Nestled in a secluded harbor only minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico and ICW seats the Orange Beach Marina, a full-service family-owned facility run by the Long family for more than three decades. Severely beat down by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the marina underwent a complete overhaul from 2005 to 2008 and is noted in the Gulf Coast for being among the only marinas in a fully protected harbor that offers covered slips capable of accommodating large fishing vessels.
Onsite boat and yacht sales, engine repair, fishing charters, water sports, and a ship’s store make this facility truly unique. Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina—its one-of-a-kind restaurant was completed in 2013 and commended as one of the top 100 eateries in the South—houses two kitchens with distinct concepts and menus. Fisher’s Upstairs and Fisher’s Dockside are sure to satisfy food lovers.
Lose yourself among the world’s best sport fishing areas within minutes of the marina, where snapper, ling, mackerel, grouper, and wahoo gather, while a southerly course puts you in one of the hottest bill fishing areas in the country. And if you’re into competition, look up some the many tournaments hosted by the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club (MBGFC) mbgfc.org/tournaments/htm
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Want to stay ashore? Discover some of the historic forts that date back to the Civil War era or indulge in a day of golf at one of eight premier golf courses within minutes from the marina. A short car ride will also take you to the cradle of the naval aviation at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels, and the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Amenities
• 180 covered/open stalls
• Six-bay fuel dock
• Dockage to 130′
• Laundry center
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free cable TV
• 24-hour security
• Private showers and restrooms
• Covered grilling and picnic areas
• Pet friendly
• Upscale dock store
Contact:
Orange Beach Marina
27075 Marina Road
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-4207 orangebeachmarina.com
Maine Yacht Center’s (MYC) secure facility is conveniently situated on a peninsula near downtown Portland that offers boat storage safe from any troubling summer winds or ocean swells. In the winter, boats can be kept inside the 60,000-square-foot heated space to ensure vessels’ safekeeping.
Additionally, a full-service crew of certified technicians is always on-hand at MYC. Certified by the American Boat and Yacht Council as well as the National Marine Electronics Association, the craftsmen regularly perform all services from seasonal maintenance to emergency repairs and refits of any size.
The marina at MYC is able to accommodate boats up to 150 feet with 80 slips and 400-feet of “along-side” tie-up dock space. Shore power is standard for indoor storage spaces and 100-amp single or 3-phase shore power is available for outdoor docking. Along with power supply, each slip has a locking dock box, water, Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
When you’re not on your boat, relax in the tastefully decorated lounge or take advantage of the many amenities such as updated bathrooms and showers, laundry facilities and kitchen. Before you leave make sure to utilize MYC’s ValvTect marine gas and diesel service, or stop by the onsite Watermark Yacht Sales office. No matter how you travel to MYC, there is ample parking for your car and your boat to fully ensure a great visit to Portland, Maine.
Maine Yacht Center.
Features:
• 60,000 sq. ft. indoor heated storage
• 30,000 sq. ft. outdoor storage
• 80 slips
• 400′ “along-side” tie-up
• Floating concrete breakwater
• 30-amp, 50-amp, & 100-amp single and 3-phase power
• Fenced-in lot
• 80-ton Travellift
• 80+ feet, 23-foot beam
• 16′ maximum draft
Services & Amenities:
• Locking dock boxes
• Free pump out
• Wi-Fi included
• Cable TV
• Crew lounge with new showers, heads, laundry and kitchen
• Inside car parking
• Free pump out
• Mechanical and electrical systems
• Electronics
• Paint
• Varnish
• Plumbing
• Refrigeration
• Carpentry
• Fiberglass repair and construction
• Advanced composite repair and construction
Contact:
Maine Yacht Center
100 Kensington Street
Portland, Maine 04103
(207) 842-9000 maineyacht.com
By Ana-Christine Cook, Southern Exposure June 2015
SB: What sets Rattlesnake Marine Center apart from other competitors? How has it accomplished this and how will it continue to do so? MS: Rattlesnake Marine Center has an 80-ton and 165-ton Travellift to be able to haul yachts up to 120 feet in length. We are a one-stop shop from oil changes to entire interior and exterior refits and full vessel paint jobs. We can manufacture interior components with on-site mill shop and CNC equipment.
