Boat gadgets come in all shapes and sizes. New products enter the market daily. You can count on Southern Boating to keep you updated on the newest gadgets for boating.
Revolutionize Your Boating Experience with Manta Racks
Planning a family day out on the boat is not just about packing the essentials like food and drinks anymore. Nowadays, you have to ensure everyone has a good time as well! With the advent of boat rack systems, you can bring along paddleboards or floating mats too!
But the struggle is real when it comes to storage space on a boat, no matter how big it is. With paddleboards, kayaks, and floating mats gaining popularity, everyone wants to take them to incredible places like barrier islands or even the Bahamas. Where do you fit all these goodies on your center console? Just chuck them on the floor? Remember those days when you’d end up stubbing your toes on the boards scattered around the deck? And don’t get me started on the giant floating mat wedged between the console and the gunwale, waiting to be tripped over!
The Game-changing Solution: Boat Rack Systems
But fear not, my fellow boaters, those struggles are a thing of the past! Enter the fantastic rack system! It’s like magic—just slide the rack system into a rod holder on the gunwale of your boat, pop your boards on it, and strap ’em in. Voila! No more boards cluttering the deck, and the floating mats are out of your way, perfectly secure. It’s a total game-changer!
And guess what? These rack systems are a dream come true—portable, lightweight, and super-durable. When you’re not using them, just stash them away effortlessly. Plus, they’re proudly American-made, tested in the mighty ocean, and loved by boat owners alike.
So, pack up those paddleboards, kayaks, and floating mats, and hit the water with ease and style, thanks to these fantastic boat rack systems!
Drone fishing gives new meaning to finding fish and delivering bait
If you have fished offshore for tuna or any other large pelagic species, you may have lofted your bait far from the boat using a balloon rather than dropping the bait and motoring some distance away. Now there is another way. You can use a drone to precisely drop your bait where you want it, in some cases up to half a mile from the boat,
provided your line is long enough to not disturb feeding fish.
Get a Drone
The first step is to get a drone. Many drones are sophisticated enough that you can avoid crashes into the sea, primarily caused by pilot error. I suggest that you avoid buying a drone for less than $500 unless it is used. Most drones under $500 do not have the lifting capability or a long battery life.
A drone that costs between $500 and $1,500 will give you the best choices, according to experienced drone operators. Battery life is a primary consideration, especially if you want to place several baits far from the boat. Batteries have improved over the last few years and can last up to 30 minutes which allows time to go a long distance and get back. Keep
spare batteries on board along with a charger to enable you to keep flying all day if you want.
I suggest a minimum of two spare batteries; it can take up to two hours for a charge. The typical price is between $60 and $140 per battery depending on the drone. Another important consideration is range; you don’t want to fly the drone beyond its limit and lose connection; you may lose the drone.
There are different configurations that allow the fishing line to connect to the drone. Drones with long landing legs give you plenty of room to secure your outrigger clip. Ideally, you should balance the bait line directly below the middle of the drone. You can make a simple harness from leg to leg (using lightweight fishing line) to suspend the downrigger clip from the center point. There are also bait release systems that mount to drones and are operated through the controller.
The drone should also have a return-to-home function. It’s important to make sure the function is set to return to the controller and not the takeoff point; boats move. Drones
with this function automatically return when the battery is low or the connection is lost. You can also engage it if you lose its location.
Practice Makes Perfect
The second step is to learn how to fly the drone. Take it to an open area, such as a ball field, and practice using it. There are a number of YouTube videos that can get you started with the basics. Today’s drones are so smart that it should only take a couple of hours to become fairly proficient. Learn how to take off and land. Practice catching it in the air.
When you feel that you have become competent at flying your drone, rig it to carry a downrigger clip and polish your “fishing” skills before you do it from the boat to get a feel for the clip’s tension and how far the line can be flown before its weight causes the clip to release. Make adjustments until you’re confident the drone can take the line the distance you want it to go. An average fishing reel can hold around a thousand feet
of line, so that should be plenty.
Scouting with your drone Before you load up your drone with bait, you can use it to
scout potential fish locations. The drone should include a 4K camera to allow you to find fish. What the camera captures in flight is exactly what you see on your monitor, tablet or smartphone. You will also be able to spot potential obstructions and tidelines where fish might gather. Provided the water is clear enough, the drone can see to a good depth,
but, by FAA rule, you can’t exceed 400 feet. Some drones will automatically stop at that height.
You should be able to notice baitfish along weed lines, rocks and shoals and if larger fish are feeding on them. This prevents spooking the fish with your boat, but keep the drone about 30 feet off the water to prevent fish from feeling any vibration from the noise or the propellers. If the drone is loaded with bait and you spot a fish, you can drop the bait ahead of it. If the bait doesn’t release, fly the drone back to the boat to check for problems. Don’t try to reel the drone in hoping that it will release the bait.
