne van der Wal photo calendar. Every year, Onne turns his acclaimed photographs into art for your wall. Onne combines his love of sailing and the ocean with his artistic eye. It’s truly functional art for only $25. vanderwal.com

Brave The Elements This Winter With Gill North America

Just in time for the winter season, Gill has launched a new line of marine clothing with the “first ever fully waterproof Softshell Jacket.” Using waterproof, yet breathable seam-sealed fabric, Gill has developed a versatile water-repellent face and a soft, brushed interior for warmth, suitable for almost any waterbased fun. Available in blue (women’s), black or red (men’s), the jackets retail for $239. gillna.com

New Band On Board

There’s a new seasickness band on the horizon and according to the makers, it’s better than the old ones. Psi Bands (pronounced “sigh bands” as in “breathe a sigh of relief”) were invented by a couple of new moms who suffered through morning sickness. With a sense of fashion and relief, they created Psi Bands to be more fun to wear, plus they’re waterproof. They come in some bright colors and patterns and retail for $14.99 to $19.99. You can find them at major drug stores and online: psibands.com.

How To Get Back Into The Boat – The Easy Way!

Enjoying the water is why most of us go boating in the first place, but sometimes getting back into the boat can be… well, just plain difficult. Add wearing swim fins and even climbing up to the aft swim platform can become a huge task. Armstrong’s Telescopic Ladder, just featured at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam, makes it all easy and safe. The extra wide, flat steps have a rubberized molded tread and the ladder can attach either beneath swim platforms or can be inserted into larger ones. The telescoping ladder can be deck or transom mounted and comes in a three- or fourstep configuration. Of course, since it’s telescoping, it folds compactly for storage. Comes in three different mounting styles and two different links. Pricing starts at $565. armstrongnautical.com January

Let It Flow

Ever hear the annoying sound of your water pump coming on all by itself? Perhaps there’s a leak, but you’ve searched and can’t seem to find it. Thank goodness Jabsco has come up with the V-FLO 5.0 GPM (19 LPM) Water Pressure Pump. It is a variable flow constant pressure water pump. “These new pumps come with Jabsco’s new DiMOND technology designed to automatically diagnose and actively monitor all aspects of the pump’s performance,” said Jay Naval, Product Manager at ITT Corporation. “The underlying philosophy is to provide boat owners with the information needed to enable them to evaluate and respond to a problem before the pump or boat is damaged.” The DiMOND tech continuously monitors the entire system and can detect water system problems. When it does find something it shuts down the pump to protect both you and your boat. You have time to troubleshoot, evaluate and respond before anything is damaged. MSRP: $330. jabsco.com