16 | BOATINGMAG.COM | APRIL 2018
MAKING WAVES ///FOR COMPARISON’S SAKEPHOTOS: COURTESY SURVIVAL STRAPS, COURTESY ALL2SHOP.NET, COURTESY GECKO EQUIPMENTGECKO
ADJUSTABLE PREMIUM
PARACORD BRACELET
WITH SURVIVAL KITSAVING GRACE: It’s
basically a mini survival kit
that includes fire tinder,
a fire starter and a fire-
starter rod; fishing line
with hooks, floats, swivels
and sinkers; and seven
inner strands totaling
60 feet.POSSIBLE PERIL: The
paracord is 350-pound-
test, the lowest of the
three choices.PRICE: $14.99;
geckoequipment.comSURVIVAL STRAPS
PARA-CLAW SURVIVAL
BRACELETSAVING GRACE: Unsnap
the buckle to reveal
a 1 ½ -inch serrated
stainless-steel hawksbill
blade that’s as good as any
pocketknife. The paracord
bracelet is military-grade
550-pound-test. It has
the best knife of the
three choices.POSSIBLE PERIL: It’s not a
good idea to wear this one
through airport security.PRICE: $49.95;
survivalstraps.comA2S
K2-PEAK SERIESSAVING GRACE: This is
equipped with a built-in
compass and conceals an
emergency knife, flint fire
starter, and whistle to alert
for help. It has 12 feet of
550-pound-test paracord
to unravel if you need
it for anything.POSSIBLE PERIL: The
whistle produces sound to
only 100 dBA.PRICE: $9.99 for a two-
pack; all2shop.netPARACORD
BRACELETS
A few years ago, paracord bracelets came into vogue as survival accessories you
could wear should you need a length of this thin, super-strong cord to get out of a
jam. Since then, the bracelets have evolved to include all sorts of tools to help you
in a time of need. Here are three bracelets to consider. —Pete McDonaldCAPTAIN’S TEST
(Answers from page 14)
1. C. If your boat was shrink-
wrapped last fall, carefully cut or
untie the perimeter rope to relax
the cover, then, only if necessary,
carefully make any additional
needed strategic cuts to remove
the cover, being mindful of the
gelcoat and upholstery
underneath.2. F. Most PFDs don’t have expira-
tion dates. If, however, there is a
manufacture date legible, and the
PFD is more than 5 years old, it
may be time for a new one.3. F. While C may seem redun-
dant, you’d be surprised at how
many trailers don’t fit the boat
properly.- E. It’s never a bad time to
check all the mentioned areas. - D. Reinstalling a fitting that’s
been in service for years is a
waste of time; best to use a new
fitting while you’re at it. - E. Painting anodes is always
a no-no because it inhibits their
ability to fight corrosion.
CAPTAIN’S TESTS ONLINE
Test your knowledge of boating with
more Captain’s Tests at boatingmag
.com/captains-test.ONLINE THIS MONTH
Now that the weather is warmer, prepare for the
upcoming season with 102 boating tips compiled
by our staff of experts.Go to boatingmag.com/
photos/102-best-boating-
tips or scan this tag!K2-PEAK
Has a built-in compass
and other helpful
survival toolsPREMIUM
Comes equipped
with fi shing gearPARA-CLAW
Holds a serrated
stainless-steel bladeELECTRONICS GUIDE
CORRECTION
In the 2018 Marine Electronics Guide, the
prices of three products were listed incorrectly.
We regret the error. The correct prices are:
Mazu SkyMate M2500 $995 (p.19)
Simrad RS20 VHF Radio $279 (p.19)
JL Audio MediaMaster MM100s-BE
$549.99 (p.76)
Find the entire annual online at boatingmag
.com/2018-marine-electronics-guide.