Flying and Landing
You can fly in winds up to 20 mph with the latest drones, but it cuts down on battery life as the drone tries to stay in one position and is buffeted by the breeze. In general, the lower the wind, the longer your battery will last. Keep in mind that recording video also quickly takes away battery life.
An advantage of longer landing legs is it makes it easier to catch the drone when brought back to the boat. It can be difficult to land on the deck, so hover the drone within reach
and grab it by the legs only. Wear gloves in case you fumble the drone. The propellers nick the hands—it hurts and will cut you. The avoidance sensors will react to a hand reaching up to grab the drone, but it can be done and is safer than trying to land it on a moving boat. Some drones have the capability to disengage the sensors. Once the drone is captured, shut it down immediately.
Which Drone is Right for Me?
There are a number of drones capable of fishing, including 3DR Solo, Autel Robotics, DJI, UPair, and Yuneec. I’ve included the ones I’ve had experience with and are on the upper end of the price range, but with a little research, there are drones that can do the job for less than $1,000.
Waterproof drones are available, and they work well without the fear of soaking precious electronics. The SwellPro SplashDrone 3+ can land in the ocean and take off again and
drop multiple baits at once. The fishing edition has a 2.2-pound payload capacity, .8-mile casting range and 18 minutes flight time. The base price is $1,348. The PL3 payload release and camera is $329.
The not-so-waterproof drones include DJI and Yuneec. The DJI Phantom series is a popular choice among pilots, but the latest Phantom 4 is no longer in production (the Phantom 5 is expected this year); however, you can still purchase new (and used) units at retailers. The landing skids allow room to secure an outrigger clip and has a 4K camera with 3-axis gimbal. Flight time averages around 28 minutes with a one-mile range. Prices vary for the Phantom 4 series starting around $1,000.
DJII Phantom 4 Pro
DJI’s Mavic 2 has short landing legs, but Gannet has bait release systems made specifically for Phantom and Mavic drones. Flight time for the Mavic 2
Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom is up to 31 minutes. The Pro has 4K video resolution Hasselblad camera and the Zoom has a 24-48 optical zoom lens built-in and is currently priced at $1,499 and $1,299, respectively. dji.com
Yuneec has a few drones in its collection that make the grade for fishing. The Typhoon H Pro RealSense (six-rotor drone) has a flight time of 25 minutes with a range of 1.2 miles. A three-axis, anti-vibration gimbal rotates 360 degrees for the camera to capture 12-megapixel stills and 4K video. MSRP: $1,499.99. yuneec.com
AeroKontiki is a longline fishing drone built in New Zealand. Primarily for beach fishing, the carbon fiber drone can carry 8.8 pounds and fly in 18-knot winds. It doesn’t have
a camera but can take around 25 baits with 24-ounce sinkers more than a half-mile out. The AeroKontiki Evolution III basic package is $4,387; aerokontiki.co.nz
Rules and Regulations
Do not fly above 400 feet and keep the drone within sight of the operator.
If your drone weighs 55 pounds or more, you will need a pilot’s license.
Register your drone with the FAA. You can do this online.
Do not fly within five miles of an airport. Most of the latest drones have geofencing software that automatically stops the drone from flying in restricted areas.
The registration number must be displayed on the drone’s exterior.
Check state and local ordinances before you fly. Some states do not allow drones to scout or catch fish.
Boaters need a ton of gadgets and gear, even for just a day cruise. But anglers may need even more. Here are our top ten fishing gadgets for summer fishing.
Fishing is for everyone, experts and novices alike. Before you head out to the canyons, the beach, or your neighborhood pond, check out these top ten fishing gadgets for all your angling needs. From mugs to guns and everything in between, Southern Boating has the gadgets and gear you need to land the big one.
YETI 24 oz Rambler Mug
YETI adds to its stainless steel Rambler Drinkware collection with a 24oz mug. Available in stainless, black, seafoam, and navy colors, the unbreakable mug is designed with a cold beer in mind and features double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Quad-grip handle and is dishwasher safe.
Protect your eyes around the water with Rheos Gear’s new Floating Cooper Sunglasses. Embedded nose pads make for comfortable wear.
Additionally, the glasses include an enhanced grip against water and sweat. These polarized shades offer anti-scratch, anti-fog, and anti-glare lenses. They have 100 percent UV protection. The Coopers come in tortoise and gunmetal frames with a variety of lens color options, including thermal, marine, gunmetal, and emerald.
