Ho Ho Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the Southern Boating 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Spread holiday cheer for all to hear with these unique gifts for everyone on your list.

 

For the Sportster:

JBL’S Endurance Dive Wireless In-Ear Headphones have an IPX7 waterproof rating that allows use while swimming and in all weather conditions. Bluetooth technology provides wireless streaming for eight hours, and the Speed Charge battery pack gives an extra hour with a 10-minute charge. The built-in 1GB MP3 player stores more than 200 music tracks, and the TwistLock and FlexSoft technologies ensure a secure, lightweight and comfortable fit.

MSRP $89.95

jbl.com

 

Topside Fins fit like a shoe and are comfortable enough to spend as much time as you want swimming, snorkeling or body boarding, and their fin length makes it easy to walk out of the water. Fins are made with a high-grade polymer blend and ultra-grip sole, and the boot is a stretch neoprene with a hook and loop cinch strap for a secure fit.

MSRP $69.99

wildhornoutfitters.com

 

Casio’s Pro Trek PRG330 Timepieces use Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology for fast, precise data readings to help navigate through any adventure with a direction sensor for compass readings, a pressure sensor for altimeter/barometer readings and a thermosensor for temperature readings. Water resistant to 100 meters with many more features, Casio’s Tough Solar Power technology keeps it running.

MSRP $200

protrek.casio.com

 

Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 and 11.5 Kayaks are compact, stackable, easy to paddle, track straight, and have a 33-inch width for stability. A newly designed AirGo molded-in seat and seat pad with an adjustable AirComfort backrest provide paddling comfort. There’s plenty of legroom (52 inches) with calf rests and molded-on footwells and weighs in at 50 pounds. MSRP (9.5)

$549.95

oceankayak.com

For Parties

Maruda Steelpan Rum won Best Pot & Column Still Rum as well as World’s Best Rum at the World Rum Awards 2018. The tasting note says, “Sweet nose with rich aromas of caramel and vanilla. Nice depth in body, rich. Dry finish. Complex and very drinkable.” A three-step process ages the rum in bourbon barrels made of American white oak without the use of additives and colorings for three years each in Trinidad, Guyana, and Jamaica.

MSRP $42.99

marauda.com

Add some fun to your night with Nite Ize’s Nitegem LED Luminaries. These unique, pyramid-shaped lights are waterproof and durable and come in white or color. Choose to have white glow or flash, and color lights can glow solid or cycle through six colors. Replaceable batteries run for 20 hours.

MSRP (color) $10.99

niteize.com

 

 

For the Kids

Marine Science for Kids is a colorful, fun, photo-filled guide to explore our underwater world. Dive deep into the science of aquatic study, discover how and why oceans move and learn the answers to questions like “Why is the ocean blue?” Designed for grade levels four to six.

MSRP $18.99

chicagoreviewpress.com

 

When the sun sets or rain keeps them indoors, keep kids occupied with The Kid’s Awesome Activity Book. Kindle their curious minds and imaginations with games, crafts and hands-on activities that will keep away boredom on board.

MSRP $14.95;

amazon.com

 

 

Hidden within the shadows of the ocean, sharks are an integral part of the world’s aquatic ecosystem. Have a “jawsome” day and ferocious fun with Late for the Sky’s Sharkopoly Board Game. For players ages 8 and older.

MSRP $24.95;

lateforthesky.com

 

For the Fashionistas

A.G.A. Correa & Son’s Reef Knot Bracelet is a half-inch wide and made with 14-carat gold. The reef knot, or square knot, dates back to the late 18th century and is still used for many applications today. A.G.A. Correa & Son have been designing nautical jewelry in Maine since 1969.

MSRP $3,900

The Sand Dollar Tie Tack is worth its 14-carat gold weight. Sand dollars found on the beach are the bleached skeletons of a type of sea urchin. Recognizable by their unusual five-pointed design that looks like a flower petal or a starfish, sand dollars got their name because they looked like large coins from centuries ago.

MSRP $800

agacorrea.com

 

OceanicGear’s new Tactical Boardshorts are crafted for the angler and feature a pliers pocket, hidden zipper pocket for valuables and utility D-rings to hold extra gear.

The shorts stay snug with a 4-way stretch rear panel and are made with the latest Dry-Fit materials. Available in seven designs.

MSRP $54.99

oceanicgear.com

 

Keep your smartphone safe from drops with these fun Sea Life Phone Cases.

They have a glow-in-the-dark feature so you can always find your phone in a dark environment, and the hard polycarbonate material protects it from scratches and cracks.

