OK, we admit it. Not all of these things will fit an actual stocking, certainly not a stocking that you’d be able to hang from your overhead or porthole closure (no one’s ever tried to stuff a toilet into a stocking, and this may not be the best time to start). But it’s the thought that counts, isn’t it? And something here in our new products roundup just might be the thoughtful gift for that boat person on your list, even if that boat person is you.
New Products from Shurhold
Mechanics use sockets instead of individual wrenches because they can complete a project in less time and the tools take up less storage space. It’s no different with the Shurhold One-Handle-Does-It-All-System, a single handle and over forty specialized quick-attach cleaning tools.
Shurhold handles, made from polished, triple-anodized marine-grade aluminum, are offered in 33cm, 76cm, 101cm and 152cm fixed lengths and two adjustable types. The 183cm telescoping version locks at four intervals between 101cm and 183cm while the 274cm telescoping model locks at five positions between 152cm and 274cm.
Cleaning tools include a wide range of deck and soft-bristled brushes, mops, brooms, swivel scrubbers and squeegees. Fishing accessories include a gaff and three specialized nets. For boating, there’s a boat hook, paddle and the Dock-A-Reni for handling dock lines. The 25cm curved adapter is for cleaning the waterline, and the 79cm extension for radomes and other lofty equipment.
Buff Magic Compound, a one-step reconditioner and polish, removes oxidation, surface imperfections, stains and fine scratches from gelcoat, glass, Plexiglas and metal. Unlike traditional compounding methods that require multiple grits or products that contain fillers, one-step Buff Magic Compound is highly cost effective. A 324gm jar will take care of a boat under 11m with normal oxidation.
Microfiber Pad Base Cover, used along with a Shurhold Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt, replaces a coarse rag or stiff brush that will scratch soft and delicate boat surfaces.
Part of the Shurhold One-Handle-Does-It-All-System, the new Microfiber Pad Base Cover fits the available 235mm L x 95mm W Swivel Base Pad. It slides onto the base and secures with sewn-in Velcro.
Shurhold’s new Serious Shine Quick Detailer is designed as a one-step spray to remove a wide range of imperfections from gelcoat, isinglass, vinyl seating and multifunction displays, while adding a glossy shine and protective layer. It can also be used inside the boat for mirrors, stainless steel, glass and countertops.
Pro Polish Wax & Sealant from Shurhold is a polymer-based product that provides a long-lasting shine and has UV inhibitors that shield gelcoat, paint, vinyl graphics and other surfaces against the ravages of a hot summer sun. It’s concentrated, so a 948ml bottle will cover a 10.5m boat (www.shurhold.com).
Cleats from Accon Marine
Accon Marine’s 490 Series Rectangular Pull-Up Cleats differ from traditional cleats in that they retract to sit flush with the surface, eliminating a trip and snag hazard. When needed, they pull up and are ready for use.
Accon 490 Series are made from polished marine-grade 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, with slim, slightly convex tops for water runoff and to accommodate fingertip lifting notches on either side.
The cleats are available in three sizes. Accon’s 152mm model is 37mm wide and handles line up to 16mm in diameter; the 203mm L x 41mm W version is for 19mm line; and the 254mm L x 48mm W model accommodates line to 25mm. They require 74mm, 91mm and 93mm of mounting clearance below the surface, respectively (www.acconmarine.com).
Equipmake’s Ultra-Lightweight Electric Motor
Equipmake has unveiled its new HPM-400 electric motor, an ultra-lightweight, power-dense motor with marine applications. The HPM-400 has peak power of 400kW, peak torque of 250Nm, yet weighs just 40kg overall with an integrated silicon carbide inverter. It can operate at atmospheric pressure and in a vacuum (equipmake.co.uk).
Prevent Direct Lightning Strikes
The DDCE, by dinnteco, is a protection system against atmospheric discharges and an electromagnetic protector that avoids the impact of the lightning strike on the protected structure.
It prevents the necessary conditions from occurring so that the lightning doesn’t fall within the protected area. The passive device needs only a sufficient grounding and no power supply (www.dinnteco.com).
Raritan SuperFlush Toilet
Raritan Engineering’s PH SuperFlush manual marine toilet features a beefy piston pump, 66 percent larger than competing models, and clog-resistant joker valve. Its conversion kit enables adding electric flush functionality that can revert back to manual whenever needed.
An air vent on the front of the unit allows the toilet to flush without bringing in additional water, ideal for draining the bowl in rough seas.
Raritan PH SuperFlush is offered in two sizes. The seat of the PH SuperFlush has integrated tabs, to reduce movement when the boat is underway, and a slow-close lid.
