Top Five Tech Gifts for Boaters

You buy holiday gifts for your friends, your family, and if you’re anything like me, you buy gifts for your dog. Why not show yourself (and your boat) some love this holiday season? Here are our top five tech gifts for boaters.

Sunscreenr

AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK! This camera will help prevent sun damage to your skin so you can stay on the water longer. If you’re not sure if sure if your skin is protected from the sun, this is the product for you. Sunscreenr’s Patented UV Camera technology shows where sunscreen isn’t applied on your skin—protected areas appear dark and unprotected areas appear light no matter your skin tone. The camera starts up when the Mobile for Android app is opened and the camera is plugged in. One feature of the app is an alert to reapply sunscreen.

MSRP $79

sunscreenr.com

Yacht Sentinel 6

Keep an eye on your boat at all times. Yacht Sentinel 6 is an intelligent boat monitoring security system that enable owners to remotely check their boats’ status through a mobile app or online web app. The two-way communication system’s onboard central unit uses worldwide 2G/3G/4G coverage (with optional satellite communication) to monitor the boat’s critical information as well as motion detection and an interior breach.

MSRP $1,396 for the silver package

yacht-sentinel.com

Dockmate Wireless Remote Control Systems

I’m the Captain now. Take control and get up close when docking with the new, state-of-the-art Dockmate Wireless Remote Control Systems. Offering four setups —single, twin, Twist, and Twist with a Volvo Penta IPS interface —each waterproof transmitter can operate up to five functions: one or two engines, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winch or windlass, and horn. It’s like playing a video game…but much cooler.

MSRP $6,800 for five functions

dockmate.us

Suntab from Seatronx

Move over, iPad. Get lost, Kindle. There’s a new tablet in town. Seatronx introduces the rugged, waterproof, shockproof, and sunlight readable SUNTAB TABLET. Made of aero-grade titanium alloy frame material, the 7-inch high, bright, full view display delivers amazing clarity. Operable in temperatures from -20 to +60º centigrade, the Suntab has a long-life battery, camera, GPS, plenty of memory, and with a SIM card, provides communication with Internet and phone access.

MSRP $999

seatronx.com

Globalstar’s Sat-F12 Wifi

Get lost and then be found. No matter how far off the grid you go, Globalstar’s Sat-F12 Wifi keeps you connected when cellular service is unavailable. The free Sat-Fi2 app is easy to use and allows connection to email, text, voice, the web, weather, and to share photos and files. It also has SOS capabilities and can connect up to eight devices.

MSRP $499

globalstar.com

BONUS GIFT: Scanstrut’s ROKK Wireless

Launched in 2018, Scanstrut’s ROKK Wireless is the first 12/24V waterproof wireless charger and was nominated for a DAME design award in November. The IPX6, fully encapsulated and sealed unit is easy to install and eliminates phone charging cables. Using the Qi wireless protocol, ROKK Wireless can mount below, level or on top of a surface.

MSRP $99

scanstrut.com; rokkstore.com

What’s on your tech wishlist? Let us know in the comments!

By Erin Brennan, Southern Boating December 2018

They’re baaaaack!

Sunday is the official start of manatee season. This means that slow-speed regulations in South Florida’s network of waterways take effect. Manatees can’t tolerate water temperatures below 68 degrees (much like the other snowbirds that join us around this time of year), which is why the gentle giants swim south from Georgia and North Florida to bask in warm waters near power plants and other sun-soaked areas.

Sadly, 80 manatees have already been killed by ships and boats in Florida this year. Wildlife officials urge anyone operating watercraft to take precautions and watch out for these docile creatures. “Watching these large plant-eating mammals swim slowly through Florida waters, often accompanied by their calves, is a special experience,” says Carol Knox, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Boaters following posted speed zones for manatees migrating to warmer waters help conserve this iconic Florida species for future generations.”

While manatee numbers have risen over the past few years, cruisers should still do all they can to protect these defenseless animals from harm (particularly from engine props). Last season, a record 6,063 manatees were counted across Florida in a single day. The state wildlife service will attempt to coordinate another survey this season, weather permitting.

If you are boating in the next few months, be sure to go slow and keep an eye out for manatees. You may see a swirl on the surface caused by a manatee when it dives down. Or you may see the manatee’s back, snout, tail, or flipper break the surface of the water. You may only hear the manatee when it surfaces to breathe. In all of these instances, keeping your distance and passive observation are the best ways to view manatees.

If you happen to see a sick or injured manatee, be sure to call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), *FWC or #FWC on your phone or send a text message to Tip@MyFWC.com.

You can also use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio. Make sure to give dispatchers the exact location of the manatee. For more information about manatee safety, check out the Save the Manatee Foundation.

Want more manatee cuteness in your life? Check out our article on Florida’s Crystal River, a manatee haven!

Gentle Giants

Adult manatees average 9-10 feet long and 1,000 pounds, but can grow to 13 feet and more than 3,500 pounds.

Boaters Beware

You’ll find manatees in coastal waters, canals and rivers, in both fresh and salt water.

Long Range Cruisers

Generally, manatees can be seen in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. In the United States you’ll find them in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, although they have also been seen in Texas and Massachusetts.

Eating Machines

Manatees love to eat and can consume up to 10 percent of their body weight in one day of freshwater and marine plants.

Just Playing Around

Manatees are actually quite funny. You’ll see them display acrobatic agility in the water, turning somersaults, rolling and swimming upside down.

Big Baby

Females bear a single (incredibly cute) calf, which stays with its mother for up to two years.

Tag: boaters