Key Buoy from Davis Instruments Saves Your Keys From Sinking

Photo Credit: Davis Instruments

Water can be a black hole for boaters, anglers, swimmers and other outdoor enthusiasts' keys and small tools. Not anymore, thanks to the innovative Key Buoy from Davis Instruments. If the Key Buoy should fall into the water, the patented, self-inflating key ring automatically pops open, inflates its air tube and rises to the surface.

In as little as 60 seconds, owners can get back their keys, small tools or deck plate keys weighing up to 2.8 oz. A convenient, bright orange 14" air tube makes the versatile Key Buoy easy to spot and retrieve. It maintains buoyancy for over an hour.

The compact Key Buoy measures just 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/2" and weighs merely 1.1 oz. Made entirely out of plastic, it can be recycled after use. Suitable for single use only, owners should keep a spare on hand.

Source: Davis Instruments

Garmin Introduces New Chartplotters, Adding High Sensitivity And Faster Processors to Marine Navigation

Garmin has announced that it has refreshed its GPSMAP 400 and 500 series by adding a high sensitivity GPS receiver for faster satellite acquisition, an improved digital design for increased map drawing and panning speeds, and NMEA 2000 connectivity* for plug-and-play system integration.

Photo Credit: Garmin

“Combining performance and value, these new portrait plotters are designed for boaters who demand a high-performance, compact unit with a small footprint,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales.

Building upon the success of the GPSMAP 400 and 500 series and Garmin’s proven easy-to-use interface, the new chartplotters in the GPSMAP 5x6, 5x1 and 4x1 series come standard with an internal high-sensitivity GPS receiver that allows for faster acquisition times and superior satellite tracking so that boaters are able to acquire and maintain a GPS fix more easily.

In addition, these units boast an improved, high-speed digital design that will increase map drawing and panning speeds, making chart adjustments extremely fast.

Source: Garmin

Scout Boats Introduces New 15’ Series

Photo Credit: Scout Boats

Scout Boats, Inc. has not only unveiled an all-new 15’ Series, but its also announced special package pricing (boat, engine and trailer) to introduce the models to the dealers and customers.

Photo Credit: Scout Boats

The 151 Series consists of four all-new models (Standard, Sport, Sportfish & Dorado) that are available with engine packages from Yamaha and a trailer for one all-inclusive, incredibly affordable price structure.

Photo Credit: Scout Boats

Customers can also purchase any of the four models with a Sportsman’s Package upgrade, which includes Scout’s Heritage Green hull color, Sportsman’s Green deck and camouflage cushions for only $1,000 more.

Photo Credit: Scout Boats

“With the current state of the industry, and with the credit/financing issues plaguing the dealer level, we wanted to create an “impulse buy” for the boating consumer,” said Scout CEO & President Steve Potts. “Our dealers will be able to choose one of these models to carry on their floor – which will not take up much floor plan space.

Source: Scout Boats

Carolina Electric Boats Introduces Deluxe Twin Troller

Photo Credit: Carolina Electric Boats

Carolina Electric Boats reports the fully-loaded Twin Troller DeluxX10 offers numerous upgrades, including a ProMariner ProMite battery charger, Fish-On rod holders and Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 fishfinder.

According to Carolina Electric Boats, this innovative craft can reach speeds up to 6 mph and operate in as little as 6" of water. Its dual, recessed MotorGuide Electric Trolling Motors can travel over submerged trees, grass and other underwater obstacles without damaging the props.

Photo Credit: Carolina Electric Boats

Providing superior maneuverability, the patented Twin Troller propulsion system controls the motors independently with unique, variable-speed foot pedals, freeing hands to fish, hunt, bird watch or just enjoy the outdoors. The convenient foot pedals transition smoothly between forward and reverse. With a revolutionary 0° turn radius, the Twin Troller DeluxX10 can rotate 360° in one location and make effortless 90° turns.

Photo Credit: Carolina Electric Boats

Source: Carolina Electric Boats

Shurhold's Pro Polish Protects Your Boat From Sun And Salt Water

According to Shurhold, Pro Polish is scientifically formulated to protect fiberglass, gelcoat, clear coat and aluminum. It also serves as a cleaner, sealant and polish with UV inhibitors.

Pro Polish repels water and provides a deep, glossy sheen, while protecting the surface from the harsh effects of the sun, saltwater and other environmental elements.

Better than old-fashioned wax, this polish is polymer-based and contains no fillers or talc so when users buff out Shurhold's Pro Polish, there won't be a major mass of white powder. Producing virtually no waste, it enables owners to finish the job in less time and with less effort.

Source: Shurhold

Sea Tow Reports Dramatic Increase In Boating Activity Over Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

Sea Tow Services reports that the number of Fourth of July weekend marine assistance calls increased by 25 percent over 2008 as more boaters celebrated on the water.

The increase follows two consecutive years in which Fourth of July-related assistance calls to Sea Tow’s nearly 100 U.S. franchise locations remained flat, suggesting that despite the economic recession, boaters spent more time on the water this Fourth of July weekend enjoying the many lifestyle benefits of boating.

“With fuel prices at the dock down by more than 30 percent in some locations this summer versus last, it’s clear that many boaters decided to celebrate the nation’s 233rd birthday doing what they most enjoy – recreating on the water,” said Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer III, Sea Tow’s Chief Operations Officer. “This naturally led to an increase in boating assistance calls to Sea Tow operators around the U.S.”

Photo Credit: Sea Tow

Calls to Sea Tow’s 24-hour National Dispatch Center increased by 37 percent over the 2008 Fourth of July holiday, while requests for vessel assistance from Sea Tow were up by 25 percent overall.

Overnight calls for the July 4-5 period, when boaters typically head out to enjoy fireworks displays from the water, increased by 34 percent.

Source: Sea-Tow

Maxwell America HRC Series Windlass Saves Space

Boat owners with limited deck space or confined anchor lockers can now choose a windlass that performs as well as it saves space. Designed for trailerable and light displacement vessels up to 42' in length, Maxwell America's HRC Series Windlasses including, the HRC-6 and HRC-8, maximizes rope/chain stowage.

Photo Credit: Maxwell America

This horizontal rope/chain windlass series incorporates the same patented rode-management technology originally developed for Maxwell's top-rated Freedom Windlass Series. Its above-deck design enables the motor and drive to be encapsulated in an IP66-rated watertight case, saving space below deck and simplifying routine maintenance.

Source: Maxwell America

Perko Introduces New Stealth Line Of LED Navigation Lamps

Perko has introduced its new Stealth line of state-of-the-art LED Navigation Lamps, which includes the lowest profile surface-mounted lights on the market.

Photo Credit: Perko

At just 1/2" high, the sleek Stealth LED Bi-Color and Side Lamps feature a bright, polished stainless steel housing, which can be black or white-powder coated. They are USCG certified for use on power-driven vessels under 12m (39'). The Bi-Color Light is also available in a removable pole version.

Source: Perko