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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Wakeboard bindings were once little more than a metal plate, minimal thickness of foam, and a rubbery strap to rein in your heel. Today there are a wide variety of supportive, boot-style binding choices on the market. Here are three aimed at beginner to expert riders.

Entry-Level: Hyperlite Remix

The Wrap: Designed to accommodate a variety of foot sizes yet still offer some degree of support, open-toe bindings such as the Remix are ideal when sharing a board among family and friends. Look for a molded EVA footbed, floating tongue, and dual lace zones that can open wide and then cinch down to separately secure your foot and ankle.

The Trap: Wide range of adjustability comes at the expense of individualized support and comfort. All but casual riders will likely be looking to upgrade to a more advanced binding.

Price: $249; scheels.com

Midrange: Hyperlite Team X

The Wrap: A traditional plate-style binding that retains great range of motion, closed-toe ­bindings such as the Team X offer midrange support while still remaining somewhat sharable for riders of roughly similar foot length and ability. An internal ankle harness locks down the heel. Heat-moldable liners dial in the comfort and provide a more ­customized fit.

The Trap: Minimal size ranges means no more widespread sharing on the boat. Pricing substantially higher than entry-level offerings.

Price: $425; hyperlite.com or $399; Scheels.com

Read Next: How to Safely Learn to Wakeboard

High-End: System Lowback Binding/Freepress System Boots

The Wrap: A boot/binding setup similar to snowboarding, System components offer exceptional feel and control. Bindings minimize toe and heel lift and are adjustable on the fly. Heat-moldable boots provide greater comfort and allow riders to stand directly atop the board without plastic or other hard material underfoot.

The Trap: It’s a significant high-end investment that’s not really shareable. Freepress boots offer less flexibility.

Price: System Binding $235; Freepress Boots $400; hyperlite.com

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Visual distress signals (VDS) are mandatory on most boats but hopefully never needed. VDS come in various flavors. You should not only check at the start of every season to make sure your flares are up to date, but also know which type of US Coast Guard-approved flare works best for you. If you’re an offshore boater, you’ll want to consider SOLAS-rated flares. But for most coastal and inland boaters, these three different types should work.

Flare Gun: Orion 12-Gauge High-Performance Alerter Basic Flare Kit

The Flash: Great for coastal and inland boating, a flare gun is easy to use and can shoot a signal flare up to 500 feet in the air. It burns at 16,000 candelas for seven seconds and should provide a good emergency signal to other boaters and potential rescuers nearby. Because they shoot high in the air, they can be seen from farther away than a typical handheld flare.

The Bang: Shorter burn than other options, and the gun can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Price: $99.99; westmarine.com

Handheld Flare: Orion Red Handheld Locate Flares

The Flash: Handhelds are an inexpensive way to meet Coast Guard requirements. They are not visible at as great a distance as gun-fired or other aerial flares, they but last longer, up to three minutes. They are waterproof and float, and also self-ignite, so they are simple to use. They should be visible to potential rescuers within a 3-mile radius.

The Bang: These expire and must be replaced every 42 months, and they can burn you and your boat if not handled properly.

Price: $38.99; westmarine.com

Read Next: E-flare Options for Boaters

Electronic Rescue Signal: Sirius Signal C-1002 Distress Light with Flag and Whistle

The Flash: It can operate for two to six hours, providing a much longer visual for potential rescuers. It runs on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and produces an alternating red-and-orange-colored distress signal visible for up to 10 nautical miles. 

The Bang: It’s the most expensive option but reusable. It is not approved for daytime use, so you need to carry an SOS flag (included). 

Price: $299.95; siriussignal.com

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For much of the country, if you’re still out on the water, it’s time to seriously layer up. Keeping your hands warm while still retaining the ability to grip and freely move them is an important part of the layering process. Here are three types of gloves to consider when heading out on chilly days.

Simms Windstopper ­Foldover Fishing Mitt

The Snug: Made of Gore-Tex Windstopper fleece, these mitts from Simms combine the best of fingerless gloves and heat-trapping mittens. When it’s time to handle knots and dock lines, flip the mitten top off and you’ll be able to use your fingertips for added dexterity, then flip it back over to keep warm again. These are preferred by anglers who need to use their fingertips to work electronics, handle hooks and tie knots.

The Rub: These are not fully waterproof and don’t offer as much fingertip protection as a full glove or mitten.

Price: $79.95; amazon.com

Gill Neoprene Winter Gloves

The Snug: These 3mm neoprene gloves are ideal for cold, wet days when having your fingers exposed will cause them to stiffen and cramp up, losing dexterity. They’re double-lined, and the wrist seal keeps water from trickling down your arm and into the glove. The sharkskin grip helps you hold on to the wheel and grab handles while keeping your hands warm and dry.

The Rub: You lose some dexterity with these thicker, full gloves, and might not be able to do ­more-complex tasks without taking them off.