The Cressi Cherokee Ocean Speargun keeps its traditional qualities but adds cutting-edge technical solutions. Features include an oversize trigger that aligns with the barrel to eliminate inertia, new integrated rubber load assist, and stainless steel, self-lubricating Teflon mechanism. The Cherokee Ocean has 16-millimeter dual bands with Dyneema wishbone and a unique magnetic loading system.
Budget-minded baitcasters have a new choice in reels with Kastking’s Crixus Line. Named after the Roman gladiator, there are two versions. The Dark Star has seven plus one, stainless steel ball bearings and an anti-reverse roller bearing with a 7.2:1 gear ratio.
The Glacier White and Sea Spray have five plus one with anti-reverse bearing and a 6.5:1 gear ratio. Features include CNC machined aluminum spool, brass gears, aluminum handle, and SuperPolymer grips.
Capture your underwater experience with the Paralenz Dive Camera. The patented, depth-controlled color correction system eliminates filters and automatically corrects to match the depth. A pressure sensor allows real-time depth and temperature to display in videos and pictures.
This is one of the fishing gadgets best for freedivers, SCUBA enthusiasts or those who spearfish. Made from military grade aluminum, the Paralenz is durable and waterproof to 820 feet.
Livetarget’s Glass Minnow Baitball Twitchbait Lure is ideal in clear water where fish get a good look at the bait. A favorite in weedy flats because of its floating ability, the lure is versatile and simple to use; twitch with a slow cadence or an aggressive retrieve. Livetarget’s suspending twitch baits can coax fish from just above the grass without getting fouled.
Wi-Fi or cell connectivity is minimal when fishing a remote location and makes finding or marking a favorite spot on the chart difficult. The Fishidy App’s new Offline Mapping Feature allows users to download new or preferred areas before leaving the dock and makes it accessible when there’s no service.
The feature includes depth contours, local fishing reports and more. The app is free with in-app purchases.
Power-Pole’s Charge Marine Power Station is an innovative, bi-directional marine battery charging and power management system that diverts power where it’s needed and keeps batteries continually charged and monitored.
The unit weighs seven pounds but is much lighter than carrying extra batteries. Control the settings through the C-Monster app. Works on all battery types and has a built-in emergency engine start. It’s definitely one of many fishing gadgets any troller needs.
Author Steve Kantner portrays the lives and passions of 50 extraordinary female anglers in his book, Fifty Women Who Fish. They come from different backgrounds and life experiences, but all are accomplished on the water and active in protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems—and they love to fish.
Beckson Marine’s D-5 Thru-Bulkhead Hose Fitting makes clean work when routing drainage or supply lines through bulkheads. The D-5 fits any standard half-inch hose and installs in minutes. Versatile to use in a wide range of applications, the fitting is perfect for routing drain lines from livewells, baitwells, coolers, and tanks.
You probably have a cooler or two lying around, but what about a go-box? YETI’s Cargo-Style Loadout Gobox is waterproof, dustproof and can hold and protect everything from fishing gadgets and cooking gear to rangefinders and cameras.
The LoadOut GoBox is nearly indestructible to endure the sun, negative temperatures, and rough daily activities.
Cruise in comfort this summer with these five items.
Summer is here (unofficially), so we’re all about getting the boat spruced up and ready to go. We’re also all about making the ride as comfortable as possible. Here are five items to make your next ride a little smoother.
Oceantamer Marine Bean Bags
No more hard bumps with Oceantamer Marine Bean Bags. These squishy chairs provide total body comfort and extreme durability for an enjoyable, relaxing day on the water whether sportfishing, facing rough seas or hanging at the dock. The bags are lightweight, portable and made with marine vinyl that is UV, mildew and fade resistant.
MSRP $129.95 for the Teardrop with neck and back support.
If you’re uneasy about swiveling while you tow a water skier or tuber, we’ve got the solution. Keep your eyes forward, and check what’s behind you with the new PTM Edge VX-140CC Blade Mirror. Along with a new billet aluminum bracket that mounts to the underside of a center console top, the HD, prescription-grade mirror measures 4.5 inches by 20 inches and provides a 140-degree viewing range.
Reef Smart: Fort Lauderdale Dive Snorkel and Surf Guide
Never worry about finding a snorkel spot or entering a protected zone again. Well, at least in some parts of South Florida. The Reef Smart: Fort Lauderdale Dive Snorkel and Surf Guide is the latest in the company’s series. The authors use 3D-mapping technology to provide divers and snorkelers detailed and realistic images of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and beaches as well as depths, currents, suggested routes, potential hazards, and the marine life that’s common from Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach. Up to 40 natural and artificial reefs are identified.
Sea Joule Marine’s Self-Contained Solar Bilge Pump
Nobody likes their shoes getting wet. Nobody likes wasting energy either. Go green and stay dry this summer. Empty water from your dinghy or small boat with Sea Joule Marine’s compact Self-Contained Solar Bilge Pump. A two-watt solar panel is mounted on top of an enclosure that houses a float switch that detects and discharges incoming water through a ¾-inch outlet.