SB: How has it developed and changed over the years? MS: The property was purchased by two yachtsmen from a yacht-building company late last year. Both owners want to bring their values and dedication of dependable service to the market.
SB: What are you most proud of accomplishing in your position of General Manager? MS: Putting a team of former yacht builders and service techs together to be able to offer any and all services to the client.
SB: What do you love most about what you do? MS: Having a 500-ton captain’s license, I have always enjoyed all activities involving water and deliveries of medium and large motor yachts on all oceans. I have been employed in the yacht building industry for the last 30 years and worked in the past for prestigious yacht builders like Lazzara, Magnum, Chris Craft, and others, which gave me a unique view of how vessels are manufactured and how to efficiently repair or restore them to their original beauty.
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SB: What should we expect from Rattlesnake Marine Center for 2015? MS: Rapid growth in the yacht repair and restoration business, being able to offer excellent turnaround times, reasonable labor rates, onsite Wi-Fi service and office space for crew and/or owners.
SB: Are you involved in any outside marine organizations? If so, what are some of your responsibilities and what do you enjoy most about them? MS: I have assisted the local Auxiliary Coast Guard to conduct safe boating courses and participated in some search and rescue operations.
SB: How involved in the boating and marine community are you? Do you own a boat yourself? What do you love most about boating? MS: Having owned vessels from 11′ to 48′, I presently enjoy a well-preserved twin engine 23′ Aquasport that I use on the weekends with my family and my three Great Danes. Spending time on the water makes the stress of everyday life disappear and easy to manage.
By Ana-Christine Cook, Southern Exposure June 2015
Southport Boats of Augusta, Maine, introduces its first-ever Southport 33TE (Tournament Edition) model. When the company wanted to build a strictly fishing vessel, it looked to its own Southport 33FE (Family Edition) model for inspiration. The Southport TE’s deck plan offers the same open design concept but with a coffin box replacing the seating on the foredeck for extra storage. This vessel is ideal for running up the coast and offshore excursions, as twin Yamaha 300-hp 4.2L Four-Stroke Outboards with Command Link Plus Rigging System motors power it. Additional construction highlights complete composite construction, foam-filled composite grid stringer system, Plexus® structural adhesive, and polyethylene fuel tank in enclosed fiberglass chamber.
The exclusive Hunt 4 Design® allows for easy moving on deck. The deep-V hull has a 22-degree transom deadrise, a reverse transom with tumble aft and a Carolina-style bow. Safety features include primary and secondary bilge pumps with high water alarm, non-skid fiberglass deck and liner, bolted 316 stainless steel grab rails, transom door with heavy-duty latch, and emergency boarding steps. Conveniences include a solid-surface countertop with stainless steel sink, a pullout freshwater showerhead with sump pump, and a freshwater head. Additionally, there is a USB stereo input, Fusion® stereo system with Bluetooth capabilities and two accessory 12V outlets.
The 33TE is Southport’s newest model built strictly as a fishing vessel.
The gunwale makes it easy to pull in your big catch.
Southport 33TE runs smoothly and is ideal for running up the coast or offshore excursions.
The first model of the Southport 33TE was completed in early April this year and is available directly from the manufacturer.
Tower’s Mini SUP is an innovative new flat-water paddleboard designed specifically for riders under 150 pounds. To make an extremely lightweight board for smaller riders to easily carry, the board is dramatically shorter, wider, and thicker than traditional designs. To maintain the tracking of a longer board, deep double concaves are carved in the bottom for a board that tracks more like a V-hulled kayak than a flat-bottomed paddleboard. From the top, it looks quite like an aggressive paddle surfing SUP at this length, but this board is specifically designed for flat water. At only 7’10” long, this board can stand vertically in most rooms so storage is much less of a problem.
Smuggler’s Cove Resort and Marina, a 12-room waterfront boutique hotel and full-service marina in Islamorada, completed a three-month $500,000 property renovation. From fully revamped guest rooms and new food and beverage offerings to a new unique “Hook ‘N’ Cook” experience, Smuggler’s Cove reopened in December 2014 with an enhanced guest experience.