Price: $69.95; amazon.com

Read Next: Cold-Weather Seamanship

Helly Hansen Unisex Short Sailing Gloves

The Snug: Fingerless gloves—such as this leather pair with a polyester body from Helly Hansen—are great for wearing on those ­moderate days where your hands need a little extra protection but you want to maintain most of your finger dexterity on the water. With their snug fit, these gloves work well on the water for handling lines and doing other tasks with your hands.

The Rub: These allow some water intrusion, and offer the least protection from the elements; they aren’t ideal for those really raw days.

Price: $33; hellyhansen.com

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Testing spotlights and flashlights is tricky, especially now that all the best offerings are LED.

Each LED emits an amount of light measured in lumens. You’d think 3,000 lumens would be brighter than 1,000 lumens and would illuminate more at a greater distance. Our tests proved that hypothesis wrong. Lumens matter, but the geometry of the light bezel and dome matter equally. We found that a lower-lumen light could illuminate a target farther away than a higher-lumen light—it was all in the geometry of the bezel and reflector.

Metering Light

First, we illuminated the CM/3 light sensor on our meter. Every light, whether 1,000 or 3,000 lumens, overpowered the meter.

Next, we measured the light emitted onto the sensor from 30 feet away. That data was also inconclusive.

Third, we took the lights out on Charlotte Harbor in Florida and illuminated the inlet markers at Punta Gorda’s Ponce de Leon Park inlet. All the lights produced a bright reflection from the farthest marker more than one-quarter mile away.

Fourth, we secured the boat 1.2 miles away from an Intracoastal Waterway marker and hit it with all the lights, one at a time. All of them produced a reflection of that marker, an attribute we thought made each a useful navigation tool. But—and this is an interesting but—some of our lights illuminated the marker post, and did so clearly. And it wasn’t always those with the most registered lumens.

All the listed spotlights are rechargeable, and all include charging equipment. All but one of the selected lights floated. Though all are advertised as waterproof, we found one that was not.

Streamlight Waypoint 400

The Waypoint is rugged and feels that way the second you touch it. It’s got an IPX8 rating for shock and is waterproof and floats. High-, medium- and low-light settings conserve batteries when maximum illumination isn’t needed. It is the second-largest light on our roster, which is not surprising considering the shock-resisting capability. $140.67; amazon.com

Best: This light had an efficient selector lever to choose high, medium or low illumination without toggling through those settings with the trigger. All the others required the user to toggle through high, medium and low to shut off the light. Also, a stainless-steel ring at the back allows it to hang with a downward-facing beam. A ring at the top allows it to hang as a trouble light, and an adjustable foldout bracket makes it a useful hands-free light for service work.

Worst: It took pliers to close the charge port to waterproof the light—party foul.

Beam Me Up: Lumens don’t tell the whole story. This one lit the marker post from 1.2 miles away in spite of its middling lumens rating. However, it is a pencil beam and required a spot-on aim to illuminate a dock or marker.

Best Case: We liked it for running the inlet with a straight row of markers and for finding distant markers by scanning the horizon from side to side. Frog giggers (you know who you are) will like this light.

Specifications

• Maximum Lumens: 1,400
• Battery Time (Hours): 3.25 on high, 7.5 on medium, 84 on low
• Weight: 1.5 lb.
• Dimensions: 6 3/4-by-7 1/3-by-3 2/3-in. diameter
• Accessories: 120V charge cord, 12V charge cord, wrist lanyard, wall mount

Goodsmann Sirius

This light is rugged, watertight and floats. We selected this model for its high-lumen rating. Because it looks suspiciously like West Marine’s 3,000-lumen rechargeable light, and the specs align, we felt we could knock off two reviews in one product. It has high, medium and low settings, along with an SOS function. It is made of rugged plastic, with rubber armor on the aluminum bezel and handles to protect the device. There are three LED chips to make the total 3,000 lumens. Each is in its own reflective bezel, which creates a wide, bright beam. $79.99; amazon.com

Best: A watertight cap (secured with a small lanyard) twists off on the back, revealing the charge port. Its battery life is impressive.

Worst: Having to toggle through high beam, medium, low and SOS to turn it off is annoying.

Beam Me Up: Its design advantage is an extremely bright and impressively wide beam that illuminates an arc of roughly 150 degrees, but it doesn’t have the long reach of the Streamlight. While it didn’t illuminate the post at 1.2 miles, it did illuminate the reflective channel marker on it.

Best Case: We liked it for navigating tricky waters with rocks and bars because the wide beam can pick up obstacles outside the periphery of other lights. It’s capable as an underwater dive light. Bully netters will like its wide beam.

Specifications

• Maximum Lumens: 1,400
• Battery Time (Hours): 6.5 to 7.5 on high, 20 on medium, 38 on low
• Weight: 1.08 lb.
• Dimensions: 6 7/8-by-4-by-7 7/8 in.
• Accessories: 120V charge cord, 12V charge cord, wrist lanyard, foldout trouble light stand

Goodsmann Artemis

This light is built tough, with an armored lens bezel and an aluminum bezel mount for durability, longevity and heat dissipation. It’s waterproof and floats. Removing the screw-on base cap at the back of the light requires a strong grip, but it gives access to the recharging port and a USB output port for device charging. We liked its compact, stout feel in the hand. The built-in stand on top folds out for road-hazard work or to prop it up at a campsite. A lanyard is available. It lit our target at 1.2 miles, but not as distinctly as the Streamlight Waypoint. $60; amazon.com

Best: It has a trigger lock, so it won’t turn on accidentally, avoiding wasted batteries at best or fire from heat buildup at worst. None of our other test lights could boast such a feature. We liked the phone charger.

