Perfect for land or water, Dry Dudz board shorts and bikinis SCREAM with style and dry fast for comfort. MSRP $40-$95. drydudz.com

Keep the sand on the beach with a CGear mat. Tested by our photographer while on location at Highbourne Cay, his equipment stayed sand-free while the models SCREAMed at the sharks and iguanas! MSRP $45-$70. cgear.com

 Picky anglers want the perfect rod holder to WORK perfectly every time they go out. Perko offers angled, chrome-plated, stainless and more. All models have a soft, black liner to protect rods. MSRP starts at $70. perko.com

The world’s best marine binoculars are now more compact. Available with or without an integral compass, the new Steiner 7×30 Commander XP Binoculars are tough as nails for WORK or play, no matter how rough it gets. MSRP $549-$699. steiner-binoculars.com

Weather conditions on the water can change in a matter of minutes. No matter how the light changes, KEEP your eyes protected with Switch Vision, the world’s first eyewear with a Magnetic Interchange Lens System. Tested in-house by finicky eyewear fans, the lenses are easily changed but don’t pop out unless you want them to. The ability to quickly swap out lenses as light levels and conditions change is a real money and space-saving convenience. MSRP $139-149. switchvision.com

You don’t have to be a competitive sailor, professional fisherman or high seas mariner to appreciate the heavy-duty gear they use. Grundéns USA makes products that are waterproof under the most extreme conditions. Tested in-house by a couple of adventure addicts, Gage Shackelton duffel bags KEEP gear dry and protected. Un-zip the bottom pouch and you’ll find padded hiking-grade backpack straps for when you’ve really stuffed its nearly four cubic feet capacity with your stuff. MSRP $73-97. grundens.com

 If you DROP your keys or sunglasses in the water but don’t have scuba gear handy, retrieve them with the Aqua-Vu Claw, an underwater video camera outfitted with a robotic clamshell claw. The Claw battery provides up to 8 hours of viewing, can retrieve trinkets or treasure up to 40 pounds, and comes with 75 feet of cable. MSRP $799.99. aquavu.com

If you’re among those who DROP everything when a forbidden destination becomes accessible, NV-Charts has just introduced new navigation charts for the northern coast of Cuba. Anticipating increased yachting in the area, NV-Charts offers separate paper and digital versions for the northeast and northwest regions. MSRP $99.95 per region. nv-charts.com

March showers can be just as rainy as April’s. Keep your tootsies dry without sacrificing fashion in handmade rubber footwear by Maniera Boots. Tested in-house by our very own fashion diva, Maniera Boots ZIP up Spring ensembles and are available in a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, lined and unlined, printed and plain. MSRP $129. manieraboots.com

Beat the pack to your favorite beach or fishing hole with The Hustler, a four-blade aluminum prop that outperforms three-blade props, made by Turning Point Propellers. Clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation models and specially designed blades equip dual outboards or stern drives with the performance you need to ZIP past wannabes’ boats. MSRP $129. tpprops.com

Love the look of underwater lights but don’t want to drill holes in your boat? Perko’s LED Underwater Lights mount on your trim tabs and let you SHINE the lights up or down with the flip of your trim tab switch. MSRP $280-550. perko.com

Be safe  and be seen at night with Livorsi Marine LED Navigation Lights. Visible up to two nautical miles, Livorsi LED Nav Lights are made of marine-grade stainless steel and designed for mounting on vertical surfaces. The green-fiend in you will SHINE too, since LED lights use less energy and last longer. MSRP $69. livorsi.com

    Above or below the waterline, there’s always something new to SEE while boating. SeaLife cameras let you relive those memories. The just-introduced14-megapixel DC1400 shoots still or HD video and is guaranteed to be waterproof up to 200 feet. Multiple accessories are available including lighting as shown in the Pro Duo set. MSRP $529.95. sealife-cameras.com

DuraLed Engine Room and Utility lights   

by Hella let you SEE where you need. Durable and economical, the lights are sealed for protection and require only 2.5W. MSRP starts at $104.44. hellamarine.com