Framed by the turquoise waters of the marina and Atlantic Ocean, all of the hotel’s 12 guest rooms, which include 11 double-bed rooms and one suite, now feature new bedding and furnishings, island-inspired décor, flat screen TVs, Eco Botanics amenities, and a kitchenette complete with a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker and kitchenware. The hotel’s spacious one-bedroom suite also offers guests a pull-out couch, two closets and a separate bathroom with dual sinks. Additional featured amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, daily housekeeping and optional rollaway beds. With just 12 rooms in total, Smuggler’s Cove is ideal for takeover weddings and small-scale corporate retreats.
Open to the public, the hotel also reveals new food and beverage offerings including the Honey Hole, Wheel House and Buoy Bar. This charming Florida Keys setting is ideal for hosting a destination wedding. Additional new food and beverage offerings include room service and complimentary daily breakfast coming soon.
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In total, Smuggler’s Cove is home to a full-service 80-slip deep marina that is able to accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length. Forty slips are available at the hotel, Wheel House and Buoy Bar, inclusive of “Charter Row,” which features a daily presentation of the day’s fresh catches from the hotel’s six fishing charters. Just steps from guests’ doors, the hotel also offers an exciting array of outdoor activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, eco tours, and boat rentals. In addition, the hotel will have helicopter rides around the island and provide helicopter charters from Miami to Islamorada for daily excursions. Through an exclusive partnership with renowned Keys’ charter experts the Spaulding family, Smuggler’s Cove provides guests one of the best charter sport fishing experiences in Islamorada with its on-site charter boats featuring live cameras and real-time fishing reports broadcasted directly to the hotel. Located just across the channel from the hotel and restaurants, Smuggler’s Cove Marina has another 40 slips and features the largest deep-water fuel station in Islamorada. Its one-stop ship store provides immediate ocean and bay access carrying live and frozen bait, ice, tackle, food, beverages, and more convenient options.
Corporate Air Parts, a distributor of airline products to the business aircraft community, presents the Land Shark Instant Survival Shelter & Stealth Bag. The product provides protection from the harmful effects of the sun, sea and rain, and increased visibility or stealth, depending on the wearer’s needs. President of Corporate Air Parts Neil Looy says, “I knew there had to be a better way to protect downed pilots. But the Land Shark Instant Survival Shelter is something anyone can use to stay alive on land or at seas when they’re stuck in the elements and waiting for rescue. In fact, we’ve received many letters from customers who’ve told us Land Shark saved their lives.
The Land Shark is an effective tool in the water when used in conjunction with a life vest. A user can configure the Land Shark to completely enclose the wearer, protecting them from chilling sea spray, the beating sun and breaking waves. The rate of heat exchange in water is 25 times greater than on land. The Land Shark prevents hypothermia by retaining radiated body heat, which significantly slows the drain of vital body heat from the user. The same aluminized film, which prevents hypothermia, is also radar reflective, making the user visible to search aircraft and high-speed vessels moving at night. Marine predators are also a concern for any survivor stuck in open water. The Land Shark protects the user by altering their shape in the water and reducing flailing movements, presenting a less attractive appearance to predators. A Sea-Dog Clip attached to the Land Shark’s 550 paracord allows survivors to stay close together by clipping their Land Sharks to one another.
The Land Shark handy bag can be hung anywhere for easy access.The Land Shark helps to increase visibility during a rescue.
SB: Tell us about Nautical Ventures and when it was founded. What was the inspiration behind its beginning? RM: Nautical Ventures was founded 31 years ago as a Hobie Kayak and Sailboat dealer, whose focus was on wholesale and export sales to resorts. In 2010 we purchased Nautical Ventures with the belief that water sports equipment would work synergistically with our brokerage business, QPS Marine, which was providing yacht brokerage, yacht management and yacht refit services. Since the acquisition of Nautical Ventures, sales have grown from $1 million to nearly $5 million in 2014. This growth can be attributed to the expansion of our product lines to include Yacht Tenders and a broad offering of yacht-related toys and equipment.