Worst: That annoying trigger toggle-through setting to get through high, medium and low to turn it off slows down operation.

Beam Me Up: A great light, plus a USB phone-charging port.

Best Case: This light is compact and powerful, ideal for spotting targets at long range, and it has a broad enough beam at close range to offer some peripheral illumination. We liked its heft.

Specifications

• Maximum Lumens: 2,000
• Battery Time (Hours): 6.5 to 7.5 on high, 20 on medium, 38 on low
• Weight: 1.97 lb.
• Dimensions: 5 3/4-by-3-in. diameter
• Accessories: 120V micro USB charge cable/adapter, wrist lanyard, whistle

Streamlight Stinger 2020

This high-lumen light is designed with a durable, compact, portable aluminum body. Though it is among the highest-lumen lights we tested, its reflector is designed for a broad flood of white light rather than an extremely long beam. It barely reflected from our 1.2-mile target, but its lighting is impressive inside of 100 to 200 yards, and on high it provided ample light to illuminate a half-mile series of navigation reflectors. It fits comfortably in the hand. It has high, medium and low settings. $159; amazon.com; Cabelas.com

Best: Its rechargeable batteries are removable and replaceable, extending its useful life. We loved the rock-solid wall-mountable charger holder.

Worst: It’s water-resistant, not waterproof. However, the battery door and switches appear waterproof. A longer battery life on high would be appreciated, but the low level still lit the waterway for safer navigation. This light does
not float.

Beam Me Up: Mount this light by the helm and use it to spotlight into the boat slip or pick your way through weeds, timber or other obstacles.

Best Case: It is built solid and substantial, like it was milled from bar stock.

Specifications

• Maximum Lumens: 2,000
• Battery Time (Hours): 2 on high, 4 on medium, 24 on low
• Weight: 12.3 oz.
• Dimensions: 7 2/3-by-1 2/3 in.
• Accessories: 120V charger, 12V charger, wall-mount charge bracket

Read Next: 5 Lessons in Night Navigation

Yierblue YB 953 Rechargeable Spotlight

Its Amazon-advertised 160,000 lumens is disputed by package specifications listing 800 lumens. However, it did illuminate our distant target almost as well as the Streamlight. A near-blinding floodlight beam on the side is handy for camping and emergencies, and an included tripod makes it easy to use. There are separate triggers for the spotlight and floodlight. A green LED charge indicator on the back below the silicone door to the charge input port is a cool 5-volt charge output port for phones. $36; amazon.com

Best: It’s bright, lightweight and can float. Its pencil beam lets users focus on distant objects. The phone charge port is great, making it a good buy at the price. A trouble light on the side is useful for service work.

Worst: Its ABS plastic bezel rim is unarmored and could be fragile. Touted to be waterproof to 1 meter, but ours took on water immediately. Toggling through high, medium and low to shut it off is annoying. The same goes for the trouble light on the side.

Beam Me Up: The USB output port and the 1/4-by-20-inch threaded tripod adapter and tripod add versatility.

Best Case: Yierblue offers a no-questions lifetime guarantee to compensate for an acknowledged reliability issue.

Specifications

• Maximum Lumens: 800
• Battery Time (Hours): 10 on high, 20 on low
• Weight: 1.7 lb.
• Dimensions: 7-by-8-by-4 in.
• Accessories: 120V charger, 12V charger, tripod, wrist lanyard

Light Beams

When looking for a spotlight for your boat, review your priorities. On smaller, familiar waters, you likely won’t need a blinding pencil beam and would benefit from a wider beam to find gear in the boat or dropped overboard. If your light will double as a camping or hunting light, a pencil beam can be helpful and so is a trouble light. We found the built-in light stands extremely useful, and not having one would be a deal breaker for all but standard flashlight designs.

Streamlight and Goodsmann brought the best lights to our test. Streamlight has been a workman’s and sportsman’s brand for decades, and has proven reliable for all those years. Goodsmann manufactures all types of lighting for decor, landscaping and security, as well as a number of spotlights. 

The post Top Spotlights for Boaters appeared first on Boating Mag.

Grundéns has been making clothing for professional boaters and anglers for more than 100 years. In recent years, the company has applied its “sea creds” to rugged, handsome sportswear including shirts, pants and footwear. The full range of products spans from waterfront eateries to yacht parties to working boats to fish-fighting cockpits. Here’s how our fave three we worked out in our tests.

Grundéns Seaknit Boat Shoe

Cool comfort, stability and quick-drying attributes make this a great deck shoe. The Seaknit might be our favorite thanks to its stretchy nylon upper and shock- absorbing sole that flares from the foot to the floor, adding as much as an inch more surface contact of the razor-siped, shallow-lugged soles. Like the Chukka model, this shoe won’t pick up rocks and mar the deck. It slipped on without unlacing and stayed snug for stability and traction.

