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 to need to navigate through a bunch of moored sailboats at the marina after dark, or find that loose wire connector in the bilge. Here are three types of handheld lights to consider.

Spotlight: West Marine Heavy Waterproof Rechargeable LED Spotlight

The Bright Side:  A spotlight’s concentrated beam is great for picking out buoys at a distance. A handheld, such as this one from West Marine, does the trick. Its rugged aluminum case has an IP67 waterproof rating and floats. Its three settings harness 10,000 lumens. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide three hours of use at full power, six hours at low power.

The Dark Side: It takes six to eight hours to fully recharge and is not the best choice for lighting up the deck or poking around in the bilge.

Price: $174.99; Buy it now at West Marine

Flashlight: Streamlight ProTac HL 6

The Bright Side: A must-have for making repairs in a dark bilge, the Streamlight ProTac HL 6 can also help spot navaids or pick out a slip number on a dark dock, but not as well as a spotlight. The LED lights are powered by rechargeable ­lithium-ion batteries and can create a beam that extends over 1,857 feet on its highest setting (5,300 lumens). Cased in aircraft-grade aluminum, it can ­handle being dropped on deck, and has an IPX7 ­waterproof rating.

The Dark Side: The beam is narrower than a spotlight’s, so it won’t provide the full scope of your surroundings.

Price: $133.65; Buy it now on Amazon

Read Next: Top Spotlights for Boaters

Floodlight: Milwaukee M18 Rover Dual Power Floodlight

The Bright Side: Floodlights cast a wide beam but not necessarily over a great distance. They are great to light up an area close to the boat, such as for landing a fish or as a help in docking. The handheld  Milwaukee M18 Rover has both lithium-ion batteries and an AC adapter so that you can plug it into a 120-volt system. It provides up to 4,000 lumens and can run for three to 12 hours. It can be rotated 120 degrees, and the durable case features keyholes, so you can hang it overhead.

The Dark Side: Its IP54 rating is water-resistant, not waterproof.

Price: $149; Buy it at West Marine

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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 are three types of nontripping, nonsnagging cleats to consider.

Pull-Up Cleats: Whitecap 8″ Stainless-Steel Pull-Up Cleat

The Hold: Pull-up cleats sit flush to the deck when not in use in order to prevent line snags and toe stubs. When you’re ready to tie off, reach down and pull up the cleats by their horns, and a locking mechanism secures them into place, where they works like a standard boat cleats. Push down on them to retract after using, and they return flush to the deck in their mounts.

The Slip: Caked salt can inhibit opening. Rinse and open regularly to ensure smooth operation. May require more installation depth than other-style cleats.

Price: $124.99; Buy at West Marine

Pop-Up Cleats: Attwood 4½” Stainless-Steel Pop-Up Cleat

The Hold: Pop-up cleats are retracted in the default position to sit flush the deck, with no protruding sharp edges to step on, trip on or snag. With a push-button release, they pop up and into place when it’s time to set the dock lines. The cleat is held in place by two friction springs, and the cleat’s horns and backing plate handle the load. 

The Slip: Caked salt can inhibit opening. Rinse and open regularly to ensure smooth operation. May require more installation depth than other-style cleats.

Price: $80.99; Buy at West Marine

Read Next: Installing Retractable Cleats

Fold-Down Cleats: Whitecap 6″ Stainless-Steel Folding Cleat

The Hold: Folding cleats uses a hinge system to lift them up when the dock lines are ready, and to fold them down out of the way while on the water. They’re a simple yet effective way to hide the cleats when out on the water to prevent snags or toe stubs. We’ve seen these mostly on smaller boats in the 25-foot-and-­under range.

The Slip: The hinges can loosen over time, making it harder for the cleats to stay deployed, but the dock lines will still hold them in place while in use.

Price: $52.99; Buy at West Marine

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Trolling motors aren’t just for trolling anymore. These electric powerplants are used for position-keeping, controlling drifts, and mounting transducers for forward-facing sonar. Today, a trolling motor is an essential bit of fishing kit for many anglers.

If you’re seeking to ­optimize or personalize your ­trolling motor, consider these ­seven accessories. 

Railblaza Straight Shooter

This high-visibility ­arrow will mount to most ­trolling-motor shafts. It provides a visual aid to make more-accurate casts at targets—er, fish—that the forward-facing transducer shows on the fish-finder screen. Easy installation. $29.99; railblaza.com

Newport Vessels Smart Battery Box

If you have a smaller or simpler fishing boat, this smart battery box from Newport Vessels gives you a fully functioning ­power and charging station. It ­offers quick and clean hookup of your trolling motor’s power cables to the smart box’s terminals. Comes with two accessory connection ports and a battery meter, and it’s compatible with Group 24 and 27 AGM batteries. (Not for lithium batteries.) $65.00; newportvessels.com

G-Force Eliminator Prop Nut

Providing a larger contact area than standard prop nuts, this anodized-aluminum upgrade makes for a quieter trolling motor that exhibits less ­vibration. It also works as a heat sink, increasing battery life and thus fishing time. Looks cool in your choice of four colors. For Minn Kota Maxxum and Terrova models with Weedless Wedge props. $79.99; basspro.com

Panther MarineTech Foot Control Tray

Install this accessory in your boat’s deck and your trolling-motor foot pedal will be recessed and out of the way. It not only reduces line-snagging deck clutter, but it also is said to improve posture and reduce leg fatigue. Comes with mounting screws, drain tube and drain fitting. $72.99; cabelas.com

Coolfoot Pedal Pad

Whether it’s taking the heat off hot, black ­pedals in summer or adding traction while fishing in boots during the cold of winter, a self-­adhesive Coolfoot pad does the job. Available in many colors and patterns, it also adds some dazzle to your pedal. Available for most trolling-motor pedal controls. $29.99; centralcoastbassfishing.com

Read Next: What Are the Best Trolling Motor Batteries for Your Needs?

