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Category: Gear

  • Costa Extends Pilothouse PRO Offering With Limited-Edition Array Pack

    Costa Extends Pilothouse PRO Offering With Limited-Edition Array Pack The Costa Pilothouse PRO Array Pack lens provide a wide range of visibility, come in three colors, and are backed by Z87.1+ certified safety performance in the US for serious days on the water. Courtesy Costa Following the launch of Pilothouse PRO, Costa is announcing a…

  • FishCast vs. Fish Mapping

    FishCast vs. Fish Mapping The latest in fish-forecasting technologies can lead you directly to the most likely offshore areas for finding fish. Courtesy SiriusXM Marine Anglers are always looking for information when it comes to finding offshore fish such as mahi, marlin, tuna and wahoo. Today, there are two fish-forecasting technology services that tap satellite…

  • How to Select the Best Boat Hook

    How to Select the Best Boat Hook A boat hook makes reaching for lines easier and safer. Randy Vance A good boat hook is one of the handiest tools any boat owner can have on board. Reach for your boat hook to fend off a dock or another boat to pull your boat towards a…

  • Tools to Keep Birds Off of Your Boat

    Tools to Keep Birds Off of Your Boat Repelling birds from your boat will help keep it clean. Courtesy West Marine Birds using your boat as a perch and relieving themselves on deck is a problem that’s been around since the dawn of boating. Whether you keep your boat on a mooring ball, tie it…

  • Apply Now: Get Free Life Jackets to Loan to Your Boating Community

    Apply Now: Get Free Life Jackets to Loan to Your Boating Community A typical lifejacket loaner stand as provided by the Sea Tow Foundation. Courtesy Sea Tow Foundation Editor’s Note: My experience with the Sea Tow Foundation’s Lifejacket Loaner Program is a positive one. In the town where I own a home, our local bait…

  • Must-See Marine Electronics at the Miami International Boat Show

    Must-See Marine Electronics at the Miami International Boat Show Amazing electronics will be on display in Miami. Courtesy Miami International Boat Show Marine electronics serve as the brains of today’s boats. From chart plotters and radars to sonar and night-vision cameras, you’ll find all of this and more at this year’s Miami International Boat Show…

  • Hyperlite Stratos Complete Board and Foil Said to Be Largest Available

    Hyperlite Stratos Complete Board and Foil Said to Be Largest Available Our team is seeking to test the new Hyperlite Stratos soon. Courtesy Hyperlite This new board and e-foil, the Hyperlite Stratos, is being sold as a complete package for $9,999. It looks to be a great set-up for beginners, and the maker says it…

  • Choosing the Right Engine Cut-Off System

    Choosing the Right Engine Cut-Off System With no engine cut-off, the boat may circle and strike a captain who has fallen overboard. Generated With Adobe Firefly Every day it seems there’s a new report or social-media post about a runaway boat. Usually, the captain has fallen overboard and, often, the boat goes into the so-called…

  • Best Knives for Boaters

    Best Knives for Boaters A good knife is an important piece of gear for boaters and anglers. Courtesy True Knives Everybody needs a good knife, but one man’s garbage is another man’s gold. So I collected an eclectic variety of knives, carried them, cut with them, boned up on their materials, and tested each component…

  • What to Look for in a Water-Purification System

    What to Look for in a Water-Purification System The hand-carry single-membrane three-stage reverse-osmosis water-purification system from Deckhand Supply retails for $1,861.64. Courtesy Deckhand Supply Using a water-purification system to wash and rinse your boat once it’s back at the dock or on a trailer can save you time and help keep finishes spot-free and gleaming.…

  • Three Tools for Drying Your Boat

    Three Tools for Drying Your Boat The right tools will help keep your boat dry. Courtesy West Marine The problem with boats is that, to enjoy them, you have to get them wet. Drying off the inside of your boat after using it or washing it is a big thing in terms of extending its…

  • Vanemar’s New Security System is a Snap to Install

    Vanemar’s New Security System is a Snap to Install Vanemar’s security and monitoring system is easy to set up. Courtesy Vanemar BUY NOW Vanemar has a new system for remote vessel monitoring and in our test we found it to be the easiest to set up and use of several in this report. The process…