Stop straining! Give your eyes a break. The new Steiner BluHorizons Compact Binoculars are designed for all light conditions in any season. On the water or in the mountains, their exclusive AutoBright adaptive lens technology automatically adjusts brightness. Extremely compact, rugged and waterproof, the small, lightweight 8.8-ounce binocs with 8×22 lenses fit in a pocket or purse and feature Steiner’s Fast-Close-Focus system.
You might not know it yet, but summer is just around the corner. It’s high time to start planning your summer cruising itinerary, and high time to start gearing up on those water toys for summer fun.
Here are five water toys to get you started!
Haven Kayak by Oru
The world’s first tandem origami kayak by Oru is the only one designed for one person to carry. The Haven Kayak weighs 40 pounds and features a universal rail system to accommodate a variety of mounts, such as fishing equipment, GPS units, and cameras. It can also convert to a single seat kayak to allow more space for gear, dogs and more.
When you find yourself kayaking or paddleboarding downwind, take a break and let the wind push you along. The Foldable Kayak Wind Paddle is lightweight and designed for kayaks and boards up to 15 feet. It works best with winds between 4-13 knots. The kite measures 42×42 inches and is cut for a stable, easy-to-handle sail.
Torqeedo and Zodiac Nautic have joined forces to develop the Avon eJet 450, a stylish tender with a 55kW electric engine powered by the Torqeedo Deep Blue 80 electric motor and the BMW i3 battery source. The 14-foot, 6-foot wide tender carries six, comes in a variety of configurations and reaches 30+ knots quietly. Designed for yachts 75 feet and larger, the tender delivers in May.
Navatics MITO remotely operated underwater vehicle allows users a comfortable way to explore underwater locations without being in the water. The drone has a state-of-the-art stabilization system and a 165-foot tether that goes down 130 feet. The camera takes 4K video and 8MP stills and is piloted by a remote controller with a smartphone. Available in March.
Sublue’s Whiteshark Mix Underwater Scooter has powerful dual motors to propel you more than three miles per hour. The lightweight scooter runs on a chargeable 1,100 mAh battery. It runs for 30 minutes and is depth-rated to 131 feet. A GoPro mount is included. Propellers are protected to ensure the swimmer’s safety.
The JETSURF ADVENTURE DFI introduces new features for 2019, including a specially
designed rack on the front of the board that carries a compatible duffle for any adventure or the attachable fuel container to enjoy cruising for up to 3 hours. Equipped with a DFI low emission impact, two-stroke engine, the board has a top speed of 35 mph.
Summertime, and the boatin’s easy. But it will be even easier with these five gadgets for summer cruising.
Warm weather, longer days, and cool nights make summer cruising a treat. But these five gadgets will make summer cruising even more enjoyable. From long range cruisers to casual SUP enthusiasts, we’ve got the gadgets you’ll need this summer.
Trib Outdoors Tech Aircap
The gadget you didn’t know you needed, especially as the inflatables come out for summer. Trib Outdoors Tech has launched the first ever pressure gauge cap for inflatable SUPs, RIBs, and whitewater rafts. The Aircap is designed to make it easy for people to know the precise pressure in their inflatable at all times and accurately measures up to 20 PSI. The device is solar-powered, and a headlamp will provide enough light to power the gauge at night.
Treat your tootsies! Designed to reduce the stress that one’s back, legs, and feet endure after standing on a hard deck for countless hours during summer cruising, the Helm Cushion from Taylor Made provides a comfortable ride on all waters.
The soft, thick pad is made of both closed-cell foam and a vinyl-coated skin with an organic, textured pattern. It is weather-resistant in both freshwater and saltwater. There are snaps in each corner that can secure the cushion to the deck.
Turn everyday summer spirits into top-notch cocktails to serve your guests on deck with Regatta Craft Mixers. These refreshing, citrusy, premium mixers are made from all-natural ingredients, use natural flavors, have no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup, and are gluten-free.
Raise a glass to toast that these award-winning mixers are also non-GMO, BPA-free, California Prop 64-compliant, and made in the U.S.
Pure Watercraft offers electric propulsion with Pure Outboard. Matched with their new energy-dense battery pack, the low-profile outboard has a 25-hp equivalent with one battery and 40 horsepower with two. The outboard is quiet, maintenance-free and produces zero emissions, perfect for fishing secluded coves or quiet conversations on a cocktail cruise.
TACO Marine’s GS-1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount
Fishing just got a whole lot easier. TACO Marine’s GS-1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount made its debut at the Miami International Boat Show. The NMMA Innovation Award-nominated product can safely lift and rotate poles from the comfort of the helm with the simple push of a button.