Bob’s Machine Decksaver

If you’ve installed a bounce preventer or stabilizer for your trolling motor, finish the job right by adding this stabilizer plate on your boat’s deck. It prevents the ugly holes that can wear into your carpet or deck over time. At 1 inch in diameter, it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum. $23.99; amazon.com

T-H Marine Trolling-Motor Headlight

Light up predawn activities with this easily installed headlight. Its 10-watt single LED produces 1,000 lumens and 50,000 hours of life. You won’t always need it, but when you do, this light does the job. Installs directly on the trolling-­motor mount. $103.99; amazon.com

The post Seven Accessories to Maximize Your Trolling Motor appeared first on Boating Mag.

Boaters are always looking to expand their “real estate” on the water, and many have turned to floating mats to allow friends and family to recline in the water as well as in the boat. Increasingly, inflatable models are favorites because they can be stowed in duffel bags for easy transport and quickly inflated at the sandbar for sunning platforms or wrestling mats, and those with slick surfaces make a fun water slide. 

Two of the most popular brands—Bote and Mission Outdoor—offer a variety of mats, from inflated “doughnuts” with mesh slings and nearly rigid inflatable mats. Foam mats ­started the trend, and inflated mats ­expanded it with more-buoyant mats that are sometimes used for service docks.

How We Tested

We wanted to see how difficult, or easy, they were to transport, inflate and enjoy. We ­discovered that while you can stand on them, moving about is much easier if there is something solid such as a boat gunwale to grip.

Cautions

Mission Outdoor recommends not tethering the mat firmly to a transom but rather leave 10 feet of space from any hard surface to prevent injury from the inevitable roughhousing. That’s a good ­precaution for all of them. 

Common Characteristics

They all deflated naturally, but ­reversing the electric pump better removed remaining air for more-compact packing. Both brands have optional 12-volt pumps that ease inflation, though we didn’t find that this saved time, just effort. Topping off to appropriate psi for the load after electric inflation requires hand-pumping (hand pumps included) for an ­additional minute or so.

Bote Inflatable Dock 10 Native Paradise

This large device took more time and effort to inflate than all the others due to its greater volume. Using an electric pump available from Bote ($170) accelerated the process a little, but its main benefit was to reduce sweat equity from using the hand pump. The electric pump gets the device only halfway to its ideal inflation of 4 to 6 psi (depending on the number of people), but it took only a minute or so with the included hand pump to firm it up. Grab handles on all four sides assist in clambering back aboard if a push causes a sudden departure. D-rings are also strategically placed to fasten the dock to the boat or to other mats or even an anchor. Whether it was the 10-by-10-foot dimension, the 8-inch thickness or the traction from the surf mat surface, we found walking on it to be easier. A firm grip on something also enhances secure footing. At more than 70 pounds, its pack size is bulky and heavy.

• MSRP: $1,099
• Inflated Dimension: 10’ x 10’ x 8”; 100 square feet
• Capacity: 1,500 lb.
• Optimal Inflation: 6 to 8 psi
• Packed Dimension: 5’ long x 1’6” diameter, rolled
• Packed Weight: 72 lb.
• Inflation Time, Hand Pump: 7 minutes
• Included: Hand pump, carrying case, patch kit

Mission Outdoor Reef 85 Inflatable Water Mat

The length and width of this mat formed a pretty cool Slip ’N Slide-like -surface, if you remember those summer water toys from past decades. Just make sure the surface is wet so that you slide over it instead of sticking to it. As a wrestling platform, they are unequaled, and the ability to push your opponent safely off the mat is a nice bonus. Grab handles on the ends assist in reboarding or carrying the inflated toy to the water. Mission opted to keep the surface a simple smooth finish, rather than adding a textured or surf mat finish. They did this to keep its pack size compact and easier to move. We found it difficult to walk on the mat—not because it was slippery, but a younger, slimmer enthusiast would probably fare better maintaining balance. Keeping one hand on something that moved less, such as the gunwale or transom platform, offered more-solid footing. We could see its DIY possibilities—as a platform from which to wash or wax a boat, or to change outboard motor oil or gear lube for a boat stored on a lift.