  • We Test: Ombraz Sunglasses

    We Test: Ombraz Sunglasses Without arms, the Ombraz sunglasses are hard to break and always fit snugly. Garrett Cortese I know what you’re thinking, because when I first saw a pair of Ombraz sunglasses I thought the exact same thing. How in the world are these going to be comfortable, or even functional?! Well, if…

  • Gill OS2 Offshore Jacket and Bibs for Women

    Gill OS2 Offshore Jacket and Bibs for Women The OS2 jacket features Gill’s innovative XPLORE® waterproof and breathable fabric technology. Courtesy Gill BUY NOW The new Gill OS2 Offshore Jacket and Bibs is the latest evolution from Gill’s popular, rugged OS2 style that has been in the range for 25 years and seen numerous updates…

  • FLIR Ocean Scout Pro

    FLIR Ocean Scout Pro The Ocean Scout Pro is easy to handle to scan the waters at night Courtesy Ron Ballanti FLIR has been a pioneer in marine thermal-imaging devices, including handheld scopes/cameras, that can detect the heat signatures of objects such as buoys, boats, breakwaters and other hazards to enhance boating safety at night.…

  • Simrad Marine Electronics Introduces FishCast® Powered by Roffs

    Simrad Marine Electronics Introduces FishCast® Powered by Roffs Simrad has launched the FishCast powered by Roffs as an available overlay for offshore waters to bring professional-grade fishing forecasts directly to the chartplotter with no additional hardware required. Courtesy Simrad Simrad Marine Electronics has announced the launch of FishCast powered by Roffs, now available as an…

  • Must-See Marine Electronics at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

    Must-See Marine Electronics at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Starts October 29. Courtesy Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show If you like marine electronics, you’re going to love the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 29 through November 2, 2025). While you’ll see all kinds of boats, motors and…

  • Leading Marine Companies Recognized

    Leading Marine Companies Recognized Dometic Marine Segment President Eric Fetchko (center) displays both awards along with Michele Goldsmith, Vice President/General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, and Gary Reich, Editor-in-Chief of Soundings Trade Only Magazine. Dometic received two honors, one in the Development & Technology category, as well as a Top 2025 Epic Award.…

  • We Test: RUX 30L Waterproof Tote

    We Test: RUX 30L Waterproof Tote The Boating team put the RUX 30L Waterproof Tote Bag to the test in a variety of boating situations. I used it for a while to carry gear, lunch and tools between my house and my boat, a walk of several hundred feet. Managing Editor, Sue Whitney, used the…

  • The James Brand Ellis and Halifax Should Be in Boater’s Pockets

    The James Brand Ellis and Halifax Should Be in Boater’s Pockets The James Brand Ellis (lower) and Halifax (upper) are versatile tools boaters can carry every day. Garrett Cortese A simple multitool can go a long way in the life of a boater, both on and off the water. With adventure-minded folk in mind, the…

  • BoatBot Launches Mobile App Featuring CaptainAI

    BoatBot Launches Mobile App Featuring CaptainAI The free Captain AI mobile app is designed to serve as an easy-to-use refresher of the principles taught in boat safety classes. Courtesy BoatBot Tech BoatBot Tech’s AI-powered Captain AI free mobile app is designed to reinforce boating safety education classes taught by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and…

  • 2025 Newport for New Products Winners Announced

    2025 Newport for New Products Winners Announced David Reed, Editor of Boating sibling media outlet Sailing World, presents the award for Best Wearable/Safety Gear to Mustang Survival (Mustang is the choice of the Boating editorial staff). Kevin Falvey I was pleased to be on hand at the Newport International Boat Show for the awarding of…

  • Portable Fuel Caddies for Boaters

    Portable Fuel Caddies for Boaters A fuel caddy allows for dockside fueling of your PWC or boat. Phil Hollandsworth Fueling your PWC or boat doesn’t have to be a hassle. The right fuel caddy makes the job quick and easy. We compared three popular options: the FLO-FAST Pro 15-Gallon System, the Scepter Powered Fueling Station…

  • StarPod Systems

    StarPod Systems The StarPod from NavPod offers a secure and waterproof mount for Starlink antennas on boats. Courtesy NavPod BUY NOW Looking for a convenient, streamline and secure way to install a Starlink antenna on your boat so you’re always able to stay in touch with friends, family and boating buddies? The StarPod systems from…