SB: How has the company developed and changed since its inception? RM: With the increase in the number of products offered we have been able to attract experienced staff that run each “division” of products allowing us to be knowledgeable in each department: kayaks, sailboats, yacht tenders, yacht toys, etc. In 2013 we expanded to include new boat sales via Nautical Ventures Marine, and we are now leading dealers for Century Boats, Buddy Davis Boats, Key Largo, Avalon Pontoon, Caravel, Action Craft, Chapman Transition, Carbon Craft, Novurania, Ribcraft, and Rib Jet. Of paramount note, we built a new 30,000 square-foot state-of-the-art retail and service facility located on the water and designed to provide customers and the marine community, with a pleasurable buying and service experience.
SB:What are you most proud of accomplishing and what’s your favorite part of your company and position? RM: Our vision was to have several companies that are all marine related, that work together to refer business to each other, and to be a leader in each category. In yacht tenders we have become the largest distributor and dealer in the country for our flagship line, Novurania. We added LukFuel to our list of companies, which gave us the ability to offer diesel and RAC 90 fuel to the marine and construction communities. Nautical Ventures Service gave us the ability to service the boats we sell, and the addition of River Bend Marine Center gave us the ability to service larger yachts and perform major refits.
SB: How has your company made a difference in the marine industry? Provide examples. RM: With the recent development of our AquaZoneTM we have brought a new dimension to the store and to key boat shows. Our 40,000-gallon mobile aboveground pool allows us to demonstrate interesting fun products and provide excitement to our Demo Days and the Boat Shows with user engagement. Attendees can witness the X-Jet Blades soaring 30 feet above the pool, and watch our Hovercraft transition from land, up a ramp and spinning donuts in the pool. They can also see our gas-powered Jet Surf Board racing and jumping to the delight of all who view it. The AquaZoneTM allows for the hands-on demonstrations of the Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks, SUP and Yoga Sup lessons, kayak fishing clinics, and much more.
SB: Which top three products do you recommend for cruisers and why? RM: Every cruiser needs 1) a reliable tender for both ship-to-shore transport and water sports activities; 2) yacht and land toys to play with at their destination and, 3) a folding electric bike to get around town while visiting ports of call. Our new GoCycle is a great example of a lightweight, collapsible, corrosion proof, powder-coated magnesium electric bike that is fun to ride, fast and gets many hours on a single charge.
SB: Are you involved in any outside marine organizations? Which ones and why? RM: With growth of nearly 80 percent per year over the past 5 years, there has been little time and manpower to dedicate to become properly involved in any marine organization. We are a main sponsor for the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournaments. We’ve also formed an association with the Maritime Professional Training Team (MPT) of Fort Lauderdale who provide training to professional mariners on small craft deployment of life-saving crafts from larger vessels. Together with MPT we will also offer on-site training and safety classes, including introductory and intermediate boating courses. I am hopeful to become more active in outside marine organizations as things settle down and specifically the MIASF has been on our radar for some time.
SB: Do you currently own a boat? If so, what is the make and model, and how extensively have you cruised? RM: We currently own an 84′ Northern Marine Expedition vessel that has been my pride and joy. Samantha, my wife of 44 years, and I have been living aboard boats for the past 28 years. After selling our business in San Francisco, we decided to buy a boat and take several months off to cruise the California coast. That initial cruise led us to Mexico and then we crossed the Pacific Ocean to the Marquesas. We enjoyed it so much that we continued the journey and ended up traveling 45,000 nm over 13 years, visited some 435 ports around the world, and eventually ended up here in Fort Lauderdale where we permanently dropped anchor. It was here that we met our business partner, Jeff Garcia, who sold the 63′ Cheoy Lee Motor Sailor that was our traveling home for 13 years.
SB: What else do you want people to know about you and your company? RM: My joy comes from the growth of the company and the people we have attracted to it. We started with about 15 employees and now have close to 75. Watching them grow personally and professionally to meet the challenges of our rapid growth has been most rewarding. In addition, we have developed a culture of trust and respect for each other as well as with the customers who come here. Yes, we need to sell products, but we want to sell the right product to meet the customers’ needs. There are no hidden fees and no pressure sales tactics. We want to win customers for the long haul and build a repeat customer base that is happy with our service, staff and dedication. When you think of us, we want to be known as the GO-TO PEOPLE FOR FUN ON THE WATER!