• MSRP: $849
• Best Online Price: $749 at amazon.com
• Inflated Dimension: 6’5” x 1’1” x 4”; 84.5 square feet
• Capacity: 1,750 lb.
• Optimal Inflation: 4 psi
• Packed Dimension: 31” x 9” x 18”
• Packed Weight: 50 lb.
• Inflation Time, Hand Pump: 5 minutes
• Included: High-volume hand pump, wheeled carry duffel, patch kit

Mission Outdoor Reef Lite Splash Floating Pool

This style inflatable mat is my fave for sandbar hangouts and raft-up parties. Why? It’s a cross between a mat, a lounge and a great big kiddie pool. The mesh sling surrounded by a firmly inflated ring makes a place where people can sit, feet inside or out, or stretch out inside, lounging up against the inflatable ring. You can cool off while stretched in the water catching rays, or you can compromise by dipping your toes in while sitting upright on the firm inflatable ring. There are D-rings for securing it to other floats or the boat. When deflated, it packs down into an easy-to-transport backpack that could stow away in most ski lockers. Our inflation time was 30 seconds longer than manufacturer’s specs, but it would have been quicker with a more energetic pumper. We liked its compact transport size and easy-to-carry weight of just 23 pounds.

• MSRP: $699
• Best Online Price: $699 at various retailers
• Inflated Dimension: 8’ x 9’ x 4”
• Capacity: 1,500 lb.
• Optimal Inflation: 4 to 6 psi
• Packed Dimension: 6″ x 15″ x 34″
• Packed Weight: 23 lb.
• Inflation Time, Hand Pump: 2 minutes
• Included: Pump, backpack duffel carrier, repair kit

Read Next: 12 Gadgets to Improve Your Time on the Water

Bote Inflatable Hangout Water Hammock 10 Classic

The mack daddy of water hammocks has a thickness of 8 inches, adding firmness and buoyancy to the floating ring. The textured mat on the deck is like a surf mat and adds secure footing, durability, and good looks. In both our mesh-centered float rings, the center sloped into the water, making for cool lounging and setting up a playpen or kiddie pool that small kids will love. For adults, Bote has molded-in Magnepod magnetic drink holders for accessory insulated cups, tumblers, water bottles (from $21.50 each) and a floating, waterproof Bluetooth speaker (from $70). We set the cups on the magnets and lifted, then dropped one edge of the ring from over 1 foot, and the cup remained firmly in place.

• MSRP: $999
• Inflated Dimension: 10’ diameter x 8” thick
• Capacity: 1,200 lb.
• Optimal Inflation: 4 to 6 psi
• Packed Dimension: 2’8” x 2’5” x 1’1”
• packed Weight: 57 lb.
• Inflation Time, Hand Pump: 5 minutes
• Included: Hand pump, wheeled carry bag, repair kit

The post Inflatable Water Mats for Boaters appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Standard Horizon HX210 offers a balance of essential features and affordability, making it a suitable choice for recreational anglers who want a reliable handheld VHF radio.

Pros

Compact and Lightweight: Weighing 1.6 pounds, the HX210’s compact design makes it easy to handle and store, ideal for use in small vessels or as a backup radio.

Floating and Waterproof: With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the radio can withstand submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and floats face-up if dropped overboard.

User-Friendly Interface: The HX210 features an intuitive menu system with programmable function keys, making it easy to operate.

Cons

Lacks DSC and GPS Features: The HX210 does not include Digital Selective Calling (DSC) or built-in GPS functionality.

The Mustang Survival Inflatable PFD with Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT) is a top-tier personal flotation device designed for serious mariners. Its advanced features and reliable performance make it a preferred choice for safety without compromising comfort.

Pros

Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT): This technology ensures the PFD automatically inflates only when submerged in 4 inches or more of water, preventing accidental inflation due to rain, spray, or humidity.

High Buoyancy: Provides 35 lbs. of buoyancy when inflated, offering more than twice the flotation of standard foam PFDs.

Comfortable Design: Equipped with a neoprene comfort collar and a lightweight, low-profile design, it allows for maximum mobility and can be worn comfortably over various clothing layers.

Cons

Higher Price Point: As a premium product, it comes with a higher price tag compared to standard PFDs, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

The Simrad NSS evo3S Multifunction Chartplotter is a premium marine navigation system that’s designed for all out speed and performance. Right now all three sizes, 9-inch, 12-inch and 16-inch models are on sale.

Pros

Powerful Performance: A high-definition 12-inch display, NSS evo3S features the new iMX 8 high-performance processor. With faster response times and seamless screen transitions, this compact package delivers extensive functionality.

Better Control: Switch seamlessly between intuitive all-weather touchscreen with multi-touch gestures, and a full-featured keypad with rotary control dial

Robust Connectivity: The evo3S features industry-standard connectivity, including NMEA 2000®, Ethernet, and wireless options, facilitating integration with a wide range of on-board electronics and accessories

Cons

Transducer Not Included: The unit does not come with a transducer, requiring an additional purchase to utilize the sonar functionalities fully.

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My wife, daughter and I love taking the boat on day-long adventures fishing, exploring, swimming, sandbaring and enjoying the water. It’s all fun and games until someone needs to use the bathroom. On a small boat, far from shore and hours away from the marina, there is no where to go when I have to go. 

The latest generation of portable potties for boat options are clean, comfortable, safe and convenient, with features that take the hassle out of using the bathroom on the boat. 

Portable toilets for boats are as simple as a bucket and toilet seat or as complicated as a composting toilet that turns solid waste into scentless dust. At the end of the day, I remove the porta potty from the boat and safely dispose of the contents. 

