Practical Boat Owner - January 2016

New Gear

Garmin GPS 73Garmin have gone back to basics with their new handheld GPS. With

a black-and-white display, it’s simple, but ideal for round-the-cans racers who won’t need the full range of options offered by

fully-featured chart plotters. In addition to the usual waypoint info, the GPS 73 also includes start-line information, allowing you to ‘ping’

the line. Once you’ve started, it will display lift and header information. both ends, and it will show you time, time to burn and distance to

what more do you need? back-up or simple GPS for small boats. It’s waterproof and floats – Cruisers will find it useful as a

http://www.garmin.comPrice £129.99.

SuperGroove glueFastmount’s non-toxic, non-flammable SuperGroove Adhesive is claimed to be a serious
rival to epoxy glue. The volatile nature of standard epoxy glues means that they are expensive to be air-freighted, and companies wanting products shipped by sea might wait up to three months to
receive a product that only has a six-month shelf life. SuperGroove Adhesive is a two-part glue that doesn’t require sea freight and it has a 12-month shelf life: it can be used in confined
spaces as it gives off no discernible odour and, being solvent-free, will not endanger the user. Available in two sizes, 30ml and 400ml. The 30ml twin tube mixer is designed for touch-ups and emergency repairs, while the 400ml twin tube mixer is suitable for large-scale installations. Price tbc. http://www.fastmount.com

T-LOCK HATCHESlaunched a new line of T-Lock hatches featuring water-resistant seals and hidden fasteners. Available in Polar White, the Barton Marine has

the double handle versions have triple hatches have stainless steel hinges and hardware. The single handle hatches have double hinges and

of sizes. Made of UV and weather-resistant saralon resin, the reinforced lid hinges through 180°, has a non-slip surface and is impervious to harsh chemicals.hinges. The hatches are available in a variety

Bilge BugExcel Marine’s Bilge Bug is a water detection switch, designed and engineered in the UK to
provide ‘the safest and most reliable clearance of bilge water available’. Bilge Bug is promised to offer more than seven years of uninterrupted service. With no moving parts, and IP67-rated
requires minimal maintenance and has been designed to be ‘exceptionally frugal’ in battery consumption. Solid-state electronics cater for multiple voltages suitable for both 12V and 24V systems. A timed on/off delay further reduces operating power for watertight protection of the electronics, it
consumption and extends the pump life. There is no need to run a dry test to check the bilge switch is activated, as an LED light (which can be easily seen in the bilge) indicates full working order. Priced at £54. http://www.bilge-bug.com
International Textile Waterproofer
AkzoNobel’s new Textile Waterproofer is designed to protect fabrics against moisture, dirt and mildew. Routine care of canopies or sprayhoods will extend their lifetime and will keep onboard textiles looking like new for longer. Their flexibility can
also be retained. The Textile Waterproofer can also be applied to extend the useful life of sailing clothing and other textiles on board. This product is water-based for the lowest environmental impact. Priced at £15.60 per 500ml pack.
http://www.yachtpaint.com

New from Barton Marine

BARTON FURLER design furler is promised to make controlling the jib a breeze, thanks to its This new-

improved performance. Made of fibreglass-filled nylon giving it strength and rigidity, the furler is available in

two sizes to cater for sails up to 6mpoint line-retaining feature to help keep the line on the drum for smooth and snag-free running. There is also a (^2) or 10m (^2). The furler’s design includes a new three-
multi-position option for the furling line exit, which provides more flexibility for boaters to set the line at the right exit angle from the drum.
DECK WEARPADSBarton Marine’s new PUR clear wear pads bring the same material used to protect
race cars from chips and abrasion to the boating market. The waterproof pads can be cut with scissors to
Made of high-grade polyurethane resin 3M film, the pads are designed to not discolour when exposed to the elements, not crack or chip, and so that their application should not affect the create the shape required.
gelcoat or wood. Arectangular patches. Prices tbc. vailable in packs of two 98mm x 200mm http://www.bartonmarine.com
Spinlock Lume-On
Spinlock won the overall DAME award at METS with this clever product. It’s a small flashing LED, sold in pairs, which sticks onto
the underside of each lifejacket bladder. Water-activated, it shines the light into the inflated lifejacket which acts as a diffuser, making
the wearer much more visible.Spinlock’s Chris Hill commented: ‘A normal light like the Spinlock Pylon light makes you visible from
a distance, but these Lume-On lights make it hard to miss a man overboard when you get closer.’ It looks like a great idea – and we
hope to test a set this winter.Price £14.95. http://www.spinlock.com