Off-Line is an 84′ Northern Marine Expedition vessel that is the pride and joy of Samantha and Roger Moore.
The Ribjet 10 Jet Yacht Tender is the first in a series of small jet yacht tenders from the American builder and utilizes an easy to service Rotax 60-hp power plant. The tender was specifically designed to conform to today’s smaller low capacity platforms as well as midrange tender garages. Coming in at under 600 lbs. with full fuel, the Ribjet 10 is sure to spark the interest of yacht owners looking to add style and performance to the ever growing range of midsize express cruisers available today.
Ribjet plans to limit the production of these boats to just 18 units per year. President of the company Jarrett Bryzek says, “We are looking to establish a foothold in the U.S. jet yacht tender market with an emphasis on quality control, on-time delivery and after-sales service.” Bryzek continues, “Being a small custom builder we work directly with our customers on a personal level to understand their needs and make sure the end product is exactly to their liking and delivered on time.” With all-around dimensions and weights coming in less than any competitor on the market, the Ribjet 10 will be priced at $32,900.
The new Ribjet 10 is available, and the company currently has demo boats available for viewing and sea trials through Ribjet’s factory showroom partner, Nautical Ventures based in Dania Beach, Florida.
The Ribjet 10 Jet Yacht Tender has performance and style.
The Ribjet 10 Jet Yacht Tender shows how easily it maneuvers.
New Crewsaver® recreational liferafts feature the most advanced specifications on the market today. Three models—for coastal use, under 24-hour ocean use, and over 24-hour ocean use—are available in sizes to accommodate 4-12 people. The 24-hour models are Lloyds Class ISO Approved. A 12-year fabric and seam warranty and an extended service period of 3 years reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
• High-volume water pockets ensure maximum stability when inflated.
• Simple-to-close canopy is manufactured to the highest SOLAS standards providing added protection from the elements.
• Semi-rigid boarding ramp allows for quick, easy and safe boarding.
• Interior lifelines help occupants stabilize themselves during heavy seas.
• Exterior pressure relief valves ensure excess CO2 is not released into the liferaft.
• Greater than 24-hour liferafts include a waterproof buoyant and sealed grab bag packed inside.
• Two packaging options are available: weather-resistant valise or a tough, lightweight low profile container.
As part of its Nautique Cares initiative Nautique Boat Company employees recently served in two separate projects; one in their home community of Central Florida and another in Haiti.
In Orlando, Nautique employees volunteered March 7th to help build a Habitat for Humanity home that the Nautique Boat Company is funding. This is the second Habitat for Humanity home in the past three years that Nautique has funded. Nautique’s sister company, Orlando Watersports Complex (OWC), funded another for a total of three homes. Nautique and OWC employees also volunteered time to help build each of these three homes.
Another group of Nautique employees traveled March 13-14 to Haiti to distribute 3,400 pounds of food to hungry Haitian families. The Nautique team flew into the Haitian countryside with a plane full of the food and worked with various organizations to hand out the food to the Haitian families. The Nautique team also had the opportunity to review work done by several charitable organizations in Haiti.
Bill Yeargin, Nautique’s President and CEO, stated, “I am thrilled at the wonderful spirit of our employees who are always willing to serve as part of our various Nautique Cares initiatives. Both the home building in Central Florida and food distribution in Haiti helped people who really need it.” Yeargin added, “Over the past eight years our Nautique team has traveled the globe serving others. We want to build the world’s best boats but we also want to use our time and resources to help those who need it.”
To ready Bill Yeargin’s Nautique Insider blog about these Nautique Cares initiatives click here.
Sea Vee 270z’s high-tech, cored, uni-body construction results in reduced VOC emissions. They are able to achieve this using a state-of-the-art manufacturing process where the hull, stringers and bulkheads are fabricated using a vacuum assisted resin transfer infusion (VARTM) process, which also makes a higher quality laminate, and a practically indestructible boat. A patent-pending hull design allows for minimum resistance regardless of speed or sea conditions, and the cross-ventilated twin stepped hull of the 270z has greater speed and more fuel efficiency than ordinary stepped hull boats. This boat offers superior handling to increase the safety of everyone on board while producing a fun ride.