MSRP $60.99

myturtleandi.com

 

 

Capt Jack’s Vintage Anchor Cap is “made for sailors by sailors.” This maritime-inspired cap offers exceptional fit and function and will keep your head dry and comfortable throughout the day.

MSRP $35

captjackstore.com

Avery Sunglasses from Abaco Sunglasses are the ultimate Pilot Sunglass.  Made from lightweight stainless steel with premium metal screw hinges, the frames feature temple tips and adjustable silicone nose pads for comfort. The UV400 protective lenses protect eyes from the damaging rays of the sun, and polarized lenses block glare and reduce eyestrain.

MSRP $60

abacopolarized.com

 

 

For Revitalization 

Sun, wind, and salt spray takes a toll on hair and skin. Replenish and revitalize after a day on the boat with Dirty Girl Farm’s Charcoal Set. Activated charcoal draws out dirt, oil, and toxins to reduce acne and detox skin.

The set includes shampoo, conditioner, clarifying facial cleanser, and scrub and is made from plant-based materials and free of any synthetic elements.

MSRP $75

dirtygirlfarm.com

Our skin soaks up particles in the air and from the water. Ahimsa Healer’s Showerheads filter faucet water through a choice of four raw crystals, each with their own healing properties. Carbon and mineral filtration removes toxins and impurities from the water.

MSRP $77

ahimsahealers.com

 

For Environmentalists

4OCEAN has pulled over 1.1 million pounds of plastic and trash from the ocean and coastlines in 27 countries around the world. To support their efforts, they offer products made from recycled materials, including the popular 4OCEAN Bracelets. Each product purchased will help remove one pound of trash.

MSRP per bracelet $20

 4ocean.com

Abandoned fishing nets and ropes (ghost nets) are the silent killers of the Ocean. Planet Love Life helps preserve the marine environment through marine cleanup projects. Their Ghost Net Bracelets are handcrafted by local artisans from 100 percent salvaged fishing nets, ropes, and lines.

MSRP $20

planetlovelife.com

 

For Decorators

MAPTECH has a full line of charts and cruising guides and now offers Decorative Nautical Charts to display at home or in the office.

These 24×34-inch charts can be framed, but because they’re printed on a self-adhesive matte fabric they can attach to almost any smooth surface and are easy to peel off and reapply without leaving a residue. More than 60 popular locations are available.

MSRP $39.95

maptech.com

For Photographers

The Raven Foldable Drone with GPS and Wifi Camera is your entry point into the drone photography world. The quadcopter has an adjustable angle Wi-Fi camera as well as Return Home, Follow Me and Auto Take Off­ functions. The drone can do 360-degree flips and folds for easy storage.

MSRP $129.99

gpx.com

Gimbal-like stabilization is the latest technology in the new GoPro Hoero7 Black Camera and is now waterproof down to 33 feet without a waterproof case; a deep-water housing is available for divers.

Other features include voice control, live stream capability, time-lapse video, Wi-Fi, GPS, 12-megapixel image quality, and a 4K video capture with super slow motion.

MSRP $399

gopro.com

For Anglers

Explore all your fishing hot spots with the 2019 SeaDoo Fish Pro. The only personal watercraft built specifically in the factory for fishing, the PWC is powered by a Rotax 1503 NA engine and uses the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 62cs Fish Finder. Features include a 13.5-gallon LinQ fish cooler, angled gunwale footrests for stability, trolling mode, and watertight phone box.

MSRP $14,799

sea-doo.brp.com/us/en/

Anglr Bullseye is a Bluetooth-enabled button that attaches to you or your boat and records your catch locations, weather, waypoints, and more to track your day out on the water without tapping on your phone or chart. The connected ANGLR fish tracking app lets you see trends in your fishing for better results wherever you throw out a line.

MSRP $29.99

anglr.com

For Someone Special

Save on berth fees, and drive up the ramp and off­ to home with Water Car’s Panther. Each one is custom-built with a Jeep-style, fiberglass body and uses a Honda V6 V-Tec, 250-hp engine that powers the transmission and the jet propulsion. Choose your own fabrics, colors, and graphics.

MSRP $172,000

watercar.com

 

 

Take your boat home or to the office with its exact replica from SD Modelmakers. Each model is handmade with the exact colors, helm station, upholstery, name, rigging, and more by master model makers and craftsmen into a museum quality replica. From canoes to megayachts, this is a special gift for the boat owner.

MSRP varies on boat model and scale.

sdmodelmakers.com

Need more ideas?