  • How to Pack a Cooler for a Boat Day

    How to Pack a Cooler for a Boat Day Keep your cool by packing your picnic the right way. We’ll tell you how. Courtesy BackBone Media If you’re wondering how to pack a cooler for a boat day, the key is building a chilled, organized system—not just tossing in ice and drinks. Pre-chill your cooler,…

  • YETI Roadie 32: A Premium Cooler for Portability and Performance

    YETI Roadie 32: A Premium Cooler for Portability and Performance The YETI Roadie 32 has all the makings of a great cooler for a day on the water. Courtesy BackBone Media The YETI Roadie 32 wheeled cooler strikes a practical balance between portability and performance, but its price tag, ranging from $350 to $375 at…

  • B.A.S.S. Takes Steps to Further Limit Live Sonar in Tournament Events

    B.A.S.S. Takes Steps to Further Limit Live Sonar in Tournament Events B.A.S.S. has announced further restrictions on forward-facing live sonar (FFS) in its tournament events. The policy that will take effect during the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season. Courtesy Humminbird B.A.S.S., the iconic and long-standing Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, has announced that beginning in…

  • New USCG PFD Regulations Ease Life Jacket Selection

    New USCG PFD Regulations Ease Life Jacket Selection New USCG PFD regulations ease life jacket selection. Courtesy Mustang Survival In 2025, significant changes to personal flotation device (PFD) regulations have beenimplemented across North America, creating a harmonized approach between the United States and Canada. These updates represent the culmination of years of collaborative work between…

  • We Test the ODYSSEY 15 Amp Charger

    We Test the ODYSSEY 15 Amp Charger The OBC-15-A’s versatility makes it ideal for boat owners. Courtesy ODYSSEY BUY NOW The ODYSSEY OBC-15-A marine battery charger represents a significant advancement in battery charging technology. Designed primarily for marine applications, this lightweight and versatile charging solution is the first of its kind engineered to handle both…

  • FISHOOZ DryRun Ankle Boot

    FISHOOZ DryRun Ankle Boot The author wore these boats for most of a season fishing aboard his own boat. Courtesy FISHOOZ BUY NOW I’ve worn my share of deck boots through my almost  60 years of fishing. FISHOOZ DryRun waterproof boots proved themselves a worthy footwear choice aboard my boat, Breakaway. Feet shod with DryRun…

  • The Safest Soaps for Your Boat and the Environment

    The Safest Soaps for Your Boat and the Environment The right soap will make washing your boat much easier. Randy Vance Internet analytics reveal that “environmentally safe boat soap” is a wildly common search term entered into Google. The keystrokes reveal a plethora of bits and advice from forums, magazines and websites pointing toward food…

  • New XTRATUF Unisex Riptide Sandals

    New XTRATUF Unisex Riptide Sandals XTRATUF’s new Unisex Riptide sandals are made for life both on and off the water. Courtesy XTRATUF BUY NOW A far-cry from the brown legacy boot upon which XTRATUF built its vaunted footwear brand, the unisex Riptide skews to the more relaxed boating lifestyle in a sandal with a textured…

  • Dometic Recon Coolers

    Dometic Recon Coolers Dometic’s new Recon hard coolers are lighter and help keep ice frozen longer than traditional roto-molded coolers. Courtesy Dometic BUY NOW Dometic’s new Recon System includes a modular line of hard coolers designed to stack, stow and lock in place–great for transport and storage. Up to 30 percent lighter than traditional roto-molded…

  • Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest

    Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest Beefy construction is just one of the motor’s hot new features. One-Boat connectivity to power anchors and MFDs allows multiple points of control. Courtesy Minn Kota The Riptide Instinct Quest from Minn Kota is more than the sum of its parts. Intuitive controls, multiple points of operation, and complete networking…

  • Simms Fishing Launches Dead on the Water Collection

    Simms Fishing Launches Dead on the Water Collection Simms Fishing is ready to take you on the water for a long, strange trip. Courtesy Simms Fishing Calling all Dead Heads who also happen to be anglers and boaters. Simms Fishing just launched a limited release of gear and apparel related to the iconic band.  According…

  • Trailer Bunk Slides for Easier Loading and Unloading

    Trailer Bunk Slides for Easier Loading and Unloading Choose bunk slide widths so they don’t extend beyond the edge of the existing bunks. Choose thicker slides for larger boats. Courtesy Boat Outfitters This is the sixth of a seven-part story on Boating Magazine editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose these Trailer Bunk Slides as…