Pros: These shoes aren’t water-resistant, but they do shed some amount of water thanks to the tongueless design. With short socks, they provide a desert-dry experience; without socks, they manage to breathe nearly as well for all-day comfort.

Cons: We found the sides of the gray soles would mark the inwales of our boat, so we switched to models with white soles.

Best On: Ideal for the beach and wade-fishing, and summer days when foot protection, traction, cool comfort and fast-drying attributes are essential.

Price: $119.99; grundens.com

Grundéns Deviation 6-inch Ankle Boot

Waterproof foot protection and traction make these boots work from deck to farm to beach to deck again. These half-boots slip on easily and fit snugly for optimal traction and stability. Nylon-lined with a contoured foot bed, the boots are comfortable with heavy socks or no socks. Tread blocks are aggressive enough to be useful on wet grass but also kind to decks without carrying pebbles aboard. After a year’s frequent wear, the anti-odor liner still harbors no offensive aromas, and the boots are surprisingly cool, even in summer.

Pros: Provided a dry ride with enough breathability to avoid moisture buildup. The foot bed is contoured, and the upper provides good protection. It didn’t track in rocks and left no marks.

Cons: They are heavier than the Seaknit model and slower to dry if they flood.

Best On: They can’t be beat on a working deck, double for winter wear, and are great on cold or rainy days when worn with rain gear.

Price: $134.99 to $139.99; grundens.com

Read Next: How to Pick the Right Boat Shoes

Grundéns Freeboard Wool Chukka

These shoes offer ankle support, traction, warmth and deck-safe treads. The Marino wool in the uppers is warm, naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant. The soles were nonmarking in our tests, and comfort was top-shelf. They slipped on easily when unlaced. They also breathed well, eliminating moisture buildup, and offered the lateral support that can only be appreciated on a moving, rolling and rocking deck. They are available in light- or dark-gray colors called Metal and Anchor.

Pros: Wool insulates even when wet. The razor sipes on the sole grip smooth surfaces, squeegeeing water aside for a firm grip. Larger tread blocks separated by shallow channels funnel away water without picking up rocks. The soles did not mark or scuff our deck.

Cons: The shoes will keep your feet warm, but when your feet are wet, they are still wet. We found the shoes did dry quickly in the sun.

Best On: Cold but dry decks when circumstances call for sporty fashion.

Price: $134.99; grundens.com

The post Three Grundéns Shoes Made for Boating appeared first on Boating Mag.

GoPro is the Xerox of POV cameras. It’s ubiquitous, with a name that has become ­generic for POVs and a price tag that has risen as if it’s the only game in town. But it is not. There are many POV brands, such as Sony, DJI and Nikon, to name a few. In our travels, we came across Tactacam, a brand shouldering its way into the action-­cam market through bass fishing tournament anglers and hunting enthusiasts. After looking at Tactacam’s lineup and its economical pricing, we felt it would be a great fit for watersports enthusiasts. Take a look for yourself. 

Watersports: Tactacam Solo Xtreme

• Pros: Loop recording allows the user to select a loop length and snip that loop out at the touch of a button.
• Cons: The standard 120-degree lens may be too narrow for some applications, requiring the accessory lens.
• Price: $199.99; tactacam.com

The Solo Xtreme has an optional ultrawide lens that screws onto the front of the camera. That’s ideal for most POV users, who do close work. We found that the Solo linked to the Tactacam Connect app quickly and with little effort. Once connected, we could choose the shoot modes, from slow motion to 30 or 60 frames per second. The app allowed us to adjust cam settings such as exposure and white balance, format the card, and transfer clips.  

With the standard lens, it will capture wakeboard action up close and personal. Its field of view won’t reach the outside of a cut, but it will capture wake tricks. For ultrawide action, buy the Xtreme wide-lens accessory ($24.99).

Hunting: Tactacam 6.0

• Pros: Undoubtedly the easiest touchscreen monitor to view and control image capture and camera settings.
• Cons: While its 1X field of view is ideal for intimate action capture, it can be too narrow for some applications.
• Price: $299.99; tactacam.com

This is Tactacam’s first POV with a touchscreen interface. It’s positioned on top of the camera, easy to view. Swipe motions reveal settings like Wi-Fi, exposure and zoom—from 1X to 8X. You can start and stop video with the push of a button, check the view on the screen, and run it via a Tactacam remote or the Tactacam Connect app, which lets you view live video, check video, and download to a device.

Designed for hunters when fitted with barrel mounts, the Tactacam 6.0 shot at the standard 1X offers a field of view ideal for capturing wake tricks up close and personal for a more intimate view of the rider and their form. Use any POV mount to fasten it to the wakeboard arch or tow pylon.