A portable toilet for boats makes everyone’s experience more enjoyable. With the best portable potty for a boat, when nature calls, I have an answer.

Quicklook: 7 Top Boat Porta Potty Options

• Best for all-in-one: Dometic Sanipottie
• Best for portable or pump out: Thetford Porta Pottie MSD
• Best for bucket style: Yeti Wild Stool
• Best for small spaces: Seaflo Portable
• Best for women: Go Girl Feminine Urination Device
• Best composting toilet: Trelino Evo L
• Best battery operated: Thetford Porta Potti Curve

Which Portable Boat Toilet Is Best for You?

I have a small boat and take day trips. You have a larger boat and go on multi-day adventures. I can get away with a bucket and toilet seat. You may need a boat portable potty with more capacity and longer cycle.

Clearly, we need different portable marine toilets. To help choose the best portable potty for boat options, I searched the internet and visited my local dock shops to learn about models from top manufacturers. Here are a few of my favorites.

Dometic Sanipottie

I need an all-in-one portable potty that’s at home on the boat, in the RV, and at the campsite. The Dometic Sanipottie is a great all around toilet with an emphasis on comfort and convenience. The holding-tank-style toilet is a little more expensive than some models, but when I’m comfortably sitting on the 15-inch high seat, I don’t mind spending the extra money. When it’s time to empty the tank, the convenient two hand design with a mess-free spout and vent pays off.

Best for: All-in-one

Features:

• Rotating spout for easy emptying
• Two-step waste valve to prevent pressure build up
• Two handles on waste tank
• 15-inch height

Disadvantages:

• Non-composting
• More expensive than other porta potty for boat options
• Tie-downs sold separately

Price: $199

Thetford Porta Pottie MSD

For a larger boat and longer trips, a portable toilet that I can also empty at a pumping station saves time and mess. Thetford’s Porta Pottie MSD is a larger portable toilet best for a dedicated installation. The four-gallon water tank provides 56 flushes between refills. To go days between service, a five gallon holding tank features a sealed holding tank to control odor. When I reach a marina or RV pump out station, I empty the tank and refill the water. In between stations, I still have the option to manually empty the tank.

Best for: Portable or pump out

Features:

• MDS pump out valve
• Larger water and waste capacity
• Piston pump flush increases water flow
• Hold-down kit included

Disadvantages:

• Large and heavy for camping or small boats
• 5.5 gallon waste tank is unwieldy when full
• Narrow seat 

Price: $349.99

Wild Stool for Yeti Load Out

On my 20-foot center console, I keep a Wild Stool for Yeti Load Out for emergencies. My wife and daughter are grizzled outdoors women, but they like the convenience of a five gallon bucket with a toilet seat when nature calls. And, there have been more than a few times I was glad I had the quick and easy boat portable toilet. The wide toilet seat fits securely over the bucket lid. I add a liner inside the bucket if I’m packing out the waste. The Wild Stool will fit any standard five-gallon bucket, but I use my Yeti Load Out because the food-safe plastic is easy to clean and disinfect. 

Best for: Bucket toilet

Features:

• Wide seat
• Only five pounds
• Fits securely over bucket and liner

Disadvantages:

• Waste is not treated
• Bucket not included
• Only available for five gallon buckets

Price: $55

Seaflo Portable

In the world of portable toilets for boats, achieving the title most portable is a mark of distinction. The Seaflo Portable has the smallest water and waste capacity in the lightest boat portable toilet with a holding tank. Seaflo’s Portable is also the least expensive, so it fits my budget. I can take the Seaflo from my boat to the campsite and always have a discreet bathroom that is clean and tidy. The small cube-shaped toilet fits in my gearbox and my boat hatch. At the end of the day, the tank separates from the seat and a rotating pour out spout is easy to empty. Of course the Seaflo Portable has a convenient carry handle so I can take it anywhere. 

Best for: Small spaces

Features:

• 13.9 X 15.9 X 11.9
• Sealed holding tank
• 2.5 gallon waste tank, 3.5 gallon water tank
• Inexpensive

Disadvantages:

• Square shape isn’t most comfortable
• Single waste valve
• No level indicator

Price: $89.99

Go Girl Feminine Urination Device

Okay, I admit, I don’t have personal experience with the Go Girl Feminine Urination Device. But, the women in my life perked up when they first saw the ingenious funnel that allows girls to pee while standing up. Maybe it’s convenience, maybe it’s curiosity, but the little pink device offers the ability to use the bathroom out in the woods or on the water. 

Best for: Women

Features:

• Soft, pliable silicone
• Reusable with proper cleaning
• Pocket size
• Splash guard

Disadvantages

• Could be messy
• Not everyone is sold on the idea

Price: $14.99

Trelino Evo L

A portable composting toilet is the ultimate portable boat toilet for long trips and easy management. Using science and nature, the Trelino Evo L captures liquid waste and turns solid waste into a safe and odorless material. Separate containers for solid and liquid waste make it easier to empty the toilet. The sturdy toilet is capable of supporting 330 pounds with a wide seat for comfort and balance. 