The electro-hydraulic design and microprocessor-controlled system adjusts the angle of lift from 0 to 75 degrees with incremental stops at 30, 45 and 60 degrees.
Summer’s about to get LIT. The new Aqualuma Gen5 Thru-Hull Underwater Lights were designed to increase performance output. Additionally, these are the brightest range of Aqualuma underwater lights ever. Also, the lights are fully customizable and controlled through a smartphone.
The lights are available in the 9, 18 and 24 Series and because they’re engineered as a one-piece, corrosion-proof polymer housing, existing systems can upgrade without hauling the boat.
Summertime, lookin’ fine. Here’s all the must-have beach gear you’ll need this season.
Hitting the beach usually ensures that it’s a good day. But you can make it even better. When you load up your tender and head to shore, make sure you have this must-have beach gear.
CGear’s Beach Towel
It’s the perfect towel to keep aboard for beach excursions. A patented SandLite weave makes CGear’s Beach Towel the perfect choice for a day on the sand and around the water. Not only is the towel quick-drying, but sand falls through the weave and doesn’t come back, even when the towel’s wet. Which leads me to wonder, why aren’t all beach towels like this? Soft and lightweight, it measures 31×63 inches.
The only two instances that a beach day can go awry is if it rains OR if you forget sunglasses. The Bimini by Costa Sunglasses is named after one of the most iconic islands in The Bahamas, and are just too pretty to forget before you hit the beach. The large, female frame is available in four, sea-inspired colors: Shiny Abalone, Shiny Vintage Tortoise, Shiny Deep Teal Crystal, and Shiny Ocean Current. The Bimini is a large cat-eye frame style perfect for soaking up the sun and the island life.
Soft Science Tradewind Shoes provide stability and comfort on board and on the beach. Available as a bungee-style speed lace for men and a slip-on for women, the athleisure shoe has a knitted textile upper with a touch of elastic for a sock-like fit. The low-profile, non-marking Trileon outsole and insole ensure slip resistance. The shoe is fast-drying, breathable and stylish. You could swim, paddle, or take a stroll to the bar in these. Just remember to take them off before tanning.
It’s the perfect gift for dads and grads alike. Ulysse Nardin introduces their new Diver Chronometer. The UN-118 movement and silicium technology sports an inverted, concave bezel with domed sapphire glass, blue rubber guards to protect the crown, and Superluminova to illuminate markings at great depths. The timepiece can dive up to 300 meters, which makes it perfect for beachside bathing. Just don’t lose it in the sand.
Protect yourself from the sun, have something to throw on when stepping into the restaurant or just make a fashion statement with Koy Resort’s Oversized Shirt Dress.
It’s an easy piece that works as a coverup, tunic, or a casual dress. Be sure to toss this in your beach bag next time you’re ready for some sun.
Carefully crafted to be light and airy, the 100-percent crinkle rayon cover has a lace panel trim to break up the bodice for a boho-chic look.
The ultimate beach item. Complete your beachside wardrobe with Chuchka’s Mexican Handwoven Beach Bag. Made from recycled plastic, this bag fits your boating lifestyle whether going to the beach or shopping.
The eco-friendly bag is sturdy, has comfortable double handles and is waterproof. Choose from a variety of designs.
Dudes like the beach too! Men who like to explore and enjoy nature, especially on the beach or with a boat, will appreciate these lightweight and breathable Shoes From Oceania.
The shoe has a slip-resistant, shock-absorbing rubber and phylon outsole with a removable and washable molded EVA orthotic insole and a fast-drying upper mesh.
In keeping with reducing plastics, Uncommon Green introduces its map-engraved, reusable water bottles and tumblers. Powder-coated for durability and grip, the triple-walled drinkware is vacuum-insulated, BPA-free, made with industrial-grade 18/8 stainless steel, and comes with a city, college town or topography map of your choice.
Spring has sprung! Or at least it has sprung in most locales. Some are still fighting through that last bit of winter slog (it’s almost over, Rhode Island! You can make it!). Here are five must items for spring you’ll want to have aboard.
Alchemi Labs Bucket Hat
We’ll take two. Daylight Savings and the summer sun is inching its way here. So don’t neglect the sunscreen and certainly don’t forget to protect your head. Alchemi Labs adds the Bucket Hat to their line of hats that blocks 99.8 percent of UV rays and reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat waves. Moisture-wicking sweatband and ventilation keep you cool and dry. Plus: CAMO. We love camo.