     For cruisers wanting to PROTECT  the environment while they protect the bottoms of their boats, SeaHawk introduced Smart Solution ™, the first metal-free anti-fouling paint on the globe. One of the nation’s most rigid environmental agencies has approved the protective coating, which enhances boat performance. seahawkpaints.com

   Air, as one of the three basic needs, sometimes needs a helping hand. Dometic’s Portable Breathe Easy Air Purifier is small, compact, efficient and effective. It reduces and in some cases, eliminates common irritants, fumes and odors leaving in their place cleaner, FRESHer air. Contact your preferred Dometic distributor for availability and pricing. dometicUSA.com

  At home or on the boat,     

 toilets are a necessity. Raritan’s Atlantes Freedom Vortex-Vac has been redesigned to eliminate waste with less water, which can be switched between outside water or FRESH. Models can be ordered in two colors, bone or white, and two sizes of bowls, household or elongated. Contact your preferred Raritan distributor for availability and pricing. raritaneng.com

    At the beach it’s just as important to protect your skin as it is to RELAX. The Sport-Brella Beach Chair’s overhead umbrella with 50+ UPF lining swivels and adjusts for 360-degree sun and wind protection. MSRP $49.99. sport-brella.com.

If you’re still on the beach at dusk,  

you can RELAX if your bug spray missed a hard-to-reach spot. Tested by SB staff, the Therapik ® battery-operated device relieves the itch and pain of most biting insects (and has even been tested successfully with jellyfish stings) so you can enjoy the rest of the evening with the pests you invited! MSRP $12.95. therapik.com

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

A Regal Game Changer

Regal has begun production on two all-new deck boat models, the Regal 27 FasDeck and the Regal 27 FasDeck RX. These new models sport Regal’s UltraLounge aft bench and convertible sun pad. The Regal UltraLounge has a multi-position back-rest that is designed to easily convert from an aft facing bench seat to a forward facing bench seat, then to an aft facing lounger and finally to a flat sun-pad that is integrated into the cockpit arena seating. The FasDeck has a fully-enclosed head with sink and plenty of storage, plus the swim platform is mounted only inches from the water for easy boarding. Both versions offer the high-performance and fuel efficiency of Regal’s FasTrac Hull design. Regal’s full width stepped hull draws air under the planning surface of the FasDeck, literally, “un-sticking” the boat from water tension that builds up under traditional hulls. This makes the Regal 27 FasDeck models operate like high performance sport boats, while achieving exceptional fuel economy. “With our FasTrac hull, we made it sporty, similar to what Porsche accomplished with their Cayenne Coupe when compared to other SUVs,” said Duane Kuck, President and CEO. regalboats.com

Raritan Innovation For Better Discharge Control

Raritan knows more about effluent than anyone and that’s why they are interested in helping you to protect the environment by following mandated waste discharge regulations. To that end, Raritan offers the Tru-Design Electronic Aquavalve. Ideal for use in applications where remote push-button diversion and control of discharge flow is needed, Aquavalve can be integrated into a vessel’s electronic system to give owners full electronic control from one location. The control panel also has a Holding Tank Lock feature, which when paired with responsible holding tank use, helps prevent accidental discharge. raritaneng.com

Flexible Solar Panels  – Equal In Strength And Power

At least that’s what the folks at CBC Corp, manufacturers of the Ganz Eco-Energy Flexible Solar Panels claim. Made expressly for marine use, their solar panels are highly efficient, weatherproof and designed to provide clean, quiet and reliable power in 6W, 12W, 30W, 40W and 55W units. These solar cells have the industry’s highest conversion efficiency, providing maximum power while taking up less space on deck. An unbreakable plastic film surface with semi-flexible aluminum backing make these panels ideal for mounting on flat or gently curved decks. Each panel has 4 grommet-finished holes for mounting along with 10 feet of outdoor rated power cable that connects directly to your battery or a charge controller. These panels provide an excellent electrical source to trickle charge 12V batteries and other devices. cbcamerica.com

The Perfect Bungee?