  • FlexStep Pro Adjustable Trailer Step

    FlexStep Pro Adjustable Trailer Step The FlexStep Pro Adjustable Trailer Step can be installed quickly on most trailers with the included mounting brackets. Courtesy Megaware BUY NOW This is the fifth of a seven-part story on Boating Magazine editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose this FlexStep because it is flexible and can be mounted…

  • Costa Del Mar Sunglass Frames Prove Their Toughness

    Costa Del Mar Sunglass Frames Prove Their Toughness Costa Del Mar Whitetip frames definitely proved they’re impact resistant. Courtesy Costa Del Mar BUY NOW Normally when I write about sunglasses, the first thing I talk about is the polarized lenses. But here’s an anecdotal story about my Costa Del Mar Whitetip frames that has nothing…

  • Powerwinch Premier Series 2000: High-Power Trailer Winch

    Powerwinch Premier Series 2000: High-Power Trailer Winch The Powerwinch Premier Series 2000 is robust, corrosion-resistant and the extra-long crank handle reduces muscle work, so does the bearing system that smooths winch turning. Courtesy Powerwinch BUY NOW This is the fourth of a seven-part story on Boating Magazine editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose this…

  • Scanstrut Ultra Wireless Phone Charger for Boats

    Scanstrut Ultra Wireless Phone Charger for Boats Scanstrut’s Ultra wireless phone charger for boats is compatible with Apple MagSafe phone cases. Courtesy Scanstrut My mobile phone goes with you everywhere, including my boat. And that’s why I like Scanstrut’s new Ultra. It is the first marine-grade wireless phone charger engineered for compatibility with Apple MagSafe…

  • Affordable Boat-Security Systems

    Affordable Boat-Security Systems Monitoring your boat from afar is easier than ever, thanks to increasingly affordable and compact app-based systems that update you on the condition and location of your unattended boat, no matter how many miles separate you from your vessel.  All it takes is a few clicks on your mobile phone to get…

  • We Test: ugo MESSENGER Bag

    We Test: ugo MESSENGER Bag The ugo MESSENGER bag is waterproof, and it floats. Courtesy ugo wear One thing I’ve learned as a boat tester is that when I bring my test gear aboard–including my laptop, camera, GPS and more–I need to store it in a bag that’s not just water-resistant, it has to be…

  • Sea Tow Foundation Awards Thousands of PFDs to Life Jacket Loaner Programs

    Sea Tow Foundation Awards Thousands of PFDs to Life Jacket Loaner Programs The Sea Tow Foundation provides life jackets to loaner programs all over the country. Courtesy Sea Tow Foundation The Sea Tow Foundation recently awarded 3,774 life jackets and 50 loaner stand kits through its 2025 grant program. The initiative supports 119 groups across…

  • Boat2Trailer Automatic Bow-Eye Latch

    Boat2Trailer Automatic Bow-Eye Latch Drive the boat forward into the waiting “palm” of the device until it automatically latches to the bow eye. Courtesy Boat2Trailer BUY NOW This is the third of a seven-part story on Boating Magazine editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose this one because it makes launching and loading single-handed an…

  • An Update on the New Regulations for Life Jackets

    An Update on the New Regulations for Life Jackets Wearing a PFD can save your life. Generated With Gemini Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented a new rule to harmonize standards for personal flotation devices (PFDs) with Canada. This change incorporates new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for PFDs, allowing manufacturers to…

  • ACR and Fluidity: Great Loop Episode Two

    ACR and Fluidity: Great Loop Episode Two Registering beacons, like this EPIRB, makes it more effective and thus makes your crew safer. Courtesy ACR Bill and Michelle Doster’s journey around the Great Loop aboard their Carver Yacht, Fluidity, serves as a practical example of effective beacon use. In this episode of  “ACR and Fluidity: The…

  • Tested: Bajío Annette Sunglasses

    Tested: Bajío Annette Sunglasses Editor’s Note: Sue Whitney is Boating’s Managing Editor. She’s the combination photoshoot-boattest manager-traffic cop-mother hen that keeps our crew on track bringing you boating the content you want and need. –K.F. New for 2025, Bajio has introduced Annette sunglasses with a slight cat eye frame shape. No, she’s not a real…