Duh-nuh. Duh-nuh. Duhnuhdunnahnahah! Say bye-bye to Jaws theme songs and hello to a sense of security. To take away the worry of a shark lurking about while in the ocean, wear Sharkbanz, an easy-to-wear band that alerts a shark that you’re not food. Scientifically proven to deter sharks, using patented magnetic technology, Sharkbanz takes advantage of a shark’s unique and powerful electrical sense (electroreception) to cause a highly unpleasant sensation that turns them away. Poor shark?
Albin Pump Marine’s Premium Electric Square Water Heater
Let’s get practical for a minute. Hot water on board is a treat on board, especially when it’s a warm shower. That’s even truer in the spring boating season when the ocean is colder than in July. Usually found on larger boats, Albin Pump Marine’s Premium Electric Square Water Heater heats 5.8 gallons in 45 minutes and measures 19x12x12 inches. A toxic-free interior ceramic coating ensures freshness keeps water hot for more than 10 hours when disconnected from shore power.
Who did the heck says that bigger is better? We disagree based solely on this teeny pocket cam that backs a punch. Document your boating adventures this spring. Get three-axis stability in DJI’S OSMO Pocket Camera. The 4.7-inch handheld camera is lightweight and compact and shoots 12MP photos and 4K video. DJI includes its ActiveTrack function that follows a subject as well as Motionlapse, 3×3 Panorama, and NightShot. The DJI Mimo app includes editing tools, templates, content sharing, and camera controls. Plus, it kinda looks like R2D2’s cousin?
Whether soaking in the sun, cuddled in the pilothouse, or relaxing at anchor, read Sailing to the Edge of Time: The Promise, The Challenges, and The Freedom of Ocean Voyaging. Author and voyager John Kretschmer gives his personal account of the challenging, yet amusing and inspirational life at sea. Filled with practical tips and advice.
Sprays, drips, drops, splishes or splashes are no match for Seattle Sports’ LocoDry bags. All you gear will stay bonedry, even if the weather turns. The rugged waterproof and splashproof duffel and backpack designs are ideal for on-water adventures and provide the ultimate protection. The LocoDry Andale Roll Duff 35L Navigator duffel features the patented Locomodiv UniLoop shoulder strap, welded seams, three-roll closure, plenty of room, and classifies as a carry-on bag.
Is your dock looking a bit lackluster? Maybe it’s lacking in some additional safety features or it’s just not comfortable. Either way, it’s high time you made some improvements to your dock and the surrounding area. Here are five easy ways to improve your dock.
Waterside Lounger Dockbox
Store your stuff and look good doing it! Makesocial times on the dock more comfortable with the Waterside Lounger from Better Way Products. Built with a heavy-duty fiberglass sandwich core construction, a UV-resistant gelcoat finish and stainless-steel hinges, the 14-cubic foot dock box withstands the elements. A unique EZ Drain system keeps seats clear of standing water.
One safety product to add to your dock is DockGrip. The hand-welded aluminum frame provides a secure grip to safely step from the dock into your boat (or PWC, kayak, canoe, or SUP) and back to the dock for people of every age and supports up to 300 pounds. It mounts to docks of any surface through six heavy steel screws.
Furniture looking dull? This is the ideal time to spruce it up. Semco teak sealer provides long lasting natural looking protection. Lasts through the season and can be renewed without deep cleaning or stripping for years! Repels water without being slippery. Relieves the drudgery of constant teak maintenance. Known the world over as the best protection for teak.
Turn up the music! You can host a bumpin’ dock party with poly-planar, a marine audio products manufacturer who recently released its new Ocean Series high-performance speakers. Available in 6.5-inch (shown) and 8-inch models, the two-way, waterproof (IPX6 rated), low-profile, blue LED-lit coaxial speakers are sun, salt and corrosion-resistant. Power rated at 480 watts and 500 watts respectively, the speakers feature high power, long-excursion woofer.
Stay comfortable with Sport-a-seat. It’s great for lounging on and off your dock. Resembling a cushion with a carrying handle, the seat has a steel frame embedded within the foam, which allows it to ratchet to 6 different positions.
You already bought it, so be sure not to break it! Here are the top 5 products to protect your boat. These boat gadgets will assist you in protecting your boat from stem to stern.
From other boats: SENTRY Boat Fenders
Take the roll out of your “sausage” fenders and protect your boat’s sides with Sentry Fenders. The patent-pending design with a broad shoulder surface integrates a molded, cross-linked closed-cell foam that doesn’t absorb water and protects from UV rays.
An innovative locking mechanism enables easy positioning on a boat or dock.
Secure coolers, cargo, and tenders with VERSACHOCK. The removable tender chocks cradle rigid hull tenders, dinghies and PWCs on swim platforms, decks and docks. The chocks connect to low-profile base brackets that are permanently installed to the deck and allow for most hull shapes and sizes.
All components are made of cast aluminum and are UV and saltwater resistant.