We’ve all had bad experiences with bungee cords. They lose their stretch and fall apart from sun and salt air exposure. The Perfect Bungee from Just Ducky Products is designed to not crack, break, split, become brittle or scuff, and can withstand exposure to salt water, oil, ozone and even comes with a lifetime guarantee. Made of super-strong polyurethane, the Perfect Bungees stretch up to twice their original length. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the Perfect Bungee is the perfect tool to have while enjoying a day on the boat.
The Flex Web Bungee is perfect for securing anything trying to jump ship. String several fixed end cords together via a central ring to create a 4, 6, or 8 arm “web” in two different lengths. Then toss them into your locker without a worry!
Just Ducky also makes the Boat Snubber which can withstand 1,000 pounds of pull and can accommodate up to a 3/4-inch diameter mooring line. justduckyproducts.com

Dual Touch Display With Fingertip Control

Are you addicted to the pinch and wipe associated with really smart devices like the iPhone/iPad? Now there’s a marine multi-touch monitor available with the same technology from Kessler-Ellis Products (KEP) Marine. The new KEPM GB Dual Touch Glass Bridge Display series offers fingertip control on a haze- and glare-free screen. Designed to enhance the use of nav software such as Furuno MaxSea, Nobeltec TimeZero Trident and others, the KEPM GB series comes in 15-, 17-, 19- and 22-inch (widescreen) displays. kepmarine.com

One Mean Looking Anchor

If the newest anchor on the market has a bite that’s as mean as its look, then the XYZ Extreme is bound to succeed. Founded in 2005, XYZ Marine Products has created a precision, heavy duty, light and compact anchor with a holding power equal to 2-3 times that of other anchors. The XYZ delivers almost instant and deep setting with a related 360-degree performance. Its design enables setting even on very hard-to-penetrate bottoms such as slippery weeds, corals and mixed sand/weeds/rocks. The modular XYZ offers a choice of flukes and is made of 316L stainless steel or light marine grade aluminum (3/8”/10mm solid machined plate). The anchor’s saw cutting blade is machined with the precision of ultra hard 17-4PH stainless steel. The fluke area of the 18lbs/8kg Extreme is about equal to the fluke area of a 45lbs/20kg
CQR or Bruce. The shank is built from mirror polished 2205 stainless steel. Practical Sailor Magazine gave the XYZ Extreme high marks stating, “We awarded it a top pick based on its performance. This boat anchor will not break out, even when overpowered. Competitors were Delta, Bruce, Spade, Bulwagga, CQR and all the other best boat anchors in the world.” xyzanchor.com

Keeping It New, Fresh, Clean and Dry

Aqua-Clean Foams Away
Bathroom Soap Scum

Thetford is the name you can trust for safe, gentle cleaners and green products. Their newly reformulated Ultra-Foam Aqua-Clean Kitchen and Bath Cleaner is proven safe for the environment with its “Design for the Environment” recognition. Plus it comes in a convenient trigger spray bottle. Its multi-purpose formula requires little or no scrubbing, so you can complete your cleaning tasks quickly and get back to the fun of being out on the water. Aqua-Clean Foam is gentle, non-abrasive, safe on seals and powerful on all surfaces. thetford.com

Functionality Of Space
In A Long Range Cruiser

Last month, Carver Yachts unveiled their newest yacht, the 54 Voyager, at boat shows on both coasts. Investing in style and innovation, the new design illustrates their continued commitment to delivering luxurious yet functional yachts at a great value. Carver takes pride in giving customers a reason to consider buying their family a new boat by creating new and exciting designs like the 54V. True to its pedigree, the new design focuses on space, layout, function, long-range cruising and efficiency, marked by a state-of-the-art joystick control and maneuvering system. carveryachts.com

Flush Your Engine Simply

Whether flushing an inboard engine for winterization, for regular maintenance, or when moving between bodies of water, the process has now been simplified with Perko’s FlushPro. Now there’s no need to crawl under the boat, open the engine hatch, custom-rig connections or turn valves on and off. FlushPro is available for hose sizes 5/8 inches, 1 inch or 1-1/4 inches, and it makes freshwater flushing as easy as connecting to a garden hose. A supplied adapter makes boat winterizing a snap. The unit’s transparent body allows visual monitoring of water flow. Flush Pro’s durable check valve system is activated by water pressure from the hose and automatically shuts off hull intake when pressure is applied.
Made of heavy-duty polymer with a stainless steel spring, Flush Pro is available in two models. The system also works for flushing onboard generators or air conditioning units. perko.com

