Side-Power Thruster Touch panel $175; boat panel, $260 • 508/995-7000 • www.imtra.com The Side-Power, a bow thruster suited for boats 20′ and up, has two new easy-to-use controls. On the touch-actuated model two arrows indicate which way the bow will swing. The other version features a chrome boat-shaped joystick; push its bow and your boat’s bow swings in that direction. The Side-Power includes an internal timer that shuts off the bow thruster six minutes after the last use.
Chart Symbols & On-the-Water Guides $20 • 888/839-5551 • www.maptech.com These visual guides explain common chart symbols as well as how to read a chart. Topics covered include planning with GPS and paper charts; understanding water depths and bottom contours; recognizing landmarks and obstacles; understanding tides; knowing aids to navigation and rules of the road. The guides fold up like charts and are waterproof.
Deep Blue Marine BlueNet Mobile display, $389; sensor, $469 865/671-1000 • www.ascendmarine.com This system monitors speed, depth, and water temperature wirelessly using sensors that transmit data to the handheld Mobile Display. The sensors are housed in one through-hull unit. The system won’t interfere with other onboard electronics. Add the Chain Counter ($329) to calculate the amount of anchor rode deployed, which is also displayed on the mobile display.
West Marine Spotlight $80 • 800/262-8464 • www.westmarine.comWith 10,000,000 candlepower output, this water-resistant spotlight packs a lot of punch. It includes a 110-volt charging port, state-of-charge gauge, 12-volt charger, nylon shoulder strap, hands-free stand, and external battery, which can be used alone or with the internal battery. Switch to the 5,000,000 candlepower mode for less brightness or to extend battery life.
Kenwood Marine Audio Speaker, $149 • 800/536-9663 • www.kenwoodusa.comKenwood has introduced new marine-grade audio components. The 120-watt, 6.5″, two-way speaker offers all-weather construction, waterproof cones, and UV-resistant grilles. It’s compatible with Kenwood’s new CD receivers (from $249), which provide MP3 and WMA playback (select models), support an iPod or Sirius Satellite Radio, and feature marine-grade materials and a backlit LCD that’s readable in all lighting conditions.
Ram Mount Aqua Box AQ2, $34; AQ3, $33 • 206/763-8361 • www.rammount.com Enclose an MP3 player and comparably sized electronic equipment in these watertight, see-through, dash-mounted boxes. Operate buttons through the clear front panel. Route power and accessories cables through a self-draining port to keep out moisture. Choose from two models: The AQ2’s interior measures 53?4″-by-27?8″-by-13?16″; the AQ3’s interior measures 45?8″-by-23?8″-by-11?8″. Mounts sold separately.
QL Boat Trim System $670 • 757/436-2800 • www.qlmarine.com Made by Volvo Penta, this system, designed for boats from 15′ to 50′, adjusts a boat’s trim angle using a vertical blade, or interceptor, that’s mounted on the transom and can be moved down into the water stream. The control panel has four commands that move the boat up or down or lean the boat starboard or port. A trim indicator shows the position of the interceptor. Turn off the boat and the interceptors retract automatically.
Hammerhead Marine Brush $5 • 800/962-6241 • www.shurhold.com Give your boat a thorough cleaning with Shurhold’s Hammerhead marine brush. It removes salt and grime without damaging the boat’s finish. Its nonslip grip is comfortable to hold, and the brush fits any Shurhold handle, locking into place with the push of a button, so it won’t spin or pop off. A wraparound bumper provides protection from scrapes.
Great White Deck Boot $55 • 877/874-2757 • www.ruggedshark.com Rugged Shark, makers of marine footwear, has introduced a comfortable pair of deck boots. The Great White is completely waterproof and designed with arch support; removable, contoured footbeds; cushioned midsoles; and extra padding in the heels that absorbs shocks when you’re racing to get to that offshore hotspot. Their nonmarking rubber soles grip wet decks.
Virtual Lifeline $549 • 888/755-7767 • www.maritechsafety.com MariTech calls this man overboard system a wireless lanyard. Why? Passengers wear four sensors that, like a kill lanyard, cut off the engine if someone falls overboard. When submerged, the sensors transmit a signal to the 6″-by-4″-by-1’6″ ignition control module, which sets off an alarm and shuts the motor. Additional sensors can be purchased separately.
Spa2Go $899 • 888/488-3121 • www.funlifestyles.com Live like a reality TV star with this portable spa. It takes 10 minutes to inflate with the attached air compressor and fills with 250 gallons of water with your intake hose. Cover it with the insulated thermal top and turn it on. Using the built-in 1,000-watt, stainless-steel heater, you can heat the water to your desired temperature (up to 104 degrees). It has 127 turbo microjets surrounding the bottom air cushion seat. It weighs 60 pounds, measures 6’2″ in diameter and 2’5″ high, and fits in a 2-square-foot space when packed.
