BoatU.S. - August/September 2010

Snap-In Rod Holder

boatsgeartech

GEAR

Easy-Store Antenna Shakespeare’s new Lift-n-Lay VHF whip anten- na makes it easy to erect or stow the whip for your marine radio. The base of the whip is a tapered stainless cylinder that fits into a slot in the stainless receiver at the base of the antenna. Simply lift the whip out of the receiver, and it lays over, hinged on a hidden pin. The three-foot, 3-db anten- na retails for $100.95 and can be flush-mount- ed or side-mounted with the included bracket. www.shakespeare-marine.com
Versatility is the concept behind Burnewiin’s system of gun-
wale mounts and related rod holders and other accessories. The
GM650 gunwale mount has a keyed, locking insert, with a side
lever that unlocks the accessory for quick removal. The cast stain-
less RH7220 rod holder locks in place in the GM650, can rotate
in 22.5-degree increments, and adjusts vertically at 0, 30, and 55
degrees for optimum positioning when trolling. A trigger allows
the rod holder to be brought to the vertical position when a fish
strikes, or for rod storage. Other accessories include bait tables,
fender cleats, and flag holders. The GM650 is $150; the RH7220,
$420. www.burnewiin.com

Don’t Sink!

We know we’re supposed to have a wooden bung tied to each thru-hull of our boats so when one breaks, and the water comes rushing in, we can pound a plug into the hole quickly, even in the dark. As a great backup, Truplugs are soft, cone-shaped plugs that will conform to the shapes of most hull breaches, whether it’s a round hole caused by mechanical failure, or an elongated tear due to impact. $19.95, www.forespar.com

The One To Watch At Your Next Race

Optimum Time Ltd. has released two new sailing watches in the

U.S. which feature preprogrammed countdown modes for starts, and can also provide tide and bearing information. Both the OS738 (square face) and the OS463 (round face) are water resistant to five atmospheres (roughly 150 feet), have an electronic compass built in, and offer an additional synchronization button in case you miss the start gun. Available through Ocean Racing. OS738 $125; OS463 $120. www.oceanracing.com

World’s Toughest Cell Phone

If you need a cell phone that can go anywhere and take the abuse that the great outdoors unleashes, check out the Sonim

XP3 Quest. Built to survive drops onto concrete from six feet up, or submersion for up to 30 minutes, the XP3 is made for people who spend time outside in all conditions. With widely spaced buttons so you can dial with gloves on, scratch-resis-tant glass, a battery that provides 18 hours of talk time, plus a built-in GPS to get you home, the XP3 won’t quit on you when you need it most. Best of all, it’s backed by a three-year unconditional guarantee. Compatible