Keep Your Tunes Dry

The new Digital Media Locker from Marine Audio Systems manufacturer Aquatic AV keeps most any digital music-playing device clean and dry on board—and allows the user to remotely select and play music up to 40 feet away. Rated for use in wet and dusty environments, the Digital Media Locker has a built-in amplifier and pre-amp outputs to connect external amplifiers. A radio frequency two-way remote controls music functions while the device stays dry inside the locker. Flush mounts easily. Compatible with iPod, MP3, U.S. and Euro FM radios. aquaticav.com

Yacht Club Mil-Spec

Naiad’s new 10-meter RHIB combines the finish of a custom yacht with a proven military-spec platform. Built on a 5086 marine-grade aluminum hull subdivided by three watertight bulkheads into four sealed compartments for reserve flotation. Naiad designs are famous for their durability, sea-keeping ability, safety and handling. This vessel shares its platform and hull construction with the 10-meter Naiads in use by the USMC off the coast of Somalia. They also share with those used by the U.S. Department of Justice in anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations overseas. Fuel capacity of this vessel is 180 gallons with an option for up to 280 gallons, giving the boat a range of up to 400 miles at a cruising speed of 34 knots depending on load and selected options. Twin 300-hp Mercury Verados give a top speed of over 50 knots with optional jack plates. Full engine guard is standard. Electronics include a Raymarine C120W Hybridtouch chartplotter/radar/sounder, Raymarine autopilot, Icom VHF, and Fusion iPod dock stereo system. Naiad has many decking and seating options, including mil-spec (military specifications) shock mitigating seating for the ultimate in crew safety and performance. The tube system is Naiad’s patented polyurethane inflatable collar with rod and bolt rope attachment system. Foam collars in several configurations are available. These systems are the most durable in the industry. naiadnewport.com

These Lights Only Come Out At Night

Accon Marine offers up the 205 Series Pop-Up Port Lights, 206 Starboard and 207 Side Lights. These unobtrusive lights flip down flush during the day or when not in use, keeping the deck free of protruding, toe-crushing hazards. All three models are U.S. Coast Guard-approved for one nautical mile, are NMMA-accepted and meet 72 Colregs. Made of marine grade 316 stainless steel, they are illuminated with a #78 bulb. A plastic waterproofing cup prevents water runoff below deck. Installation is easy with a cut-out template and three #10 screw fasteners. Prices start at $156.49. acconmarine.com

 The “Buzz” About Anchors Says… Get A Rocna!

If you’ve been reading the cruising forums online, then you already know that the most preferred anchor of cruisers all over the planet is the Rocna anchor. Designed for smaller, lighter-weight boats, this galvanized hook sets firmly and is easily retrieved in all conditions. The Rocna Fisherman’s design is based on the original and possesses stopping power vastly superior to equivalent-weight plough or claw type anchors in soft sand or mud due to the large, concave blade.
Notice that roll-bar? It’s probably what makes the Rocna so well loved. Since it’s a self-righting anchor, it will always turn itself to the correct attitude for setting. The skid rails then direct the blade into the seabed and the chisel-like tip easily cuts through weeds or hard bottoms making it great for Bahamas cruising. The handy roll-bar can also be used as a handle if it’s fouled so it can be recovered from the surface by snaring the roll-bar with a grapnel or other hook. The Rocna Fisherman is also ecologically friendly—owners don’t have to worry about anchor drag in fragile environments. Rocna anchors have a suggested retail price starting at $159.99. rocna.com