Best for: Composting

Features:

• 1.6 gallon solid waste capacity
• 1.2 gallon liquid waste storage
• Turns solid waste into odorless material
• 10 solid feces bags included

Disadvantages

• Requires spreading drying material on solid waste
• Drying media not included

Price: $619.99

Thetford Porta Potti Curve

For the ultimate in convenience, Thetford’s Porta Potti Curve includes a battery operated flush mechanism that reminds me of home. Instead of manually pumping the flush mechanism to release water into the bowl, the Curve’s electric pump does the work. This way I know I’m using the correct amount of water to clean the toilet. The Curve includes large waste and water tanks that are easy to service. I like the comfortable oval-shaped design that is similar to a home toilet. 

Best for: Battery operated flush

Features:

• Comfortable oval shape
• Water and waste level indicators
• Integrated toilet paper holder
• 56 flushes between services
• Batteries included

Disadvantages

• No manual override 
• Tie-down kit not included
• Not as stable as others

Price: $289.99

Comparing Boating Porta Potty Types

Portable boat toilet

Portable boat toilets are a convenient, safe and hygienic way to use the bathroom when a bathroom isn’t available. These plastic toilets contain a tank for water and a tank for waste. Add chemicals to the water tank and the waste tank to control smell and make the tanks easier to clean. An adjustable pour-out spout and easy to operate vent reduce spills and smell when emptying the tank. 

Portable boat toilets come in a variety of sizes with features making them easier to use and less messy. I can take my portable boat toilet camping and RVing, or anywhere else I go.

Composting Toilet

The latest advancement in portable boat toilets is actually old technology. A composting toilet separates liquid and solid waste. Liquid goes into a sealed container. Solid waste is mixed with an aggregate like sawdust or cat litter that dries the waste into an odorless and safe material I can dump in a garbage can. 

The liquid waste container is easy to pour out. Treated solid waste is collected in a plastic bag that is quick to remove and chuck into the trash.The holding capacity is less and there’s no water tank to clean the bowl, so I have to empty and clean the composting toilet more often.

Bucket Toilet

A bucket toilet is the simplest and easiest way to manage human waste on a boat. The special-shaped toilet seat is designed to fit over the lip of a standard five gallon bucket. A plastic bag inside the bucket collects the waste. Between uses, I remove the bag, tie it closed and throw it in the garbage. I can even add a little kitty litter to absorb liquid to eliminate odor and leakage. I keep a five gallon bucket on my boat and the toilet seat fits almost anywhere, so the bucket toilet is always ready in an emergency.

Pump Out Toilet

Portable toilets are great, but cleaning and servicing are not pleasant. Boats and RVs with permanent toilets use a pump out system that makes cleaning the waste tank hassle-free. 

The best portable boat toilets also have a valve to use a pump-out station and avoid the mess and smell of manually dumping the waste tank. Just find a pump out station at a marina or RV park, attach the pump out hose to the valve and remove the waste without seeing, hearing or smelling the stuff. Use the station hose to clean out the waste tank and fill up the water tank. If I’m in a larger boat or spending more time at sea, a portable toilet with pump-out feature has greater capacity. 

Enjoy the Convenience of a Portable Toilet for Boats

Everyone enjoys the outdoors more when there is a bathroom nearby. The convenience and safety of a portable marine toilet will extend my time on the water and make my guests more comfortable. Plus, properly disposing of human waste saves the water and wildlife from pollution. With so many choices for boat porta potties, there isn’t an excuse for turning the water into a washroom.

FAQ

Ric Burnley is regional editor for Salt Water Sportsman magazine and editor of Kayak Angler magazine. When he’s not writing about fishing, Ric is out fishing in the surf, on a kayak or in his 20-foot center console.

The post What Are the Best Boat Porta Potty Toilets? appeared first on Boating Mag.

Backpacks are a staple for hauling around our daily gear, but contents often don’t fare well when splashed, dunked, or stuffed into damp storage compartments. This trio of boat-friendly backpacks is ready to get wet and wild in a variety of scenarios—and still sling over your shoulders for the commute home.

Quiksilver Sea Stash 20L Medium Surf Backpack

The Pack: Made from a durable PVC/polyester blend with sealed seams, this 20-liter backpack skews closest to a traditional dry bag. A roll-top enclosure seals off the primary bonded wet/dry compartment. An exterior pocket with hook-and-loop flap is ready for gear you’d like to keep within easy reach. Twin pockets on each side do likewise for your water bottle and sunscreen.

The Wack: Bare-bones shoulder straps don’t offer much padding for -longer hauls. 

Price: $75; quiksilver.com or westmarine.com

Dakine Mission Surf DLX Wet/Dry Pack 40L

The Pack: Numerous internal compartments stylishly separate wet and dry gear. The internal, seam-sealed roll-top dry bag is big enough to handle a wetsuit.

A padded, back-panel compartment with organizer pockets isolates a laptop and other electronics. Toss sandy flip-flops in the zippered bottom compartment, and sunnies in their own fleecy, scratch-free nook.

The Wack: Gear-friendly size and amenities might feel a little much during simple commuter duty. 

Price: $175; dakine.com or amazon.com

Read Next: Survival Gear Bags

Woda Bag

The Pack: The Woda Bag is made from EVA foam. It’s waterproof, mold- and mildew-resistant, and like a pair of Crocs, it’s peppered with ventilation holes. Get sandy at the beach and just rinse with a hose. Load up to 30 pounds of gear, and there’s no concern if your stuff is wet or dry. A -removable pouch offers waterproof protection for phone and keys.