Download the 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

All Anglers Will Love These Fishing Gadgets

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.

MSRP $79.95; softscience.com

Extra rod holder

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.

MSRP $60-$135; seasucker.com

 

Driest Dry Bag

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.

MSRP begins at $249.99; otterbox.com

 

Turn It Up

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.

MSRP $99.99 with headphones. h2oaudio.com

 

Speed it up

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.

MSRP $149.95 and $169.95;

hydro-shield.com

 

Do you have other favorite items for fishing? Let us know in the comments.

Five Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Boat

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.

MSRP $199

imtra.com

303 Mold and Mildew Cleaner + Blocker

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.

MSRP $14.99 for 16 oz. bottle

goldeagle.com

Pelican Pillow from Shoreline Style

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.

MSRP from $29

shorelinestyle.com

Fitz and Floyd Dinnerware Collection

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.

MSRP $31.95

bedbathandbeyond.com

Creekkoole Cooler

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.

MSRP $165

kanoolerproducts.com

Beyond Basic Safety Gear

Go beyond the basic safety gear. This is survival gear.

Safety on board is undoubtedly the most important aspect of boating. When something goes wrong, having the proper gear can keep you alive. Increase your chances of survival by going beyond basic safety gear.

Most boaters carry just the basics: navigational lights, air horn, PFDs, fire extinguisher, flare, and a bottle of water. But before you head offshore this summer, consider carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), a personal locator beacon (PLB), emergency life raft, a night-vision camera, and high-powered spotlight.

I once was lost but now am found

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is essential when planning your safety gear.

The most recent European Union launch of Galileo navigation satellites added second-generation search-and-rescue (SAR) transponders to the International COSPASSARSAT Medium-Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) constellation. The primary mission of the MEOSAR system is navigation. Its large footprint on the globe allows the use of Doppler measurements to calculate a distress beacon’s location, while the Low-Earth Orbit (LEOSAR) and Geostationary Orbit (GEOSAR) are primarily for gathering meteorological data. Both the LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellites, however, provide assistance when a distress beacon is activated. The MEOSAR array provides faster signal detection, greater reliability, and accuracy and will soon be the dominant system for COSPAS-SARSAT service.

This is the system that communicates with an EPIRB and PLB distress signal that transmits on the 406 MHz frequency. A GPS-enabled EPIRB can identify your location to as close as 164 feet. A PLB works the same way but only transmits about 24 hours (the EPIRB has a minimum 48-hour transmission) and is registered to a person whereas an EPIRB is registered to the watercraft.

There are a number of EPIRBs and PLBs on the market, such as ACR’s GlobalFIX V4 EPIRB which has an internal 66-channel GPS. It has a 406 MHz transmission to connect with the COSPAS-SARSAT system and also uses the 121.5 MHz signal for more accurate detection when rescuers are close by. McMurdo’s Smartfind G8 AIS (shown) is the first to combine 406 MHz transmissions with an AIS (Automatic Information System) locator. Ocean Signal’s rescueME EPIRB and Simrad’s EP70 are also highly rated.

 Was blind but now I see

Fishing in the Gulf at night won’t be fun if an oil rig gets in the way. Coming into the harbor isn’t any easier. With obstacles like tidal currents and other boats that can get in your path, docking can be a challenge. What if there was a man overboard scenario? Hope he’s wearing a PLB along with a strobe light.

Having a low-light and/or thermal camera that links with your electronic display is a godsend in those situations. Infrared or thermal imaging captures temperature differences between the background and the foreground. It detects thermal radiation that is emitted by anything with a temperature above zero. Thermal imaging cameras don’t need light to see.

A night vision camera requires some ambient light (from the shore or even the moon and stars). The latest technology has cameras capable of returning an image with just 0.1 lux (a full moon with a clear sky is 0.05 to 0.3 lux) and some with a sensitivity of 0.0008 lux. Resolution size is a critical number with thermal imaging and night vision cameras, but the camera’s sensitivity mode is important as well. The higher the number, the more you can see. High sensitivity modes make the camera more sensitive to pick up changes in temperature, which is important when trying to locate a crewmember in a man-overboard situation.

As with most safety gear, there are a number of companies producing thermal and night vision cameras, such as FLIR, Raymarine, and The Yacht Group.

That Saved a Wretch Like Me

One of the handiest safety accessories is the spotlight. Not much needs to be said as most people understand the advantages of having a flashlight when it’s dark. ACR, FLIR, and West Marine are just a few of the manufacturers who offer spotlight solutions. Fully automated systems with cameras, such as The Yacht Group’s Yacht Cam Bright that combines the night vision camera with a searchlight are extremely helpful.