Shoot Like A Pro Underwater

It’s always a delight to cruise in beautiful crystal clear Caribbean waters, but to be able to capture those undersea moments… well now, that’s even more delightful. To take those fantastic photographs of the family frolicking under the sea you’ll need this special camera, new Mini II from SeaLife, the choice of scuba pros everywhere.
Waterproof up to 130 feet and rubber armored for a sure grip, it’s also shockproof so you can drop it from up to 6 feet with no ill effects! The Mini II is compact, rugged and ready for adventure. The Easy Set-up mode on-screen guide ensures the 9 MP camera is set correctly for sharp, high-resolution pictures, both above or under water. Plus, the buttons are really easy to operate. The camera is perfect for anyone who loves the water: cruisers, divers, snorkelers, fishermen, paddlers and any fun-seeking adventurer. Though it uses AAA batteries, online reviewers claim that you’ll have enough power for two dives. The Mini II is compatible with many SeaLife accessories, including the Digital Pro Flash, Photo/Video Light and Wide Angle Lens. The Mini II retails for $229.95. sealife-cameras.com

Keep Both Your Tunes and Your Beach Party Cool

The new Igloo 40 qt. Cool Fusion Icy Tunes cooler fuses together the features and benefits of hard and soft side coolers. Featuring a sturdy telescoping handle and over-sized wheels for sand travel, there are several pockets for such items as a cell phone, sun block, sunglasses, etc. But what’s so special about this cooler is that it comes with speakers and an amplifier that can be used with any MP3 player. Just pop your iPhone or iPod Touch into the music player pouch that connects to the sound system from outside or inside and you’ve got a beach boombox! Or, listen to the built-in radio. It has an elastic cord on its lid that offers additional utility and carrying support and with the Ultratherm Insulation you also have enhanced ice retention. Retails for $149.99. igloo-store.com

Swiss-made, Spinnaker Ready!

STØLÅS Watch Company created the Harbormaster collection to be a fusion that successfully melds together luxurious design with practical and durable functionality. Highly refined, Swiss-made instrument boasts an ETA movement visible through its Sapphire exhibition case back. It is packaged with a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap with orange stitching on the Genoa or, one can choose the Spinnaker, which features a beautiful carbon fiber dial. With its pleasant teal blue colors on the bezel, numbers, and a shocking orange lightening bolt second hand—it’s a timepiece that makes people stop and stare. But wait, there’s more: when the sun sets the Spinnaker’s photoluminescence properties are just getting warmed up. The Spinnaker features four different luminescence paints that all contribute to the awe-inspiring brightness this watch has to offer. The Harbormaster collection adds the “Wow factor” in its extreme case design, superior luminosity and reliable quality movements. It’s the choice of adventurists everywhere. stolaswatch.co/watch

Onos Unveils Ernest Hemingway Polarized Performance Sunglasses

Just in time for the crowning of the new Hemingway Look-Alike in Key West! (See Scuttlebutt – page 96.) Onos Trading Company has just launched their newest collection of bold “see-and-be-seen” shades, inspired by the author’s large life, world adventures and enduring literary works… it was simply a matter of time before his name also became a brand. “I look at the new Ernest Hemingway sunglasses and I think, yes, my father would have chosen to wear these and I think his characters would too,” said Patrick Hemingway, son of the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner.
Ernest Hemingway Polarized Performance Sunglasses come in six styles and will retail for less than $180 as single-focal “plano” sunglasses or as dual-focals, featuring standard upper lenses and low-profile bifocal readers with 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 magnifications. Bifocal magnifiers help with close-up tasks like looking over a menu at an outdoor café, voyage planning, charting or reading Ernest Hemingway short stories in the cockpit. To get yours, call 866-865-4695 or go to onos.com.

New Pocket-Sized Life Saver

ACR Electronics has just received final FCC approval for their newest personal locator, the ResQLink, the world’s smallest 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) now being shipped to dealers for sale to consumers in the U.S.
The new unit is small and light enough to hold comfortably in one hand, yet powerful enough to guide rescuers to within 100 meters of the user’s position in a life-threatening emergency. It weighs under five ounces and is just four inches tall, but offers a lot of technology for its size, giving boating enthusiasts, pilots or other adventurers a true safety companion. Add the 406Link.com subscription service and ResQLink can be tested through the Cospas-Sarsat International worldwide network of rescue satellites, assuring owners that their beacon is ready when needed. MSRP: $279.99. acrelectronics.com