The Wack: Airy exterior won’t keep contents dry. Structured design stands on its own, but it doesn’t flatten for storage. 

Price: $149; wodabag.com

The post Three Great Backpacks for Boaters appeared first on Boating Mag.

Your adventures can be as tame as a weekend on the Intracoastal Waterway or a Northwoods island, or as extreme as a cruise to the San Juans in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you camp, day-trip, star-watch, or spy on wildlife from a safe distance, here is gear that can make your day, weekend, or week more enjoyable.

How We Tested

Our team has used each of these gadgets in the field just as boaters and adventurers might, and they are ­included here because we found them to work ­effectively and as advertised.

Gerber Stake Out Multitool

Everyone on our team keeps some Gerber gear at hand. For boaters and campers, the Stake Out should be in a pocket or clipped to your backpack. Named for its stake-pulling hook, the hook can also be used to tighten a tent guy line and, because it is smooth to avoid marring monofilament, it can be used to cinch down fishing knots. Its knife blade is sharp, with a sturdy auger for drilling, and a snap hook secures it to a backpack or belt loop. It’ll also open a beer bottle. We think that the scissors will be the tool that causes it to be passed around camp, or the saw blade for fashioning tent stakes or camp tools. $55; gerber.com; and $45 on Amazon

ACR ResQLink

ACR’s new ResQLink AIS personal locator beacon is groundbreaking. It is satellite- and local-network-based, plus it offers a “nearby” beacon for last-minute rescue positioning. It’s strictly for marine use, so don’t expect to take it to the woods, but with AIS capabilities built in, your marine rescue request will be transmitted to all vessels within range that are equipped with AIS, enhancing the efforts of official rescue personnel—meaning you’ll be protected in the most remote marine waters. With mobile-phone connectivity, be assured that your SOS is received and help is on the way. $515; acratex.com or Amazon

Garmin Quatix 7 Pro Smartwatch

This sharp-looking smartwatch is perfect for the adventurer. Sure, it tells time, set manually or automatically to your cellular network. We use its combination of buttons and touchscreen controls to toggle it between functions such as marine navigation or orienteering with its built-in compass. Trail-based mapping on land plus nearly all of Garmin’s mapping systems, including fishing maps, can be downloaded. Mark, save, and navigate to waypoints on land and sea. Many Garmin GPS displays, autopilots and Fusion audio systems can be controlled by the Quatix 7 Pro. Tides, weather, best solunar fishing periods, and health stats—including sports, heart rate, and sleep and stress monitoring—keep you informed of how adventure affects your health. $999.99; westmarine

Gerber Compleat

A spoon, spork and spatula with a silicone surface nest securely into each other for compact transport. Snap the spork into the groves in the spatula, and you get tongs for flipping dogs or burgers on the grill. A fourth tool has a peeler, can opener, bottle opener, and serrated package opener (in case you get a FedEx delivery campside). The entire Compleat kit weighs 2.5 ounces and can slip into a hip or shirt pocket. Keep one in the glove box of your boat or car. $35; Amazon.com

Worx Cooler

This 20-volt lithium-powered cooler chills to 32 degrees in a few minutes and can run an average of 10 hours on two charged batteries in the battery box. It also runs on 120- and 12-volt power, charging the batteries and a mobile phone while it does. The interior of the rolling cooler is brightly lit with an LED when the lid is lifted, and the temperature can be set from the teens to 50 degrees F. We’ve tested the cooler on road trips, using it for a long-term ice machine, and it keeps the contents frozen overnight without power. $499; worx.com

Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent

These things work as advertised. It feels like sitting under an invisible, bug-free dome of protection. On calm nights, set it in the midst of your team. On windy nights, place it upwind so that the protection of the allethrin repellent blows over you. It has proved to our team that it repels mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and black flies in notoriously buggy destinations such as Florida, Wisconsin, and Minnesota (no offense, folks). Its 5.5-hour (rechargeable) battery life provides a 20-foot area of protection. It’s packaged with a 12-hour repellent cartridge. A 36-hour or 120-hour replacement cost is $18 and $55, respectively. $40; thermacell.com

Thermacell MR450 Portable Mosquito Repellent

This personal version of the Thermacell bug repellents creates a safe zone of 15 feet. The allethrin repellent is disbursed by heat from a butane-cartridge-powered heating element and an allethrin-enriched wafer. The redesigned heating element expands the protection zone from the original 10 feet to now 15 feet. You can carry it on a belt pack, lay it on the camp table, keep it at the entrance of your tent, or have it on board your boat. It includes a cartridge and wafers to provide 12 hours of coverage. Refill kits for 12 to 300 hours run $8 to $100. $35; thermacell.com

Maven CS1A 14-45×65 Spotting Scope

We liked Maven’s CS1A spotting scope for its crisp, clear optics suitable to scout a wilderness path or observe wildlife, or at 45 power magnification in an unlighted wilderness setting, see the rings of Saturn and other heavenly bodies. The CS1A is capable of all that, plus it’s the ideal bench companion for the target range. The watertight nitrogen-filled case is rugged and armored in rubber, so it can take the knocks of boating and camping. The zoom ring adjustment at the eyepiece and focus ring on the barrel are dampened to adjust precisely and stay in that way. The 1/4-by-20 tripod-mounted ring rotates, so we could turn the eyepiece up or to the side—the latter being an ideal position for tabletop use. $800; mavenoptics.com