Read Next: Using Action Cameras While Boating

Fishing: Tactacam Fish-i

• Pros: Waterproof, HD 1080, and easy to touch to record and stop. The included mounting ring offers a multitude of mounting options.
• Cons: It’s not your Huckle-berry for 4K video, but its lens clarity is excellent.
• Price: $99.99; tactacam.com

The Fish-i is impressive. Its low-light imagery is excellent, and with Wi-Fi connectivity and the Fish-i smartphone app, it can be run with your mobile device, including image settings and to start and stop recording. It’s also remote-capable with Tactacam’s optional Wi-Fi remote control. It comes with a wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view and two optional interchangeable lenses of nearly 180 degrees or a 2X zoom. We like the Fish-i for its underwater capability. It can mount low or be submerged. The included lens is ideal for capturing the whole ride, but the 2X zoom would be cool for catching big tricks. The Fish-i Combo Lens Pack ($19.99) includes an ultrawide angle and a zoom lens.

The post Tactacam POV Cameras for Boating and Watersports appeared first on Boating Mag.

This is Not a Test

We’ve run all these machines at various times and places, and learned much about their interfaces and features. But the biggest chess game in selecting a sonar brand is knowing what’s behind the screen. This BoatingLAB will do that: Give you a clear look at the innards of the purchase. We analyzed only 7-inch devices, but each of the manufacturers of these MFDs offers multiple screen sizes for an added cost. However, these 7-inchers are bound to give you outstanding navigational capabilities in a device compact enough for most dashboards. Got more space and scratch? Step up to a 9-, 10-, 12-, 15-inch or higher—larger screens sometimes sport additional features.

One more note: All devices use NMEA 2000 (N2K) protocol, some use Ethernet, and most use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow interfacing with a number of devices, like trolling motors and shallow-water anchors, and with smartphone apps—which can make you an armchair skipper until you transfer the info to the device on board.

Furuno GP-1871F

Furuno sonars and chart plotting displays have long been the choice of professional mariners thanks to the efficiency of their sonars, accuracy of their displays, and durability of their components. Now Furuno is extending a hand to the recreational boater with the new GP 1871F display with built-in CHIRP sonar. The touch screen has an extremely logical, easy-to-learn interface that brings up key menus with a swipe, and the chart or sonar can be zoomed with a finger pinch or spread. Tether a smartphone or tablet via the Apple or Android app and add a useful display with handy remote controls.

Simrad NSX 

Simrad developed this new MFD series and operating system to give users an experience as familiar as a smartphone. Icons (or tiles) for sonar, autopilot, radar, charting and more are arranged in rows. While a chart is displayed, there is a row of active and frequently used tiles alongside, making it easy to switch functions. Screens are bright and high-resolution, and can be divided into four panes, such as to display charting, sonar, radar and StructureScan sonar all at once. Though designed to be multitouch-operated. It has a broad array of built-in sonars and comes with chirp, StructureScan and a DownScan transducer with a temperature gauge. Simrad expects this new operating system to phase out existing ones over time.

Lowrance Elite FS

It’s hard to say how many dashboards carry the Elite FS, but it’s easy to see why so many do. Lowrance is always targeting the fisherman, but its chart-plotting capabilities are exemplary, and the unit itself is attractive when mounted in a dash or on a bracket. Lowrance was one of the first to begin bundling multiple sophisticated sonars into one multifunction display and bundle them with a 3-in-1 transducer for out-of-the-box StructureScan, DownScan and Active Imaging, which displays a 3D image of the bottom and what’s in the water between you and it. The system is expandable with N2K and Ethernet, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity bring in controls for select trolling motors and shallow-water anchors, and using smartphones.

Garmin GPSMap 743XSV

Garmin has always been known for durability and its easy-to-learn and use interface. A pioneer of forward-scanning live sonar with its Panoptix brand, professional fishermen use Garmin sonar to spot fish in cover, cast to them and watch their reaction to the bait, allowing them to change presentations to trigger a strike. You’ll need to select a transducer for the types of sonar you need and a black box for Panoptix, should angling be your most passionate boating endeavor. Garmin’s onboard charts are highly detailed, and upgraded chart brands and plans offer even more clarity and auto-routing.

Raymarine Element HV

The Element HV offers multichannel sonar for chirp, DownVision, SideVision and more. The screen is 20 percent brighter than most competitors, and chart and sonar clarity are noteworthy. The 3D sonar paints the bottom beneath your boat, mapping locations of fish and structure. It also aligns GPS waypoints with each sonar ping, so finding your way back is as easy as touching the structure or fish and tapping the go-to command on the chart plotter. Raymarine’s devices are tough, surviving heavy-duty shock, submersion and fire-hose-like spray tests to prove their durability. Costing less than $500, Raymarine’s Element S offers an even greater value to the vessel operator who only needs chart plotting and standard sonar.

Read Next: View Important Engine Data With an MFD Interface

Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp Mega SI GPS G4N

Humminbird has the reputation for offering the clearest, most detailed sonars available to boaters and fishermen. Originator of side scanning, Humminbird has continued to refine and improve its resolution, sonar detail and clarity in imaging. The company was an early adopter of sonar recording, offering the ability for boaters to create their own bathymetric charts, either to enhance supported charts or create bathymetry where none exists. Humminbird offers the added benefit of controlling Minn Kota Talon and Raptor anchors, and Minn Kota iPilot motors.

