July/August 2018 passagemaker.com 19Garmin
GARMIN INTRODUCES THE INREACH MINIGarmin has released their newest inReach
satellite communicator-and it is compact!
Measuring just 4” by 2” and weighing a
mere 4.23 ounces, Garmin’s new device
brings a whole new meaning to portable.
The original inReach devices are hardly
large, but the inReach Mini can truly fit
anywhere. In fact, it’s likely to be smaller
than your smartphone.
Like other inReach models, most
features on the inReach Mini can be
utilized on the device itself or accessed
on a companion device by using
the Earthmate app. Features include
interactive SOS directly from the device,
tracking, weather, and a compass display
that allows for navigating between preset
waypoints. With a 50-hour battery (with
standard 10-minute position updating)
and an IPS-7 rating, this is the perfect
device to accompany you everywhere:
bring it in the dinghy and even take it on
a bike ride or hike once you’re in port. Just
don’t forget where you stowed it.While the inReach Mini is still a few weeks away from
availability, Garmin has set the price point a whisker under $350.
To use all the features, you’ll also need a satellite data plan, and
Garmin offers a variety of flexible options. More: garmin.comO IS FOR OUTBOARD
With recent advancements in outboard technology, quite a few
builders have been introducing new outboard-powered models.
Earlier this spring Back Cove Yachts announced plans to bring
their own outboard model to market, and the boat is almost
ready to begin sea trials. Scheduled to debut at the Newport
International Boat Show in September is the new Back Cove
34O (Hint: that’s not a zero—it’s an O for “outboard”).
Back Cove undertook this project with the intention of designing
an entirely new hull optimized specifically for outboard power. The
34O will come with 300-horsepower Yamahas, or with an option
for 350-horsepower Yamaha or Suzuki motors. Back Cove is pairing
the deck and accommodations of their ever-popular 32 with this
new hull design and power package. The space that houses the
traditional diesel engine on the 32 will be a large locker for storage
on the outboard model.
Offering a cruising speed up to 35 knots (and able to achieve 40
knots wide-open), the 34O should appeal to those who appreciate
Back Cove’s Downeast lines but desire more speed and higher
performance. We are excited to climb aboard the 34O in Newport
as this new model is bound to turn heads and introduce a wider
audience to the Back Cove brand. More: backcoveyachts.com QThe adorable inReach Mini