Gear Locker
August 18, 2008
Do-All Display
NavNet 3D MFD/Chart Plotter, $3,195
NavNet 3D's brains are based in its building block-like design, allowing users to create a system that works best for their boat. The 8-inch version is ideal for smaller vessels. Optional components include ultra-high definition, digital radar sensor, GPS, fishfinder, satellite weather receiver, autopilot, IP cameras and more. This chart plotter has no redraw time and can display preloaded raster, vector and bathymetric NOAA charts in 2-D or 3-D at any time. Users can zoom, pan and scroll seamlessly through chart scales, then with the push of a single button, return to their own vessel's position. High-resolution satellite photography can be added at no additional cost and the split screens act autonomously, allowing for individual manipulation. The possibilities are exhausting.
‹ (360) 834-9300; www.furunousa.com
Peace of Mind
DuraSafe Universal Electronics Lock, $19.99
Foil thieves and rest easy knowing your marine electronics are safe and sound when you aren't around. The new Universal Electronics Lock from DuraSafe secures bracket-mounted electronics, leaving thieves looking for an easy target no other choice but to move on. The compact lock works by replacing one of the bracket knobs and securing the unit to the bracket. One size fits GPS, fishfinders and VHF radios made by virtually any manufacturer, and they can be keyed alike if more than one device needs to be secured.
‹ (262) 544-5615; www.durasafelocks.com
Loo-k No Further
Jig-a-Loo Lubripellent, $6.50-$7
The name alone will put a smile on your face, but that's not the reason Jig-a-Loo is unique. It's one of only a few products on the market to combine lubricant and repellent applications in one can. Boaters can use it to lubricate, de-squeak, shine and protect virtually every aspect of a boat or trailer, including cabin doors, anchor winches, trailer locks, bilge pumps, galley drawers, console gauges and electrical components. The list is endless. Available online only.
‹ (888) 544-2566; www.jigaloo.com
Underwater Eye
Jeppesen Marine C-Map Fishing Contour Chart, $129
Jeppesen Marine recently introduced its new line of C-Map Fishing Contour Charts of six regions that cover the entire U.S. coast. Developed from National Ocean Service charts, the maps are ultra-detailed seabed charts of bottom structures including channels, canyons, seamounts and ridges. These structures often create upwellings and currents that can concentrate forage, which attracts game fish. When you find a hot spot, you can pinpoint locations and names right on the chart.
‹ (800) 424-2627; www.c-map.com
related articles:
WaterSportsCoat Your Deck: Upkeep is essential in order to keep it operating properly and looking good year in and year out, especially older models. I own a 1980 17-foot Boston Whaler that's in pretty good shape, although the weather, lots of use and time have taken their toll.
Gear Locker
Scouting New Territory: Scout president Steve Potts isn't one of those boat company presidents who drop by engineering from time to time to see how a new boat is coming along. Potts is involved with a boat from the first concept sketches to when the final bolt on the real boat is tightened.
Black Chips, Black Drum: New Jersey offers great fishing, boating and some of the prettiest scenery you've never seen.
Formula for Fun: One of the fastest-growing segments of new boat design we've seen recently is bigger bowriders. While some are basically 25-footers on steroids with nothing other than size to distinguish them from the smaller boats, the Formula 310 Bow Rider takes this genre to a new level of sophistication.