Dog it Down Without Damage

Sea-Dog has partnered with Chok-A-Blok in England to become the exclusive U.S. distributor of the patented Strap Guard, a product that protects boats, jet skis, ATV’s, motorcycles or any other important cargo from strap damage when being transported. An extremely tough polypropylene sleeve on top of a nitrogen-filled, closed cell foam backing is lightweight, tough and flexible while being resistant to moisture, oils, solvents, and UV rays. Here’s how it works: as tension is applied to the strap, friction-caused damage to the surface of the cargo is eliminated as the strap is allowed to slide effortlessly across the slick polypropylene surface.
The Strap Guard supports 2-inch wide straps and measures 2 and 3/8 inches wide by 7 inches long by 3/4 inches thick. Priced at $9.99 to $10.99, they can be purchased online. sea-dog.com

Vintage Classic Cold-Molded Vicem

Vicem Yachts, Istanbul-based builders of luxury classic motor yachts, plans to debut its 100-foot Cruiser later this month.
“The new 100 Cruiser epitomizes the three hallmarks of every Vicem yacht: exuding a classic look of timeless design, exemplifying the Vicem ideals for unmatched craftsmanship with a commitment to total customization, and the cold-molded method of construction. But this timeless, classic design 50 meter Vicem has undergone a sophisticated makeover with a number of new refinements, thanks to Vicem’s in-house design team,” stated Vicem Yacht’s President, Dirk M. Boehmer. The yacht was built at the company’s Antalya yards of all mahogany cold-molded construction, in-house wood and steel craftsmanship, inside and out. It features five cabins for ten guests, three crew cabins, an “over-sized” U-shape Gaggenau kitchen, plus a 70-square meter (750-sq. ft.) flybridge. vicemyacht.com

Mercury Marine Unveils Quicksilver Propeller Selector

Mercury Marine recently launched a new prop selector for Quicksilver branded propellers. The online prop selector allows buyers to select the correct propeller for their boats in five convenient steps. Simply answer a few questions and the Quicksilver prop selector guides you to the right propeller, no matter what brand of outboard or sterndrive you may have. Find the best propeller for acceleration, handling, fuel economy, overall performance and top speed. qsprops.com/prop-selector

Azimut 45: The New Italian Stallion

The newest model from Italy’s Azimut Yachts made its debut in Venice. The Azimut 45 Flybridge motor yacht gets it’s good looks from Italian yacht designer, Stefano Righini, while Carlo Galeazzi designed the interior. Power comes via twin 480-metric horsepower Cummins engines for a top speed of 32 knots. azimutyachts.com

Easy Does It!

TigerShark makes this top-mount outrigger holder, which features a bottom-mounted crank assembly for ease of deployment. Simply push up on the handle to release the gears and turn 10 to 12 times to completely deploy your outriggers to maximum bait spread. Then pull the handle down to lock them into place. It couldn’t be simpler.
No more climbing the gunwales to adjust your outriggers! tigressoutriggers.com

A Seat for All Seasons

This portable seat is a great solution for boat owners who want to accommodate additional guests on deck in comfort. Manufactured by WIC in The Netherlands and distributed in the U.S. exclusively by G2 Products of Jupiter, Florida, the ComfortSEAT is a durable folding cushion with a galvanized steel inner frame that allows you to adjust it into 14 different positions. You can even shape it to fit an angled foredeck. Don’t worry, you won’t feel the steel inside—the ComfortSEAT is filled with thick foam that provides cushioned yet firm support. Overall dimensions are 40″ L x 18″ W x 3″ H.
The easy-care seat has a UV-resistant Sunbrella cover that won’t mildew; the bottom is coated with PVC non-slip material. It’s available in navy blue, ocean blue, blue-and-white stripes, Persian green, dark red, and sand color, and comes with a one-year warranty. Retail price is $99.95. comfortseatus.com

Extreme Elements Wear

Grundéns USA, a name famous for protecting Bering Sea crab fishermen and other professional mariners in the world’s most extreme environments, has launched a new product line designed to bring this same level of quality and performance to all fishing, boating and outdoor enthusiasts. The new line—called Weather Watch Rainwear, is designed to provide lightweight, comfortable protection for boating and other outdoor activities. The Weather Watch family includes jackets, bibs and pants in a variety of colors and a full range of sizes from XS to 5-XL. grundens.com

