|
| New Gear |
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) gear is becoming a must-have accessory for boaters who share waters with commercial traffic. AIS receivers allow you to identify and determine the course of vessels around you, while the transponder sends out data about your vessel. The Nauticast B is a Class B AIS transponder from ACR Electronics. Roughly the size of a hardcover book, the water-resistant device can be mounted almost anywhere onboard. Installation is plug and play. Attach four connectors - power, antenna, GPS input and data output - and you're good to go. Output can be displayed on a chartplotter or computer. An optional remote safety switch can be installed to send a message in case of emergency. The 2-watt output has a range of up to four nautical miles. A VHF band antenna, 15 feet of cable and connecters are included in the package.
The electronics for Simrad's A150 Class B AIS transponder are built into a case that features a daylight-viewable, color LCD screen. The unit can be mounted on a bracket or in-dash. The A150 has coastline maps for basic reference, and adjustable range rings for setting proximity alarms. It can be interfaced with other gear on the company's SimNet to share data. When a DSC VHF radio is part of the network, all it takes to establish contact with another vessel with DSC is to move the A150's cursor over the target and press a button. The A150 has a Buddy Tracking feature that lets you enter the Maritime Mobile Service Identity numbers of your regular contacts. When they're within a pre-set range, you'll get an alert on screen - a handy feature for team fishing in tournaments.
Digital Antenna, the company that makes award-winning cell phone antennas and boosters for marine and mobile use, has set up an online store where you can easily shop for parts and accessories. The site lists hundreds of items, including coaxial cables, connectors, mounts and adapters. There's also a searchable knowledge base, customer inquiry tracking system, detailed technical specifications and a step-by-step troubleshooting section. Products offered online are sold at list price and shipped within 24 hours.
KVH introduced two new systems to bring simultaneous voice and broadband data to your boat. The TracPhone FB250 and FB500 will use Inmarsat's forthcoming FleetBroadband service to provide internet speed of up to 432 kbps for email, browsing and connecting to private networks, and voice phone connection at the same time. FleetBroadband currently has two satellites in orbit, and a third is expected to be launched this spring. The FB250 system, for smaller boats, is available in either 12- or 21-inch-high domes. The FB500 system, made for larger craft, comes with either a 27- or 38-inch dome. All use KVH's trademark commercial-grade design and stabilized operation.
The McMurdo Smartfind Plus 406 GPS EPIRB from Revere Survival Products is small and lightweight, with a carry-safe mounting bracket to eliminate false activation. It is the only all-digital GPIRB available. The technology also allows for a non-hazardous battery. "This device's low cost encourages use by more boaters, which ultimately enhances rescue operations."
Performance Metals' marine water heater corrosion alert monitor has an electrode that activates a light and alarm to alert the boat owner when it's time to change the anode. "A great reminder for a forgotten piece of equipment, it can potentially extend the life of a water heater."
Blue Water Marine Paint's Enviro-Pads are synthetic fiber pads to be placed under a boat before pressure-washing to trap contaminants, resulting in zero impact on water quality. They offer marine business an economical alternative to installing a catchment system. "Though not the ultimate solution, this product does solve a growing problem for small marinas and yards."
The F2 trailer "jack of all trades" from Cequent Performance delivers nine patented advancements, addressing the shortcomings of conventional trailer jacks. An adjustable mounting system makes it possible to align the trailer tongue with the tow vehicle, and twin, independent wheels facilitate direction change.
Dubbed a blood test for your powerplant, Engine Check Up is a fast and economical way to diagnose problems within any four-cycle engine - simply place a few drops of oil on a test pad to reveal the condition of the oil and amount of contaminants.
The Floatstep Dock Ladder is designed by two former dock builders. The ladder rises and falls with water levels. When not in use, a bottom-mounted float holds the ladder above water, preventing marine growth and electrolysis. The ladder also easily removes for storage and protection from storms.
Mustang Survival continues to lead the PFD market with another new product. The Survival Rescue Stick is ideal for boaters who don't have space on board for a traditional life thing. This device sports a handle with a horseshoe buoy that inflates on contact with water.
Rope-A-Boat, an automatic boat ladder that simplifies launching and loading, consists of a multi-winch compartment, a custom bow latch, roller guides and lines rigged to embrace a boat on its trailer until released manually or by remote control. "It overcomes all of the common launch ramp theatrics caused by unpredictable currents, tides, winds and operator error."
|
|
|
|