No more spills! Put a cupholder anywhere with STICUPS MAGNETIC CUP HOLDER. The large disc sticks to the bottom of all standard cups including YETI and Tervis (and is dishwasher safe), while the small magnetic disc that fits within the large disc adheres to multiple surfaces wherever you need an instant, spill-proof cupholder, each with a 3M VHB adhesive.
Prevent slips and falls without damaging your hull.
The Nauticus EZ Boarding Handle provides for a more stable boarding process when stepping on board or exiting a boat. The handle fits securely into most flush-mounted rod holders and is constructed from high-impact PVC for a lightweight, durable handle that resists ultraviolet rays and corrosion. Available in three sizes.
Okay, so this isn’t for your boat, it’s for your phone. But sometimes it can feel like they cost the same amount (aka TOO MUCH). In case you didn’t get a waterproof case for your iPhone this holiday season, check out the HITCASE PRO. From the iPhone 7 to the Xs Max, the IP68 waterproof rating is to 33 feet and it is drop-proof from 16 feet. The Hitcase PRO has three TrueLUX lenses, a low-profile anodized aluminum frame and is compatible with GoPro mounts to capture your greatest adventures.
Men aren’t the only ones who fish. The female anglers are out there and they need fishing gadgets too. We have five fishing gadgets for all anglers.
There is an ever-present contingent of female anglers out there. And while 99% of the market is geared towards men, there are a whole lot of women out there changing the game for the better. We approve of these five fishing gadgets for all anglers.
Waterproof shoes
Women certainly enjoy fishing too, and SoftScience Sailfin Fishing Shoe is the latest in the company’s women’s water collection.
Incorporating their proprietary Trileon footbed, the non-slip grip and fast-draining boat shoe has a more streamlined cut and provides stability in any condition.
We put this shoe to the ultimate test: our ad coordinator is an avid angler in her own right. Plus, she’s soon-to-be-married to a charter captain. There were no reported complaints when she used these shoes over the weekend.
Need an extra rod holder? Move over boys, we have an innovative solution to the lack of rod holders on the boat. And we’re adding cup holders to boot.
Seasucker Rod Holders mount quickly, and their innovative vacuum-mount technology ensures they don’t let go.
Available for a single, two or three rods, the holders attach to a lightweight, aluminum track held by the vacuum mount. The three-rod setup with a six-inch suction mount has 210 pounds of holding power.
You might get wet when you reel in the big one, but your gear will stay dry as a bone thanks to this lightweight dry bag.
Whether on the water or alongside it, keep your gear dry with Otterbox’s Yampa Dry Duffle.
Waterproof TPU-coated nylon with waterproof zippers resists UV and punctures and incorporates a low-density foam exoskeleton to protect your stuff. The Yampa dry duffle comes in three sizes.
There are many ways to fish, but not so many ways to listen to your favorite playlist.
Even if you want to swim or spearfish, you can listen to your tunes under water with H20 Audio’s Stream Waterproof MP3 Player.
Enjoy 10 hours of play time and more than 2,000 songs, and when out of the water, pair up with your smartphone via Bluetooth for more. Submerges up to 12 feet with an IPX8 rating.
Avoid damage to your outboard’s prop and protect unseen marine mammals with Hydro-Shield. It’s a win-win for you, your boat, and unseen manatees.
The skeg-mounted hydrofoil fits on most outboards and inboard/ outboards and also improves performance with its hydro-dynamic shape that provides lift, reduces drag and controls cavitation.
Ever feel like the inside of your boat is a bit…blah? Want to spruce up your boat but not spend a lot of money?
Here are five affordable items to spruce up your boat and help make your home away from home a bit more exciting.
Imtra St. Maarten Light
Make your boat a little lighter and a lot brighter. Accentuate a painting, illuminate small spaces, or swivel to illuminate your reading with the Imtra St. Maarten Light. The stainless-steel mount with a hand-crafted, blown glass swirl globe by the Pairpoint Glass Company, located off the Cape Cod Canal, also includes a built-in USB port.
Before you spruce up your boat, you’re going to have to clean it!
As the summer winds down, get a head start on your winter cleanup with 303 Mold and Mildew Cleaner + Blocker. Perfect for any water-safe surface, including vinyl and fabrics, it also prevents future mold and mildew stains from reoccurring. The biodegradable, bleach and dye-free formula provides an environmentally safe clean.
We’ve never met a pelican we didn’t like and this is no exception.
Enhance your nautical décor with this Pelican Pillow from Shoreline Style. The family-owned, Florida Gulf Coast company offers a variety of coastal designs in pillows, rugs, furniture, and accessories. Made with outdoor, fade-resistant, 100-percent polyester fabric, the corded pillow is machine washable and available with teal or cream background.