Wiley X Ovation Rose Gold Sunglasses

Wiley X offers a series of lenses called Captivate, with a variety of lens colors designed to optimize visibility based on where the glasses will be worn and what the conditions might be. Using Wiley’s online simulator, we chose rose gold in Ovation frames and blue mirror in Glory frames. The rose gold has a midrange 13 percent light transmission, and it does not shift colors of water or woods. The blue mirror Captivate lenses transmit 11 percent of the light and offer higher contrast on water and in woods. In real life, light transmission was exactly as simulated. They meet EN 166 standards for clarity, eliminating distortion and offering superior peripheral vision. They also meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards for safety and impact resistance. Wiley X lenses are battle-tested and ensure that your eyes are safe from sinkers and hooks snapping back on the fishing line. From $190; wileyx.com

Magma Cabo Gas Grill

This grill runs on a 1-pound camp-stove propane bottle and heats quickly to cook and grill thoroughly. It’s safe to use on board the boat, especially when accessorized with rail-mounted systems, or set it on the camp table or ground for making easy work of burgers, brats and dogs. Ours nested safely in a floor locker, and its polished stainless-steel construction protected it from saltwater corrosion. In our tests, a 1-pound fuel bottle lasts for five or six grilling sessions, so bring an extra fuel bottle, just in case. $229; West Marine

Skeleton Optics Outlaw Sunglasses

Zeiss optics are the backbone of Skeleton Optic’s superior sunglasses. Frames are stylish, with plenty of options and materials, including tortoise shell, black and clear. We liked the Outlaw frames for their full eye coverage, and the (did we mention this?) Zeiss optics delivered on its reputation for premium clarity. Add Skeleton’s Tri-Pel coatings, which include optimal mirror finish with predictably beneficial color shift for woods, water or streets, and hydrophobic oleo repellent coatings keep lenses clear and easy to clean. $219; skeletonoptics.com

Bajio Wet Wade Performance Backpack

Watertight zippers enclose a huge cargo compartment to keep gear dry, whether it be fishing tackle or beachgoing necessities. Padded shoulder straps are contoured like a mule-driver yoke for comfortable carriage. Two small, zippered watertight compartments hold phones or fire-starting tinder. Cargo loops and straps allow the camper or hiker to fasten small gear such as water bottles, utensils and hand sanitizer. $150; bajiosunglasses.com

Read Next: An Aluminum Boat Adventure in Alaska

SIONYX Aurora Night-Vision Camera

Our team has the first-gen Aurora, and we’re stunned to see how well it illuminated the night. We could transmit the image to a smart device via Wi-Fi to keep an eye on our course, spotting pilings, rocks and flotsam before they became a problem. Now the new Aurora provides even crisper, higher-resolution night vision; it’s so brilliant that law enforcement agencies use it. It can take video and snapshots, and save them to an SD card. Rechargeable lithium batteries are changeable, so long vigils at night are enabled. $399; sionyx.com and Amazon.com

Toadfish Stowaway Lantern

Light the camp with this super-bright light in its watertight, shockproof, floating aluminum case. There are four ways to set and direct the light. A magnetic bottom, a suction cup, and a kickstand hoop that doubles as a hanging hook offer plenty of options. Set the light to run full in white or, for saving night vision, red. Have it flash for a roadside emergency signal. It gets 15 hours of run time from a single charge using its USB-C charge port, and even that port is watertight. $55; toadfish.com

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Pulling the boat onto a calm beach to go ashore is a common routine while spending time on the water. If you plan to spend more than a few minutes relaxing on the beach, you’ll probably want to anchor the boat, and that’s where spike- or auger-style shore anchors can help. Drive them into terra firma above the high-water mark, and run a line to the boat to ensure that your pride and joy doesn’t drift away. You can use them to keep the boat on the beach or to anchor out away from shore, with your conventional anchor deployed seaward from the bow and the shore anchor line secured to the stern.

Right Size

Make sure the shore anchor is of sufficient size to securely anchor your boat. The Slide Anchor brand, for example, offers spike-style shore anchors in three sizes: a small model for boats to 21 feet in length, a large-model spike for boats up to 35 feet, and an extra-large anchor for ­houseboats and vessels over 35 feet.

Spike Vs. Auger

Whether you choose a spike- or auger-style shore anchor depends largely on the type of soil in which you plan to anchor. For harder shore and terrain that’s mixed with rocks, a spike is the usually the best choice because you can pierce and drive the sharp spike into the ground with a hammer. For loose soil and sand, an auger-style anchor such as the SandShark might be better because it holds more securely in soft terrain.

Integrated Drivers

An integrated driving mechanism eliminates the need to carry a separate hammer to drive in the spike anchor. Slide Anchor’s Shore Spike features a handle that serves as a slide hammer to drive the anchor into the ground and extract it when you leave. The SandShark has folding T handles that let you apply rotational force to screw in and screw out the auger. Tip: Drive the anchor in at about a 10- to 20-degree angle away from the direction of the pulling force to increase the ­anchor’s holding power.