  • Retractable Transom Tie-Downs Make Trailering Easier

    Retractable Transom Tie-Downs Make Trailering Easier BoatBuckle G2 straps have 2,500 lbs. of holding power and are corrosion resistant for saltwater use. Courtesy BoatBuckle BUY NOW This is the first of a seven-part story on Boating editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose them because they add convenience in trailering, security in traveling with the…

  • Tested: Bajio Darien Sunglasses

    Tested: Bajio Darien Sunglasses The Bajio Darien comes in a variety of lens and frame colors and you can also choose between polycarbonate and glass lenses. Courtesy Bajio Sunglasses Editor’s Note: Jill Roberts is a writer and entrepreneur from Connecticut. I tested the Darien in the light blue water matte frame with rose mirror lenses.…

  • GPSMAP 15×3 Ultrawide MFD from Garmin Drops

    GPSMAP 15×3 Ultrawide MFD from Garmin Drops The GPSMAP 15×3 Ultrawide offers the advantages of dual screens without needing two separate units. Courtesy Garmin Garmin, the world’s largest and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, recently announced the GPSMAP® 15×3 chartplotter, providing boaters, cruisers and sailors with an ultrawide 15-inch touchscreen for a stunning high-resolution display,…

  • Garmin Debuts Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo

    Garmin Debuts Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo The Fusion Apollo RA800 marine stereo is new from Garmin and features a touchscreen. Courtesy Garmin Garmin, the world’s largest and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, recently announced the premium Fusion Apollo RA800 marine stereo that brings reimagined design and powerful audio performance to boaters everywhere. Designed specifically…

  • Top Protective Coatings for Boats

    Top Protective Coatings for Boats To achieve a good result with graphene, ceramic or wax, perfect surface preparation is essential. Hedgehog94/Adobe Stock If you’ve had a great season so far, chances are that the spit and polish you put on your boat’s gelcoat finish this past spring is losing some its luster. Boating Lab has…

  • Top 10 Safety Essentials for Offshore Jet Ski Fishing

    Top 10 Safety Essentials for Offshore Jet Ski Fishing Fishing offshore using a PWC? Be sure to pack the proper safety gear. Courtesy Kawasaki Offshore jet ski fishing delivers unmatched excitement—but it demands respect. Miles from shore, safety gear isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline. These 10 essential items are what every offshore PWC angler needs to…

  • Electronically Stabilized Binoculars for Boaters

    Electronically Stabilized Binoculars for Boaters The Sirius 12 features a built-in six-axis electronic gyro-sensor. Courtesy Koden Electronically stabilized marine binoculars are a boon to boaters, allowing for increased magnification versus conventional binoculars because they compensate for shaky hands and rough seas to provide steady viewing.  These are different from the heavy, electrically powered ­gyroscopic binoculars…

  • Boat, Beach or Sidewalk Sportswear for Summer

    Boat, Beach or Sidewalk Sportswear for Summer Sum, sum, sum summertime wear! When summertime hits, the boating waters are warm and the heat and humidity tries to shove you back inside when you open the front door, my daily wardrobe must be ready to fend off the scorch and be ready for boating, fishing, swimming…

  • Livewell Hinge Shows Marine Retailer’s High Customer Service Ethic

    Livewell Hinge Shows Marine Retailer’s High Customer Service Ethic It’s a small thing, literally. Just a hinge. One used for securing the livewell lid or hatch cover aboard thousands of boats.  Made by a name manufacturer with a good reputation, this item’s success “hinged” (pardon the pun) on the pin upon which its operation depended. For…

  • Protecting Your Boat

    Protecting Your Boat Today’s connected-boat systems often leverage digital-switching technologies, and satellite communications, and many offer a customized app experience. Courtesy Debut Art/Alex Williamson When I was a kid, my ­family lived about 45 minutes away from our boat on the East Coast. While this wasn’t a big deal—the constant traffic snarls on I-95 aside—we…

  • 2025 Father’s Day Gift Guide

    2025 Father’s Day Gift Guide We’ve curated this list of unique and special Father’s Day gifts for boating dads. Whether the mariner you seek a gift for is your mate or your parent (or even your child) this list is intended to help you select a Father’s Day gift that will truly be appreciated. Some of…

