Practical Boat Owner - June 2018

NEW GEAR

Portable engine

data display

Volvo Penta Easy Connect gives you a
dashboard-style overview of boat and
engine data, route information and more
via bluetooth, directly on your smart
devices. Simply connect the Easy
Connect Interface to your engine, and
install the Easy Connect app on your
tablet or smartphone. For older engines,
the dashboard can provide a digital
complement to the analogue
instrumentation at the helm; you can
share your boating experiences with your
friends, track your journeys over time, and
prepare for your next trip. Easy Connect
also makes it possible to share diagnostic
trouble codes with Volvo Penta dealers,
including serial number and engine hours,
which is a useful function when booking a
service or inspection – allowing your
dealer to prepare service and help more
effi ciently. The product is available for
diesel and gasoline engines with

Clip-on

can holder

A unique and useful

accessory, ideal for

holding and keeping cool cans

and small bottles. Plus it also

doubles as a ‘thing pot’ for holding

spectacles, mobile phones and

other devices and paraphernalia.

It’s insulated for keeping drinks

cool and there are no moving or

detachable parts to break or lose.

It can be clipped on all guardrail,

pulpit and stanchion tubes of

22-26mm diameter.

Qwww.tomsmithbuoys.com

Improve battery

charging

effi ciency

The Alpha Pro III from
Mastervolt is the latest
three-step regulator for
enhancing alternator effi ciency.
The unit also monitors engine
load to help reduce engine noise and
increase alternative service life. It is
compatible with all types of battery and, if
required, can communicate with the rest
of the electrical system via the MasterBus
data cable, communicating rpm,
alternator status and charge status.

Zip greaser

Dirt, grime and salt spray play

havoc with zippers, snaps and

hinges. Frustrated boat owners

often buy special tools just to open

and close them, and occasionally

damage the surrounding canvas,

plastic or neoprene when

attempting to free the fastener.

Shurhold Snap Stick is a handy

applicator for what it describes as

a ‘unique, solid, wax-like formula’,

which lubricates and protects

poppers, zippers, hinges and

other small hardware from the

effects of being exposed to a

harsh marine environment.

Unscented, non-toxic and

biodegradable, it won’t harm

fabric, gelcoat, metal or plastic.

Unlike sprays and gels, it goes

only where it’s dabbed.

A single use is claimed to

provide up to three months of

protection and smooth operation.

Take a look at the company's

video demonstration at

bit.ly/2BWwnuc.

Qwww.meridianzero.co.uk

Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) in single

and twin installations. It’s also available for

non-EVC petrol engines from model year

2006 in single installations.

Qwww.volspec.co.uk

bilge pump. Backed by a seven-year

warranty, it is compatible with most brands

of bilge pump. Price: £79.99.

Qwww.bilge-bug.com

Designed for easy installation, the Alpha

Pro III comes with a battery temperature

sensor with 6m of cable. Price: £307.

Qwww.mastervolt.com

Bilge Bug

electronic bilge

pump switch

The high-visibility Bilge Bug can be
mounted at any angle for simple
installation and is designed to be easy to
spot in the bilge. The 12/24V unit comes
supplied with 2m of marine grade cable
and features an operational LED to show
when the switch is actively powering the