The post Five MFDs Compared appeared first on Boating Mag.

How We Tested

We evaluated each garment for rainy-day readiness and general wearability. Would it pack and stow? Is it comfortable to wear? Lined jackets are more comfortable than unlined, but they are bulkier. They can also be warmer than unlined jackets, a consideration for warm-weather wear. What about ease of use? We tested all the zippers to see if they were easy to seal and operate and watertight. All the brands we tested touted water-resistant zippers. We wanted to know how resistant they were.

Watertight?

We placed red tissue paper behind each zipper, sealed it, then hung the jacket on a hanger in front of a horizontal shower for five minutes. After five minutes, we let the garment drip-dry for an hour to be certain we didn’t allow water in while inspecting the tissue paper. What we found surprised us. Our results were marked dry, wet or damp. None of the main zippers leaked a bit. Most of the pocket zippers allowed moisture in during the five-minute downpour.

Gill Aspect

$250; amazon.com

The Xplore two-layer fabric is watertight, and the lining with underarm mesh moves moisture away from the body. It lacks the insulation of the Navigator, so it is ideal for spring to fall rains. A YKK AquaGuard zipper and double storm flap keep out water. Right and left hand-warmer pockets are zippered with storm flaps and large enough to hold most SLR cameras. Exterior breast pockets are zippered and mohair-lined for hand-warming comfort. Elastic shock cords on the hood and hem adjust the trim fit. Elastic hem cords are adjustable under both hand-warmer pockets. Buy now

• Pockets: Dry
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin, and the jacket lining extends to
  the chin, adding comfort.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Zipper pulls are made of cord, with shrink tubing over the knots for added friction.
• We Noticed: The double storm flap helps protect the zipper from water intrusion—and this zipper is right-handed.
• We Liked: The jacket has a synthetic lining that is comfortable and fights the clammy feel of linerless jackets. Dual exterior breast pockets and one interior breast pocket are large enough for the largest smartphones.
• Size Appropriate: Our XL fit comfortably with good freedom of motion over a T-shirt.
• Colors: Shadow, Twilight Blue and Glacier White
• Men’s Sizes: M to 3XL
• Women’s Sizes: XS to 4XL

Gill Navigator

$235; amazon.com

The Navigator is made of a two-layer fabric shell and liner Gill calls Xplore two-layer. A thermal insulation layer is thin but effective in the cold, yet we found it comfortable to wear in warmer weather for rain protection. Zippers are sealed for optimal water repellency, and the rollaway hood is adjustable for height and width. Velcro cuffs resist water intrusion, and the silicone rubber pull tab is easy to manage even with gloves. The waist is snug but not restrictive and can be further tightened with internal elastic waist cords. An iPhone 13 Pro fits in the left-side interior breast pocket. Buy now

• Pockets: Damp
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin and collar is mohair-lined.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Yes, silicone tabs on the cuffs and zippers are easy to grasp with gloved or wet hands.
• We Noticed: Gill is European-made; consequently, many models have a left-hand zipper style most common there.
• We Liked: Nonbulky fabric and the seam-sealed waterproof membrane gave good moisture protection, and the thermal insulation adapted to warmer or cooler weather.
• Size Appropriate: Our XXL fit comparably to most other brands’ XL.
• Colors: Graphite and blue
• Men’s Sizes: S to XXL
• Women’s Sizes: 4 to 12

Columbia Skiff

$44.98 to $100; amazon.com

This is a lightweight jacket you can stuff in your bag and have in case of unexpected rain. The breathable membrane is comfortable against the skin, but even more so with a thin layer beneath. It is useful as a windbreaker against an unexpected chill. Zippers are easy to work, and hand-warmer pockets remained dry in our tests. The hood is adjustable for height and has an elastic drawstring to cinch it around the face.

• Pockets: Dry
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin, but the lack of lining might cause chafing after long use.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Zippers are easy and smooth. Larger pulls could be easier to grasp.
• We Noticed: It’s lighter, linerless design means no inner pockets or breast pocket, but its hand-warmer pockets stayed dry in our tests.
• We Liked: The simple, dry, packable design and quality construction with sealed seams make it a bargain.
• Size Appropriate: Roomy enough but not oversize.
• Colors: Black and Metal
• Men’s Sizes: Small to XXL
• Women’s Sizes: NA

Helly Hansen HP Racing Jacket

$135; amazon.com

We were surprised at the comfortable price on this upscale brand of outdoor wear. Its design was ideal for powerboating in inclement weather, and the lining makes it comfortable in warm or cool weather as a windbreaker. It also eliminates the clammy feel of the waterproof membrane against the skin, adding comfort and versatility. The collar is mohair-lined for a chafe-free fit. Helly makes a number of ski garments, and we couldn’t see why this one wouldn’t make a useful shell on warmer days on the slopes.