  • Summer Guide to Boating Gear

    Summer Guide to Boating Gear A properly maintained boat will ensure a full season’s worth of fun. Courtesy West Marine Memorial Day is the traditional start of the boating season, which means the start of boat maintenance season. To keep the boat running right, the long holiday weekend is perfect for a few pre-season projects. …

  • Top Water Toys for Summer

    Top Water Toys for Summer Fliteboard’s Series 5 is a versatile, all-around platform. Courtesy Fliteboard Schoolchildren and boating enthusiasts have one thing in common. And that is, both groups know that summer is the best time of year. The sun’s out, the days are long, and the water beckons. Scratch that—schoolkids and boaters actually have…

  • Marine Electronics That Make Boating Safer

    Marine Electronics That Make Boating Safer When used properly by experienced captains, electronics can make you safer. Courtesy Grundéns They had guts, those great mariners from the Age of Discovery. Though some are viewed today with a degree of controversy, the likes of Columbus, Vespucci, ­Cortés and Magellan still hold reputations as bastions of courage…

  • Tips for Inspecting Your Safety Gear

    Tips for Inspecting Your Safety Gear An annual inspection will ensure proper operation of your safety gear. Courtesy Mustang Survival, West Marine, Weems and Plath, ACR Electronics Some boaters treat safety gear and anchors the same way: They have it all buried in a locker and will get it out when and if they need…

  • Simrad NSS 4

    Simrad NSS 4 Simrad NSS 4 models offer built-in dual-channel 1 kW chirp sonar, as well as support for Active Imaging HD sonar. Courtesy Simrad BUY NOW Multifunction displays continue to advance in processing speed, system integration, enhanced control capabilities, and ease of use. The latest to emerge in this marine-tech revolution is the Simrad NSS 4…

  • Four Emergency Locator Beacons for Boaters

    Four Emergency Locator Beacons for Boaters Emergency locator beacons, like Spot’s Gen4, can aid rescuers in an emergency. Courtesy Spot BUY NOW William Marshall ventured 20 miles offshore on November 15, 2024, and never expected to have catastrophic engine failure at sea. Worse yet, threatening storms forming ahead of weather reports loomed over them. He…

  • Solid-State Batteries for Boaters

    Solid-State Batteries for Boaters Solid-state batteries from Solid State Marine feature a thin, solid lithium electrolyte coating that saves weight and boosts capacity. Courtesy Solid State Marine As recently as this past winter, solid-state batteries were touted as future tech poised to move electric propulsion rapidly forward. Jumping ahead a year, Honda ­announced limited production…

  • Sunglass Lens Color Comparison

    Sunglass Lens Color Comparison No matter what type of boater you are, you should consider a quality pair of polarized sunglasses to be essential safety gear. Not just for how they reduce glare, but for how they protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays as well. Sunglasses-makers now offer myriad lens colors to choose…

  • Live Sonar for Saltwater Fishing

    Live Sonar for Saltwater Fishing Garmin has the ­longest history in live-sonar ­development and has earned a reputation for ­prevailing as the top device. Courtesy Garmin BUY NOW Be it Garmin LiveScope, Lowrance Active Target 2 or Humminbird Mega Live 2, live sonar seems to have popped up on bass boats overnight, but saltwater anglers…

  • Choosing the Right Trailer Tongue Jack

    Choosing the Right Trailer Tongue Jack If the jack must be used at full extension to keep the bow of your boat high for drainage, select a taller jack, or one with more travel, or deploy the jack onto some blocking to gain height. Using a tongue jack at full extension severely shortens its lifespan.…

  • Hertz Marine Audio Systems Offer High-Quality Sound

    Hertz Marine Audio Systems Offer High-Quality Sound The Capri Source unit is designed to broadcast high-resolution audio throughout the speaker system on the boat. Courtesy Hertz Audio BUY NOW In the not so distant past, boat owners had a much different audio experience on the water than while driving in the tow vehicle they used…

  • Three Top Manual Signaling Devices

    Three Top Manual Signaling Devices Technological advancements have made us all ­exponentially safer every time we set out on the water, but there’s still something to be said for bringing aboard a few inexpensive, tried-and-true safety devices that don’t require a power source or any kind of operator instruction. Here are three simple safety devices…