Line Attachment

Not all shore anchors have dedicated line-attachment points, such an eye on the shaft. With those that don’t, use a clove hitch close to the ground to minimize the leverage exerted on the shore anchor. With anchors that have an eye, consider using a snap hook to attach the line from the boat. Slide Anchor’s Slide Hook lets you easily adjust the snap wherever you need it on the line from the boat.

Carrying Case

A shore anchor can be awkward to ­carry and stow aboard a boat. The sharp spike or auger can also chip the boat’s finish, damage upholstery fabric, or cause injury. To help prevent any of this, consider a carrying case for your shore anchor. For instance, the SandShark Premium SuperSport Anchor comes standard with a canvas bag. The telescoping anchor retracts, and the T handles fold down to stow conveniently inside the bag.

Corrosion Resistance

If you plan to use your shore ­anchor in a saltwater environment, think about opting for a model that features stainless-steel or ­other corrosion-resistant ­construction. Slide Anchor’s Shore Spike, for example, is ­available in galvanized steel, powder-­coated steel and stainless steel (starting at $65, $100 and $119, respectively). Each model offers increased levels of ­corrosion resistance.

Brightly Colored

Having a brightly colored shore anchor and line is about more than boat bling. It alerts shore-goers to help prevent them from stubbing their toes, scraping a shin, or tripping over the shore anchor or line. The bright color can also help you quickly spot your day camp when returning from a spin around the lake.

Read Next: How to Anchor Using Alternative Methods

Anchoring Out 

As mentioned earlier, shore anchors are helpful when you want to secure your boat away from the beach, using the shore anchor off the stern and the main anchor off the bow. Anchor bungee cords from Boat Lines & Dock Ties can also help. The line attached to the main anchor off the bow stretches twice its length, so you can drop anchor, reverse the boat to shore and turn off the motor, hop out with a line and shore anchor, and let the bungee pull the boat back away from the shore. Retrieval is just as easy. Lines come in 10-, 15- and 25-foot lengths. Nylon webbing covers come in seven colors.

The post Choosing the Right Shore Anchor appeared first on Boating Mag.

You might own a center-console, bowrider or pontoon boat. But that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a night, or even a weekend, aboard your boat from time to time. Simply anchoring out close to home port somewhere can prove to be a fun adventure. Check out these tips gleaned from my own experience sleeping aboard open boats.

Nature’s Call

Many open boats offer an enclosed head. Many do not. If your boat is the latter, one option is to purchase a portable marine toilet (more on this later). Another option is to anchor or beach near ­public parkland where facilities are a wade away. In a wilderness ­boating area, go ashore and ­answer nature’s call according to the best practices of hikers and backpackers.

Food

I often plan to catch some of what we’ll eat while camping aboard my 20-footer. Still, it’s good to bring enough meals, snacks and beverages for the duration. I suggest preparing in advance many items to make cooking and cleanup easier and to reduce trash. Pre-scramble eggs and bring them aboard in ­Tupperware, for instance, or trim and season meats at home before stowing in ­zippered ­plastic bags. Parboil chicken. Chili, soups or stews brought in a thermos make for low-fuss meals. Apply similar thinking to your menu.

Cooking

Propane boat grills (use only charcoal grills ashore) are available. These ­offer a variety of mounting options. I also bring along a one-burner propane camping stove that I set up on a cutting board that fits in a rod holder. (Other ­tables and mounts are available from makers such as Magma.) This is great for making coffee or frying fish, for ­example. The table or cutting board also gets used for food prep.

Bathing

Many small, open boats feature transom showers. For those that don’t, ­collapsible jugs of water from home should be brought aboard for ­washing. These can be left in the sun to warm up. Of course, ­purpose-made “sun showers” are available from marine and camping-supply retailers such as Camping World. (I use a dedicated garden sprayer.) As stated above, anchoring near a park may allow you access to land-based showers.

Sleeping

Your pontoon or dual-console might be equipped with a “camper ­canvas” and ­provide protection from the elements. If not, small, internal-frame tents will often fit in the bow or aft cockpit of an open boat. One of these can also provide the privacy for “enclosing” the portable toilet. Tent or enclosure or not, remember that uncovered items—including people—are likely to be dew-soaked by morning. So, rig a tarp of some sort, even in fair weather.

Trash

Apply “leave no trace” principles to your open-boat cruising. Bring home what you brought out. On one hand, try to minimize trash by buying bulk packaging of snacks, bringing food in reusable containers, and planning one-plate meals. But strike a balance. For instance, wiping off plates and pans with paper towels before washing creates more trash, but it allows carrying out most of the grease generated rather than having it end up in the bay or lake.

Read Next: Boat Camping Adventure

Shade

You will want some shade from the sun. Many boats have canvas such as a Bimini top. Additional shade can be had by sticking a beach umbrella or golf umbrella in a rod holder (lash it down with cords as well). Editor Kevin Falvey sewed up a ­simple shade out of Sunbrella fabric, which covers the bow of his boat, affixed to the rails with bungee cords. In any case, don’t discount the value of shade for when you are staying aboard.

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