• Pockets: Damp
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin and collar is mohair-lined.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: All zippers have standard pulls that hide behind the storm flaps for a snag-free design.
• We Noticed: The waterproof outer shell is comfortably lined with nylon and soft mesh.
• We Liked: The hood-free design is ideal for wearing a rain hat. The Dubliner is similar ($130) and has a hood, if preferred.
• Size Appropriate: Sizing is roomy, but a size up might better accommodate layering.
• Color: Ebony
• Men’s Sizes: S to XXL
• Women’s Sizes: NA

Magellan’s Fishgear Lightweight Rain Jacket

$49.99; magellans.com

This is a sharp-looking jacket with a two-tone black and heather design. It’s made with a TPU membrane, a polyester fabric bonded to a polyurethane membrane in a way that allows moisture vapor to escape from within but resists moisture intrusion. Large hand-warmer pockets and a large left-hand breast pocket keep gear handy, and zippers are water-resistant. The main zipper is also water-resistant, protected by a Velcro-secured outer storm flap and assisted by an inner storm flap. Elastic drawstrings adjust the hem and hood. The hood fit is also adjusted with a Velcro strap that raises the rim over the brow.

• Pockets: Dry
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin. The nylon lining is thin but does mitigate chafing.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Zippers work smoothly, but larger pulls would be handy.
• We Noticed: The interior breast pocket will not hold the largest phones, but the exterior pocket will.
• We Liked: Elastic neoprene cuffs comfortably cinch the liner around the wrist, and Velcro wrist straps snug up the shell.
• Size Appropriate: On target
• Color: Heather gray
• Men’s Sizes: S to XXXL
• Women’s Sizes: NA

Huk Grand Banks

$150; amazon.com

Velcro secures a double storm flap over the waterproof YKK zipper. Cuffs are secured with elastic and Velcro, reducing water access without restricting movement. A left breast pocket closes with a waterproof YKK zipper. Left and right hand-warmer pockets are protected from water with YKK waterproof zippers and storm flaps. All pockets are generous in size and can hold large smartphones. Zipping the jacket to the chin requires wearing the hood. The cinch adjustments are within the hood lining.

• Pockets: Damp
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: It actually zips over the mouth, and the hood- adjustment cinches are hidden in the lining.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Larger zipper pulls would be easier to find and operate, but anglers likely prefer the minimalistic snag-free design.
• We Noticed: The hem adjusts with elastic cords, and the adjustment cinches are in the main hand-warmer pockets, where they won’t snag. 
• We Liked: The jacket has a handsome cut, and we liked the shadowed gray camo with the black cape and shoulders. It is an outstanding bargain for spring and summer rain.
• Size Appropriate: Roomy at size, allowing a layer underneath for warmth if needed.
• Color: Gray camo
• Men’s Sizes: S to XXL
• Women’s Sizes: NA

Sitka Gear Dew Point Rain Jacket

$339; amazon.com

Sitka has made its name among hunters and anglers, but the Dew Point rain jacket in solid colors is appealing to boaters. The jacket is packable and provided excellent comfort and rain protection. This three-layer Gore-Tex fabric makes a super-light jacket that wears as if it has a liner. The outer shell is durable, the membrane is breathable and watertight, and the inner layer is a woven nylon that helps ventilate the jacket. Color selections will please boaters, anglers and hunters.

• Pockets: Dry
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin with or without the hood up.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Corded pulls are easier to find and grasp than straight tabs without offering snag points.
• We Noticed: The minimalist design is perfect as a just-in-case garment, but its waterproof utility makes it a go-to for milder weather.
• We Liked: The long hand-warmer pockets are zippered and water-
  resistant, and the opening is large and accessible under inflatable life jackets.
• Size Appropriate: Sizing is accurate based on chest measurements.
• Colors: Deep Water, black, olive, gray and two camo patterns
• Men’s Sizes: M to XXXL
• Women’s Sizes: NA

Grundén’s Charter

$199 to $320; amazon.com

Gore-Tex is the most respected brand in waterproof fabric, but the manufacturers that use it can only claim the brand if they create the garment according to strict guidelines intended to create a long-wearing, water-resistant garment. The Paclite fabric is two-layer and nylon-bonded to a Gore-Tex membrane, with a sealed seam and pleated elbows for flexibility. Waterproof pockets, Velcro-fastened storm flaps over a watertight zipper, and Velcro cuffs keep out water. It zips to the chin and has a mohair collar, plus an elastic adjustable hood and waistband. 