Keep the Catch Cool

Fishing boat owners keen to preserve their catch in tip-top condition have been choosing Dometic Marine’s range of Eskimo Ice Cube crushed-ice systems for over 25 years. The Eskimo Ice systems can deliver freshwater flaked-ice up to 35 feet from the engine room position to convenient deck locations such as a fish box or a cooler.
Smart digital monitors can be mounted remotely at helm positions or in a cabin for convenience and ease of operation. They display the system’s operational status and any alarms to the skipper and crew at all times. If there are any problems, they can be resolved as soon as possible to preserve the ongoing production and supply of ice. dometic.com.

On-Deck Sandals

Living in sunny Florida, I welcomed the idea of adding a pair of sandals to my usual wardrobe of fully enclosed boat shoes. The OKA b sandals I sea-trialed (the Tara model, shown at top) have molded non-slip soles that gave me a solid grip on the boat’s deck. Fully waterproof and bacteria-resistant, they are manufactured using recycled materials, so you can feel like you’re helping the environment by wearing them. Not everyone likes thong sandals, but those who do will appreciate OKA b’s ergonomic design and signature foot-massaging bumps molded into the topsides.
OKA b offers an extensive line of women’s waterproof, non-slip sandals in a wide range of colors, adorned with jewels, flowers, ribbons or bows. I got compliments on my sandals wherever I wore them. New for 2011 is the Candy Colored Gems line.  OKA b women’s sandals range in price from $20 to $40. The company also has a limited assortment of men’s sandals that are suitable for marine use. – Louisa Beckett
shoesthatloveyou.com

Red, White and Retro

The latest project from this over 80-year-old builder of classic Fairform Flyer yachts is an elegantly retro sportfishing model. Billed as “stealth-inspired”, the Huckins Sportfisherman 44 will have the Jacksonville, Florida, builder’s patented Quadraconic hull, which combines a smooth, dry ride with optimum fuel-efficiency. Top speed is projected to be in excess of 30 knots. Huckins is offering owners the opportunity to extensively customize the boat to suit their taste and needs. huckinsyacht.com

Reel ‘em in

Ever want to kick back and drop a line in the water—just for the fun of it? Penn may have just the rod and reel for you. Its GT Level Wind combo combines a Penn reel with a lightweight graphite Penn Slammer rod. The reel also contributes to the lightness of the set-up. It has a graphite frame, machined and anodized aluminum spool and a high-strength marine grade bronze alloy main gear. Penn’s GT family of Level Wind reels is a popular choice of anglers in just about every location due to their reliability, durability and performance. When matched to the Penn Slammer rods, the Penn GT Combos are well suited to all varieties of fishing. They are factory-balanced, great-looking, and ready for whatever fishing challenges you want to try. The GT Level Wind Combo is available in three lengths: 6.5 feet, 7 feet and 8.5 feet. Catch ‘em while they’re biting. MSRP: $130  pennreels.com

Country Eyewear

Costa Del Mar Sunglasses and country music star and four-time CMA entertainer of the year Kenny Chesney have partnered up to design the singer’s first line of signature sunglasses. Proceeds generated from the sale of Costa Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Sunglasses will benefit the Coastal Conservation Association, a shared cause for both Kenny and Costa. The five Limited Edition frames, which feature Costa’s patented 580 lens technology—Hammerhead, Caballito, Rincon, Howler and Little Harbor—feature Kenny’s signature and unique hand-drawn artwork etched onto each frame style. The artwork designs on each sunglass style are tied to a piece of Kenny’s life – one style features the song lyric, “No Shoes. No Shirt. No Problems!” while another commemorates the 2011 “Goin’ Coastal” tour. The etched sunglass designs are reminiscent of scrimshaw, an ancient art form practiced by Native Americans and then Yankee whalemen in the 1800s.   costadelmar.com

Bayliss Begins its Biggest Boat

Bayliss Boatworks in Wanchese, North Carolina, began construction of the B1-84’ Orion in April, its largest project to date. The sportfisher’s specifications also include many other company firsts and custom features. The design is a collaborative effort between Bayliss and yacht designer Robert Ullberg. The 84-foot Orion will be their first boat to feature a navy blue hull. Her five-stateroom/five-head layout will include Bayliss’ first full-beam master, featuring a six-foot walk-in closet, office desk, L-shaped sofa and king-sized berth. Powered by a pair of MTU M94s producing 2,600 hp each, she will have a top speed of 40 knots. Her 17-foot cockpit will feature a huge mezzanine, stainless refrigeration compartments, an in-deck stainless fishbox and transom box.