The Yacht Group’s Yacht Cam Bright is a combination night vision camera and searchlight.

Its extreme lowlight sensitivity of 0.0013 lux (color) and 0.0008 lux (monochromatic) distinguishes images with 2.13-megapixel resolution and 30x optical zoom. The wide spot beam, effective to 1,000 feet by 70 feet, can further illuminate an object seen in the camera’s all-in-one unit with joystick control.

In addition to these important safety products, keep in mind the location in which you’ll be cruising. Conditions on the water can change rapidly, so logically consider all possible scenarios prior to heading to the marina. Think about how far you’ll be from shore, the water temperature will be, and weather conditions. Make sure to have ample supplies of food and water in the event you’re out longer than anticipated. Even a ditch kit if you have to abandon ship. When it comes to boating, safety is always the first priority.

Useful Resources

ACR

FLIR

OCEAN SIGNAL

MCMURDO

RAYMARINE

SIMRAD

THE YACHT GROUP

WEST MARINE

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating June 2018

Five Summer Gadgets You Need

It’s August, and summer is winding down. But before the beach trips, picnics, and pool parties end, stock up on these summer gadgets.

Summer is winding down, but that shouldn’t end the fun. Here are some summer gadgets to help with the last of the golden days.

For the swimmer:

We all know that ears can become sore and tender when water stays too long in the ear canal, especially in these later summer months.

Keep your ears safe from water and pressure during watersport activities with Pluggerz Swim Earplugs. The earplugs close the ear canal for protection but do not affect hearing. Flexible silicone and hypoallergenic material maintains its shape to keep ears dry.

MSRP $14.95

pluggerz.com

For the butterfingers:

How many pairs of sunglasses has your family lost to the sea this summer?  Well, whatever the number is, that stops now. Don’t worry if you drop these shades overboard. The KZ Floatable Wayfarer Sunglasses float on water. Lightweight, impact resistant and able to repel water and oil, KZ sunglasses have polarized and anti-glare lenses to ensure crystal-clear views and provide full UVA, UVB, and UV400 protection.

MSRP $59

kzgear.com

For the techie:

It’s time for a cooler upgrade. Summer isn’t always nice to the thing  Keep your drinks cold and the ice cream frozen in the Dometic CFX 75DZW Electric Cooler. The dual-zone portable cooler has independent temperature controls so you can cool one side and freeze (to -7°F) the other simultaneously.

This cooler is seriously cool.  A USB port can charge small electrical devices, and you can control and monitor the temps with a Wi-Fi app.

MSRP $1,099.99

dometic.com

For the Scratcher:

If you are anything like me, summer means that your legs and arms are permanently itchy. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Whether tied stern-to, at the dock or anchored close to shore, prevent mosquito bites with the Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent. Powered by a rechargeable, Lithium-Ion battery, Radius creates a 110-square-foot mosquito protection zone that lasts more than six hours on a charge, and its scent-free, DEET-free refill lasts up to 40 hours. Sounds like a good idea.

MSRP $49.99

thermacell.com

 

For the Splurger:

Perfect for when you just want to be alone on the water and also have an extra 25 grand laying around. Enjoy skiing or wakeboarding fun without the boat with SOLO, The Personal Ski Machine that uses a 150-hp, 4-stroke Rotax propulsion system and wireless technology to connect the rider to the machine.

Safety features include GPS retrieval that brings SOLO back to within 10 feet of a fallen skier. The boat stays on course even with the tightest cut across the wake. You’ll be the coolest kid on the lake with this boat.

MSRP $24,995

solowatersports.com

 

Five Favorite Fishing Gadgets for Summer

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.

MSRP $5.95 for four ounces
iosso.com

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.

MSRP $99
quick-cleat.com

 

 

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 Headwear that blocks 95 percent of harmful UV rays, dries quickly and wicks moisture with its COOLMAX PRO fabric, and resists odors with the Polygiene treatment.

MSRP $25
buffusa.com

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.

MSRP $200
13Fishing.com

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.

MSRP starts at $384
eartec.com

 

Onboard Necessities

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.

MSRP $34.99; ventolation.com 

To comply with regulations:

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.

MSRP $319.98; magmaproducts.com

To entertain the kids:

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.

MSRP $24.99; facadegames.com

To stay connected:

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.