  • Phone Charging and Mounting Systems for Boats

    Phone Charging and Mounting Systems for Boats Boatbuilders recognize that everyone on board uses a phone—posting, Snapping, TikToking, and more—between leaving port and returning. To keep the social posting live, everybody needs a power port or charger, many of which securely hold your phone. We’ve tested numerous different phone holders and chargers, while testing boats.…

  • Night-Vision Technology for Boaters

    Night-Vision Technology for Boaters There is a range of night-vision devices available to boaters. Courtesy X Vision, Sionyx If you want to boat more safely at night, night-vision technology can help minimize your odds of getting off course or missing a hidden ­aid-to-navigation post or piece of flotsam. There are two basic technologies to open…

  • Humminbird Mega Live 2 and Xplore MFDs

    Humminbird Mega Live 2 and Xplore MFDs Mega Live 2 features enhanced clarity and a more stable view versus the previous Humminbird forward-facing-sonar ­system. Courtesy Humminbird BUY NOW As forward-facing sonar, aka live sonar, from brands such as Garmin and Lowrance takes over freshwater bass fishing, some anglers forget that the company that introduced this…

  • Three Top Handheld Lights for Boaters

    Three Top Handheld Lights for Boaters The right handheld light can make boating in the dark much easier. Courtesy West Marine, Streamlight, Milwaukee Tool No matter how many lights you have hard-wired into your boat, every boater would be well-served to carry aboard some type of handheld illumination device. You never know when you’re going…

  • Must-See Marine Electronics at the 2025 Miami Boat Show

    Must-See Marine Electronics at the 2025 Miami Boat Show Planning a trip to the Miami Boat Show, now officially known as the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show? We just call it MIBS for short. But by any name, it is a great place to see what’s new and exciting, including some of the coolest…

  • Three Choices for Nonsnag Cleats

    Three Choices for Nonsnag Cleats Cleats that retract or fold flush can protect toes and fishing line. Courtesy West Marine Whether you’re an angler hoping to avoid line snags or a regular boater looking to avoid stubbing your toes, cleats that can retract or fold flush with the deck could be on your radar. Here…

  • Using RoamSat to Access the Internet While Boating

    Using RoamSat to Access the Internet While Boating RoamSat units are designed to house a Starlink satellite receiver that you purchase separately. Courtesy RoamSat Elon Musk has surrounded Earth with Starlink communications satellites, and that has boaters buzzing about the possibilities of staying in touch and accessing the internet anywhere. RoamSat helps fulfill that promise…

  • Garmin inReach Messenger Plus

    Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus includes photo-sending and voice-messaging capabilities via satellite. Courtesy Garmin BUY NOW Compact, portable and affordable satellite-messaging devices have revolutionized on-water communications by effectively transforming mobile devices into satellite phones. Most, however, are limited to texting, as well as SOS alerts. But the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus adds…

  • AGM vs. Lithium Batteries

    AGM vs. Lithium Batteries AGM batteries hold a charge longer, can charge faster, and require less maintenance than traditional flooded-cell lead-acid batteries. Courtesy EnerSys BUY NOW Boat batteries are the heart of it all. Whether used to power accessories or simply to start an engine, not too much happens aboard most powerboats without a battery. In…

  • Vandalised ex-Canadian Coast Guard patrol vessel sold for scrapping

    Vandalised ex-Canadian Coast Guard patrol vessel sold for scrapping Baird Maritime Go to baird maritime

  • Six Great Last-Minute Boating Christmas Gifts

    Six Great Last-Minute Boating Christmas Gifts The Christmas Gift Clock is ticking. The last day to ship a gift and have it arrive in time for Christmas 2024 falls between December 20 and December 23, depending upon the carrier, the level of service selected, and the “to” and “from” locations. To help you choose a…

  • Recon Trolling Motors From Simrad and Lowrance

    Recon Trolling Motors From Simrad and Lowrance The new trolling motors also feature a GPS-guided virtual ­anchoring system that holds boats within a 3-foot radius. Courtesy Lowrance The 2024 ICAST fishing trade show in Orlando, Florida, delivered big news for boating anglers. Both Lowrance and Simrad debuted bow-mounted, electric-steer brushless trolling motors designed for salt…

  • Best Gifts for Boat Owners This Holiday Season

    Best Gifts for Boat Owners This Holiday Season If you have a boater in your life, you might think that they already have ­everything they could possibly need to spend time on the water. You would be wrong. Whether they take their boat out every day or every once in a while, whether they fish…