• Pockets: Damp
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin and collar is mohair-lined.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Larger zipper pulls would be helpful. 
• We Noticed: Waistband elastic is adjusted on the right rather than left and right. 
• We Liked: This jacket is easily packable and ideal for a just-in-case garment when rain is possible but not expected. Its rain protection is top-notch.
• Size Appropriate: Roomy at size, allowing a layer underneath for warmth if needed.
• Colors: Blue, Surf, black and gray refractive camo
• Men’s Sizes: S to XXXL
• Women’s Sizes: XS to XL

Read Next: What to Look for in Foul Weather Gear

AFTCO Barricade Jacket

$249; basspro.com

I liked this the second I opened the zipper—it zips to the chin with a comfortable liner and zips from the bottom to better accommodate seated boaters. The outer cuffs and liner cuffs have Velcro fasteners to snug them and prevent water from entering. Like the Sitka in design, the three-layer fabric has a tough shell, water-resistant membrane and bonded liner for comfort. The double storm flaps go behind the zipper and in front, adding protection to the watertight YKK zipper. The hood has corded elastic for rim and length adjustments. The waistband cords feature two cinches to ease use. Buy now

• Pockets: Damp
• Main Zipper: Dry
• Main Zipper Function: Zips to the chin, with a soft protective liner for comfort.
• Zippers, Tabs Easy to Work: Corded pulls were easy to find. The zippers were smooth, but the main zipper required a few cycles to “break in.”
• We Noticed: A right-hand D-ring makes a handy safety lanyard connection.
• We Liked: The Green Acid Camo is a cool urban-chic look. The jacket is tightly stitched and nicely fitted.
• Size Appropriate: Sizing is generous. For a trim fit, consider one size smaller.
• Color: Green Acid Camo
• Men’s Sizes: S to XXL
• Women’s Sizes: No

Proofing Gear

We aren’t scientists or engineers, but consider ourselves layman experts based on our experience in the field and our study and observation of real scientific tests. We did this test three years ago on many of the same brands, and water resistance has improved dramatically since then. Even those rain shells with damp pocket tissues in our test are worthy of consideration, and your field experience may differ from our conscientious layman tests. I’d take any one of these jackets on a rainy boating day.

History of Dry

A product of the space race of the ’60s, waterproof membranes had to be fine-tuned for the consumer after decades of testing and field use. It takes a waterproof membrane bonded to a durable, water-resistant shell to keep water out while allowing for steamy human sweat to escape. But the original fabric came in bolts that were cut and sewed, and the unsealed seams of the driest membrane leaked. Now manufacturers seal the seams, and they fashion the elbows, knees and stress points to flex with the wearer and bond to an outer shell treated with water-resistant material. Rain gear in general has never been drier.

Keeping it Dry

The outer shell of rain gear is treated with a substance (DWR, in a spray can) that can wear off over time. The membrane can be compromised by human sweat, dirt and abrasion. Examine your jacket after use and look for compromised stress points. There should be none for dozens and dozens of uses. But jackets should be washed after 30 or so trips afield to remove contaminants that block the pores from breathing outward. The outer waterproof shell should be retreated with water-resistant spray when it no longer beads water. 

The post Boating Jackets for Foul Weather appeared first on Boating Mag.

A first-aid kit is a must-have on any boat, but where you do your boating—and how self-sufficient you have to be before you can get help—dictates a lot about the contents. It’s also imperative to consider the size of your crew and your time away from shore. Here’s a comparison of three kits, one ultra-basic, one full-featured, and one capable of handling offshore emergencies.

Basic: Orion Runabout First-Aid Kit

Why it Rocks: Like the name implies, simple combos like Orion’s Runabout first-aid kit cover the first-aid basics for everyday recreational use on smaller boats. Contents include antiseptic wipes and plenty of Band-Aids for small cuts, gauze pads and adhesive tape, sting wipes, first-aid/burn cream and aspirin. A compact waterproof case keeps everything together and dry, and stows easily in the glove box. It really covers the basics, providing items you might find in a typical medicine cabinet to keep on your boat.

Call the Docs: Supplies are minimal, covering just the basics for minor medical needs. Plus, restocking used items is vital, and there’s little room to add additional items.

Price: $20; orionsignals.com

Offshore: Orion Offshore Emergency Medical Kit

Why it Rocks: The farther you venture offshore, the more you need to be prepared for any emergency. Orion’s Offshore kit ups the sheer inventory of basic supplies, including a variety of adhesive bandages, gauze pads and tape, first-aid/burn cream, pain-reliever tablets, latex gloves, scissors, forceps, sunscreen and motion-sickness tablets. Also included are items such as a rescue blanket, prepackaged CPR and shock-treatment necessities, serious burn dressings and sterile eyewash. 

Call the Docs: Prepackaged kits are convenient but generic. Experienced offshore cruisers might rather put kits of their own together with more or fewer of certain items.

Price: $78; orionsignals.com

Read Next: Picking the Right Life Jacket

Deluxe: Orion Weekender First-Aid Kit

Why it Rocks: Arguably a better choice for most boaters, Orion’s Weekender kit includes more of just about everything, including antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze pads and tape, burn cream and pain relievers. The Weekender, however, wisely aids other necessities like scissors, forceps, latex gloves, ammonia inhalant, eye patches and motion-sickness tablets. The water-resistant storage case can also be mounted to a bulkhead so that it never gets misplaced. It probably would cover the needs of most recreational boaters who spend a few hours or the day on the water.

Call the Docs: Might be overkill for your typical afternoon at the lake—but we’d rather be safe than sorry.

Price: $40; orionsignals.com

The post Choosing the Right First Aid Kit to Carry on Your Boat appeared first on Boating Mag.