MSRP $1,699; kvh.com/LTE

 

 

Rover Watercraft

It’s the only thing you’ll need this summer.

Head out to the flats or make a quiet approach into the shallows in BOTE’s newRover Watercraft, a combination motorized skiff and paddleboard.

With the revolutionary modular Rac system, a 6-hp outboard can be mounted on the 14-foot Rover with no bolts or tools. The deep-V nose handles a variety of water conditions and it can handle up to 500 pounds.

MSRP $3,499

boteboard.com

Want more boating gear? Check out Southern Boating’s Accessories.

 

Columbia’s Bahama Vent Shoe

Columbia’s Bahama Vent Shoe

Columbia’s Bahama Vent Shoe is ideal for fishing with its trademark “Blood ‘n Guts” water and stain resistant treatment and Omni-Grip non-marking wet traction outsole with razor siping.

The Techlite midsole provides a cushion, support, and comfort.

MSRP $70

columbia.com

More Boating Gear and Apparel

NAUTIC-ON Monitoring System

Nautic-On Monitoring System

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.

MSRP with three sensors: $840

nautic-on.com

More boat gadgets.

Fliprocks Flip Flops

Fliprocks Flip Flops

Interchangeable soles on the new Fliprocks flip-flops change the game for adventure seekers. Fish the rocky shores of a river, head offshore on the boat, kayak shallow streams, or play a round of golf.

The patented GripToeNite system uses removable pads to match your adventure. A molded toe guard and unique “four-wheel-drive” strap system keep you grounded in the water, in the woods and anywhere you explore.

MSRP $79 ($24.99 for additional treads)

fliprocks.com

Find more boating apparel.

Amphibia Eclipse Sunglasses

Amphibia Eclipse Sunglasses block harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays, reduce glare, repel water, and eliminate fogging with the AquaArmor lens coating process. They are also ANSI-rated for safety.

But to make them even sweeter, AirCel technology keeps them afloat if they happen to fall into the water.

MSRP $179.99

amphibiaeyegear.com

Want more? View our boating apparel.

Man Overboard Drills

We hope it never happens to you, but here’s what to do in a Man Overboard situation.

It’s National Boating Safety Week, so it’s a good time to brush up on those Man Overboard (MOB) drills. A man overboard is ALWAYS an emergency situation and it is very important to locate and recover the overboard person as soon as possible. A man overboard is always dangerous. It doesn’t matter if it happens in a harbor, at the slip, or open seas.

The majority of cases do not involve bad weather, rough seas, or other extenuating circumstances. Additionally, the most common type of man overboard situation happens in relatively calm waters, on a small boat that’s not going very fast, according to the BoatUS Foundation.

Action must be swift.

The United States Coast Guard says that the first few moments of a MOB are the most crucial. The action taken in the first few seconds after a person falls overboard decides the success of the recovery.

An alert crew-member can do much to save the life of someone who might otherwise drown. First actions should be swift and certain.

  1. The instant someone falls overboard, yell “Man overboard!” to alert the crew to the emergency and establish an unceasing visual on the victim. Point and do not look away.  If you have enough crew, assign this job to one person and let nothing interfere with that person keeping the victim in sight and pointing at the victim from that first moment on.
  2. If you’re unsure of where the person is or if there is a chance the props could endanger him, stop the boat and ensure that the props don’t injure the victim now or later.
  3. Activate your GPS MOB button if you have one.
  4. Throw MOB gear, life jackets, flotation cushions anything that will help the victim float and help you keep track of him, but not so much as to confuse a search.
  5. Return to and attempt to retrieve the victim. Use the Williamson Turn. Be careful during your approach and proceed with caution.
  6. If the situation is life-threatening, call mayday three times on VHF 16. Then say, “Man overboard,” and give your location, boat description, and the description of the victim. Do this three times in succession. Don’t hesitate to issue a mayday you can always cancel it if you get the person back aboard safely.

Here is a video demonstration of an ideal MOB situation, but remember: every case will be different.

Stay safe out there.

Need more safety gear? We got you covered.

Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day Gifts

It’s not too late to grab your mom a gift for Mother’s Day. Celebrate the mom in your life with one or more of these nautical gifts:

For the entertainer-mom: Royal Stabilis Antispill Wine Glasses

For the foodie-mom: Rufus Teague Spices

For the active-mom: Pedego Electric Bike

For the fashionable-mom: C’est La Vie Bracelet

For the classic-mom: Dooney & Burke Regatta Boat Shoes

For the lucky-mom: Back Cove Downeast 37

Exit mobile version