Nothing adds a little pizzazz like some new dishes!
Add a new design to your table settings with Fitz and Floyd Starfish & Coral Dinnerware Collection. Featuring a starfish, coral, and shell pattern, the set is crafted of porcelain and is microwave and oven safe. Platters are also available.
A ‘kooler’ looking cooler will make you feel like your whole boat got an upgrade.
Enjoy the dog days of summer floating on the water, and keep your favorite food and beverages close by with the Creeekkool The insulated, floating cooler has superior ice retention, and its kayak-style design tags along easily with your kayak, canoe, SUP, or raft.
To us, the ultimate summer vacation involves a day spent on the water. So without further ado, our five favorite fishing gadgets for summer.
When the water gets warm and the boat is calling, you go fishing. Here are Southern Boating’s five favorite fishing gadgets for summer. What are your favorite fishing gadgets? Let us know!
Iosso Live Well Cleaner not only cleans but also removes the stains and smells in livewells, fish boxes, coolers, refrigerators, and more. It’s chlorine-free, biodegradable and doesn’t change the pH factor, so it’s fish safe.
Quick Cleat Portable Rod Holder Fender Cleat incorporates an innovative no-knot, rotary cam design to add fenders when a fixed cleat isn’t available. Made with stainless steel (or chrome for fresh water) and available for 0-, 15- and 30-degree holders, the cleat handles lines up to a half inch.
Keep your head and neck protected from the sun with BUFF Headwear tubular, multifunctional headwear incorporating state-of-the-art fabric technologies. Ten new patterns from the Guy Harvey collection don the latest Buff Headwearthat blocks 95 percent of harmful UV rays, dries quickly and wicks moisture with its COOLMAX PRO fabric, and resists odors with the Polygiene treatment.
13 Fishing’s Concept Z Reel is constructed with Concept Zero Bearing polymer technology (no ball bearings), which eliminates corrosion, requires no maintenance or lubrication and provides exceptional casting control and distance. Built specifically for the saltwater angler, the Concept Z utilizes a 22-lb. Bulldog Drag system with Japanese Hamai cut gearing.
Eartec’s Ultrapak Beltpack transceiver enables fishing teams to communicate with each other while on the move by using Eartec’s UltraLITE self-contained headset for hands-free talking. Eartec’s system is the secret weapon that gives teams the competitive edge needed for landing trophy-worthy monsters.
There are some items you just NEED to have onboard.
Some are for your safety, while others are for your sanity. Whatever the case, they are your onboard necessities.
To keep the boat sand-free:
Ventolation flip-flops and sandals may be the perfect beach and boat footwear. Keep your boat sand-free with these shoes.
The rotary ventilated shoe enables sand, water, and air to pass through and not build up under the foot. The insole is positioned onto columns which act to rapidly expel sand and water but also allow your feet to effectively stand on air.
Your kayak, paddleboard or small RIB will comply with night navigation light requirements with Railblaza Nabipack Kit or Visibility Kit.
Each includes a three-foot, three-piece pole and 360-degree white light. The Visibility Kit also includes a red day flag, and the NaviPack has a red/green bow light and mounting options.
Visibility Kit II MSRP $94.99 or
NaviPack MSRP $179.99;railblaza.com
To keep your galley organized:
Save precious space in the galley with this nesting cookware set.
Made of 18-10 marine-grade stainless steel, Magma’s 10-Piece Nesting Cookware Set is now available with a cobalt blue finish exterior.
The Ceramica non-stick coating is non-toxic, PFOA- and PTFE-free and will not stain, peel, blister, or flake. Able to store in less than a half cubic foot of space, the set is scratch resistant, durable, and oven-safe to 500 degrees. Not for use on induction stovetops.
Great for when you’re at anchor and need a break– just bust out this game to keep the kids occupied for hours.
The year is 1667 and you are a pirate sailing the waters of the Caribbean. A Spanish galleon floats nearby, and you’ve talked your crewmates into stealing all of its treasure, but who can you trust? To whom are you loyal? Tortuga 1667 is a pirate game of mutiny, plunder and deceit for two to nine players ages 12 and up.
If you need to Netflix and chill or just work remotely, KVH has you covered.
The KVH Tracphone LTE-1 marine communications system uses cellular technology from two carriers that automatically switches between them for seamless coverage. Stay connected more than 20 miles offshore with up to 100 Mbps data speed in a compact, affordable design.
When your boat’s systems seem out of whack, the new Nautic-On Monitoring System relays vital data to your service provider for real-time diagnostics.
The mobile app enables owners to monitor their boat remotely and view key components such as the battery and bilge. When owners aren’t on board, they can receive immediate alerts if something’s gone wrong or the boat has been moved.
