NEW gEar
Floating handheld VHFs are far from new, but
Standard Horizon’s HX210E unit offers a number
of improvements on earlier models. It’s smaller,
with a more ergonomic case, yet has a high-power
1,850mAh lithium-ion battery.
It’s designed to float face-up and has an automatic
strobe light function when in the water, to help aid
its recovery.
The unit also has a large and clear high
resolution backlit display and programmable
function keys that allow users to programme their
most frequently used settings. There’s also a built-
in FM radio receiver and a three-year no quibble
waterproofing guarantee.
Price £134.95. http://www.standardhorizon.co.ukMastervolt is launching a new range of MLI-E lithium-ion batteries, starting
with this a 12V 90Ah model. The MLI-E is intended for applications where
long lifespan, light weight, fast charging and compactness are important.
Lithium-ion units can be repeatedly discharged to 20 per cent of capacity,
while low internal resistance means they can be easily recharged to full
capacity. This battery can therefore be used to replace a lead acid bank of
more than 200Ah capacity, yet it weighs only 12.5kg.
Price: £2,006. http://www.mastervolt.comThis wireless hub provides a fast connection to 4G data networks, even
when the signal is weak. The Standard model has built in antennas
providing good performance in harbour, while the Pro version has twin
external high gain antennas that increase data transfer speeds and
extend range to 15 miles. The system will take a SIM from any provider
but ships with a roaming Vodafone SIM that offers 50GB of data per
month for £25 on a rolling tariff covering 50 countries.
Price: Standard £359, Pro £599. http://www.digitalyacht.co.ukCrewsaver has launched an upgraded range of marine clothing. The Race
Top is a breathable thermal garment consisting of a waterproof fabric
fused with a soft fleece lining and a fold away collar. The Spray Top uses
a more waterproof fabric, along with an articulated shape, to give lots of
freedom of movement. The firm’s range of gloves, watersports footwear,
and luggage has also been revamped for the 2018 season.
Prices: Race top £80; Spray Top £76.50; Gloves £19-26;
Footwear £20-44. http://www.crewsaver.comJefa Steering, the Danish company that produces
rudders for most of the major sailing yacht builders,
has introduced a ‘fly by wire’ electric steering system
for motoryachts and catamarans. This obviates the
need for complex and expensive hydraulic systems –
useful for boats that have both flybridge
and internal steering positions. It can also
provide a full inside steering position for
yachts with a decksaloon or pilothouse.
Steering is lighter and has more feel than
with hydraulic systems and less movement
of the wheel is needed. The system also
removes the need for a crossbar between
a catamaran’s rudders, as they are always
kept at equal angles.
Price: approx. €2,400. http://www.jefa.comThe award-winning CrewWatcher MOB
system consists of an app, plus small
physical beacons or tags. These have a
water sensor, so the alarm activates if
someone falls overboard but is still attached
by their harness. Equally, a tag placed in
the bilge can be used as a simple bilge level
alarm, or one can be left in the dinghy to
warn if it drifts away from the
back of the yacht.
The alarm has three modes:
audio, a strobe light and
vibration. After the alarm is
confirmed the user is visually
guided to the point of loss.
Price: £95 per beacon,
or £170 for pack of two.
http://www.crewwatcher.comElectric steering system
Digital Yacht 4G Connect
Upgraded clothing range
CrewWatcher
Improved floating VHF
Lithium-ion batteries