The PH SuperFlush has an industry-standard mounting footprint. The pump can be oriented on either the left or right side. To accommodate the tightest head locations, the space-saving handle retracts. The toilet has a maximum lift of 1.2m with a discharge loop height of 381mm (www.raritaneng.com).
Apelo Underwater Light
Hella Marine introduces its Apelo series of no-surface-mount underwater LED lights. The A1 model provides 1,800 lumens of crisp blue/white light, while the A2 delivers 3,000 lumens, both drawing less power than competitors. For RBG light, the Apelo series also offers versions that produce the full color spectrum.
The Apelo A1 is available with blue/white LEDs or RGB LEDs. They draw 20W and 15W, respectively. The Apelo A2, with three extra LED banks, is available in blue/white with a “fishing mode” strobe or RGB versions, both drawing 30W (www.apelobrilliance.com).
Hubbell Adapters
Larger yachts are increasingly adopting 100A shore power systems to meet greater electricity needs. But finding 100A service in some remote locations can still prove challenging. Hubbell Marine’s YQ100PLUS Intelligent Y Adapter allows boaters to safely power a 100A, 125/250V vessel from two 50A, 125/250V dockside receptacles.
The YQ100PLUS features internal logic that senses when both input plugs are fully engaged with correct phase, to protect against inadvertent miswiring of hot and neutral wires. Its intelligent circuitry further allows using the single “A” leg independently to access one 50A, 125/250V receptacle to obtain 50A power when dual pedestal receptacles aren’t available. Integrated indicator lights confirm correct polarity and safe operation.
Hubbell’s YQ230 Intelligent Y Adapter enables full use of a boat’s onboard systems by safely powering a 50A 125/250V vessel from two 30A dockside receptacles.
Designed for long life, the Hubbell YQ230 Intelligent Y Adapter utilizes a rugged, high impact and UV-resistant housing that is environmentally sealed against humidity, fog and rain. Robust grommets provide additional protection for internal components, while integrated cord clamps guard against terminal strain. Sophisticated internal circuitry confirms that both plugs are correctly engaged in separately phased 30A outlets. A 3-pole contactor breaks both hots and neutrals to prevent any possibility of users encountering a live plug when the adapter is not engaged. A built-in safety light confirms correct connections and operation.
The adapter measures 1,410mm overall, affording 660mm on the 50A boatside cable portion, including the plug. The two 30A cables with plugs are each 495mm (www.hubbell-marine.com).
Hydraulic Steering System
Hydrodrive announces a new hydraulic steering system, including inboard and outboard applications up to 400 HP, inboard and sailboat applications up to 52 feet and special kits for race boats and catamarans.
The pump house comes from a single aluminum block, hardened and hot-pressed. The 10 mm thickness and special material coming from the aircraft industry prevent leakage or oil film/fog formation even under very high pressure. The three ball bearings in the pump ensure precision and consistent functioning (www.hydrodrive.eu).
Solar Powered Navigation Lights
Budget Marine offers a solution to a boat’s loss of power: a solar powered navigation light that needs no external power. This product sells at US$80.44 in Budget Marine’s Sint Maarten store.
Tactician Sailing Compass
The Tactician Sailing Compass from Ritchie Navigation differs from other magnetic compasses in that the Blue 76mm CombiDial card has standard 5 degree marks and 30 degree numeric references, but adds six tactical quadrants on the side. The white bezel with blue degree references can be adjusted and used as a heading memory indicator. These combine with the four bright red lubber lines to provide a fast and easy reference as to whether the wind direction is lifting or heading the boat. Exclusive DirectiveForce™ magnets ensure the Tactician Sailing Compass dial doesn’t spin or jump, even when sailing in confused seas. The compass will fit on a crowded deck (www.ritchienavigation.com).
Fresh Head from Raritan Engineering
The Fresh Head manual marine toilet from Raritan Engineering is designed for real-world use. It features a diaphragm discharge pump and can connect to pressurized fresh water to reduce odors common with seawater flushing.
The Fresh Head has an integrated valve that allows the user to let in as much fresh water as needed to flush the head. This conserves onboard potable supplies and eliminates the bacteria in salt and brackish water that cause a sulfur smell and black flecks. It also eliminates calcium deposits in the discharge hose.
The diaphragm discharge pump has a locking feature and vacuum break. When closed, water cannot backflow into the bowl. The full-size joker valve offers the ability to keep the bowl empty while underway or away from the boat. Fresh Head comes in two sizes. The marine version is 438mm x 451mm x 330mm (www.raritaneng.com).