Wear the Shark

Long known for its marine footwear, RuggedShark is introducing an apparel line for Spring 2011. Every item of clothing uses fine cotton poplin and moisture wicking, quick-drying fabrics. RuggedShark apparel also is designed to allow unencumbered freedom of movement. Performance features include Shark Shield sun protection; Shark Gill thermo-regulating systems and Shark Repel breathable waterproofing. The line includes long- and short-sleeve technical fishing shirts with mesh-vented back panels, strategic pockets with hook-and-loop closures and button-down collars with Shark Shield in soft cotton poplin or quick-dry nylon, as well as shorts, pants, rain and head gear. ruggedshark.com

Cool on Wheels

Igloo Products Corporation has introduced a new, 110-quart, wheeled cooler featuring a unique, patent-pending telescoping handle. With the handle extended and locked, it provides the mechanical advantage of a rickshaw, allowing the cooler to be pulled and pushed with 50-percent less effort. If you find yourself having to move a load of drinks or fish and ice over sand or cobblestones, consider a cooler from Igloo’s All Terrain series. The Glide is offered in a series of three models: the Glide, Glide Pro and Glide Elite. Depending on the model, they are insulated for up to five to six days ice retention. MSRP: $129.99 to $159.99; igloo.com

Dehook ’em

Bahamas charter fishing boat Captain Billy Black had the need to retrieve his hook from deep inside the fish he’d caught. He was tired of losing his favorite lures, and they were expensive. So he invented the Dehooker.
Captain Billy Black’s “Pro-Series” Dehooker is the best device made in America for the purpose of removing dangerous fishing hooks from gamefish, according to the captain himself (and many fishermen agree). He designed it to retrieve prized fishing lures while simultaneously removing sharp hooks quickly and safely from the jaws of captured fish without further harming the fish. Field-tested by pro anglers, the Dehooker is fabricated by hand using the finest surgical stainless steel available. MSRP: $69.95; captbillyblackdehooker.com

Not Your Father’s Sunglasses

With the summer sun at full tilt this time of year, owning a pair of premium polarized sunglasses quickly becomes a necessity. But with so many options available, how do you select the pair that’s right for you?

Premium sunglass brands like Costa offer a variety of options for boating enthusiasts. For 2011, Costa features several new metal styles, like its South Point model, upper image. Costa recently introduced a line of sunglasses for women, available with its patented 580™ lens technology. Like the Little Harbor model shown above, Costa sunglasses are hand-assembled in Daytona Beach, Florida, and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. To check out the latest styles or find a retailer near you, visit costadelmar.com.

Sun and glare protection: Look for polarized lenses with 100 percent UVA/UVB protection embedded into the lens, so it can’t wipe off no matter how many cleanings it gets. Also, choose a brand that features anti-glare technology. When you’re spending hours scanning the horizon from the bow, you want sunglasses that are going to reduce eye fatigue and prevent eye strain.
Lens colors: Where you are on the water makes a big difference when it comes to choosing a lens color that will work best for you. For inshore or freshwater boating, select a copper, amber or green mirror lens, which allows more light to enter your eye. The resulting contrasts will help you see through the water more clearly. For offshore boating, when you’re faced with miles of blue ocean and a vast horizon, select a gray or blue mirrored lens to cut distortion.
Frame fit: Look for sunglasses with a wrap shape to protect the sensitive skin near your temples from sun exposure. Also, features such as no-slip nose pads and flexible frame arms will provide a comfortable fit. Anti-fogging frame vents and anti-corrosive hinges will come in handy when you’re battling the elements this summer.