For functionality, there are two 6-foot-long, 75-gallon insulated fish boxes built into the forward casting platform, with all fish boxes draining overboard to keep the bilge space clean. A 1″ toe kick runs the perimeter of the forward casting platform, aft raised deck and gunnel for a safe 360-degree fishing experience from an elevated position. A 107-gallon storage compartment between the fish boxes features a removable floor that hides three group 31 batteries for a high-thrust trolling motor. A 25-gallon livewell is integrated into the forward area of the cockpit as a convenient step to the forward casting platform. The forward deck hatch in the cockpit provides storage for a five-gallon utility bucket, eight life preservers and a safety kit.
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The customizable console has every upgrade imaginable and the 270Z can be ordered with a hardtop. Ample storage for toys, rods, and personal and safety items can be found in the 9-foot-long storage lockers, and the boat can be customized with optional leaning posts or folding chairs. The 270Z is available with single or twin outboard engines and can handle up to 450 hp on the transom. Its 110-gallon epoxy coated aluminum fuel tank is mounted on the boat’s center of gravity to help prevent trim angle changes as fuel is added or consumed. All light fixtures are LED and the cup holders, rod holders and cleats drain overboard or onto the deck and out through the scuppers. A LE version will be available that includes additional family-friendly features.
The City of New Smyrna Beach houses an abundant culture of art and history, with a six-mile waterfront loop host to delectable cuisine and unique antique and gift shops. New Smyrna is a celebrated icon of old-fashioned nautical personality that’s worth visiting for miles of soft and sunny beaches alone.
Ready to accommodate visiting cruisers is the brand new deep-water facility of New Smyrna Marina, with 31 slips for boats up to 120′ LOA. Just two and half miles from Ponce Inlet located at channel market 35 on the Intercostal Waterway, New Smyrna Marina welcomes transients with a full line of services and amenities.
The employees of the New Smyrna Marina.The Outrigger Tiki Bar and Grille is one of the many amenities offered at the New Smyrna Marina.Just some of the many boats anchored at the New Smyrna Marina.The New Smyrna Marina is a brand new complex that offers comfortable amenities and first-class service at a convenient location.
Enjoy the convenience of in-slip fueling, 30-, 50- or 100-amp hookups at each slip, an upscale fish cleaning station, a clean, air-conditioned bathhouse with showers, Wi-Fi, a heated swimming pool, fishing tackle and provisioning store, and Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille. The daily rate is $2 per foot plus electrical or $16 per foot monthly, with slips available for purchase, and utility fees are $25 for a 100-amp cord. In addition, there is an impressive fleet of inshore and offshore fishing charters and pontoon boat rentals.
Contact:
(386) 427-4514 newsmyrnamarina.com
By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure
In February 2015, Yamaha unveiled the world premiere of their 190 FSH Sport, a center console that equally combines the desire for cruising, family watersports and fishability.
This 19′ Sport model features a removable T-Top for shade and style over the center console, a completely customizable helm station, and a convertible backrest and leaning post for fishing convenience. The savvy storage solutions, impressive electronic options and transition from serious fishing to serious fun will draw the entire family to the water.
The 190 FSH Sport comfortably seats eight passengers and flaunts an attractive suede gray exterior. It suits anglers with an 18-gallon aerated livewell, Jet Wash raw water washdown system, trolling motor, and gunwale rod holders. Cruisers and watersports enthusiasts will appreciate the integrated swim platform with ladder, Jensen Marine Bluetooth stereo, insulated bow storage with cushion cover, additional seating with cooler and storage underneath, upgraded upholstery, and 360-degree sightlines to keep tabs on those in the water. Yamaha’s newest addition is sure to hit the mark with all onboard guests.
LightShip is a portable light that is easily installed with three powerful suction cups that face the solar cell to the sun for a powerful charge. Three bright white LEDs provide enough light for reading, or switch to one single red LED as a night-light. Built-in light sensor switches LightShip off automatically during daylight hours, and the LightShip is made of tough polycarbonate with a clear, molded lens and reflector to maximize LED intensity. For interior use only. MSRP $ 24.99; davisnet.com
