New Boating Gear

Board Stiff

Inflatable paddleboards make a lot of sense for boat owners because they can be deflated and stowed aboard all but the smallest of motherships. The Rover comes in black, pink, turquoise, or orange accented colorways, weighs a svelte 26 pounds, yet inflates to a full-size board. The manufacturer claims the board is suitable for paddlers between 75 and 325 pounds. It features a center fin and bungee straps on the deck for tying down essentials. A pump is also included along with a collapsible paddle and backpack. $749 | voltsurf.com

Well Connected

Battery chargers, bilge pumps, and CO detectors are just some of the devices that need to be connected directly to the battery. Often the connections are simply stacked one on top of another on the battery post, which is both unsightly and often doesn't offer any circuit protection. The ST Blade Battery Terminal Mount Fuse Block from Blue Sea will tidy up the cables in the battery box. With a 3/8-inch hole for mounting to the ancillary battery stud, the mount has four fused connections. If a short occurs, the fuse will blow, protecting the circuit and potentially preventing a fire. The block is ignition-protected so it's safe for gasoline-powered boats, and a clear plastic cover protects both fuses and terminals from damage and accidental short circuits. $22.99 | bluesea.com

Drive By Wire

Until now, there have been only two choices for outboard steering systems: push/pull cable, or hydraulic. Now there's a new option — electric steering. The Optimus E-Actuator is designed to work with joystick steering systems.

This new system from Dometic (formally SeaStar) connects to the Optimus joystick and Electric Power Steering (EPS) with simple plug-and-play connections making installation quick and easy.

Note: The electric-actuated ram mounts on the engine in the position normally occupied by a more traditional hydraulic system. No external controller is necessary; all electronics and moving parts are contained within the actuator itself. The manufacturer says that the system works with single, twin, and quad engine installations. 

Drain Plug Alert

In the excitement to launch your boat at the ramp, it's easy to forget to install the transom drain plug. Thanks to inteliPlug, that's a thing of the past. From the outside, the plug looks like many other transom drains. But inside is a waterproof magnetic sensor that can detect if the plug cover is missing and water is flowing into the boat. If so, it alerts the helmsman with an LED light and buzzer. Thanks to the ergonomic design featuring a triangular grip, once installed, no tools are required to screw in or remove the plug. And, in case you were wondering, the plug can't get lost as it is always connected to the boat skin fitting with a tether. $179 | wake-worx.com

Protect The Tech

A phone or tablet aboard makes a great navigation tool, but there's the constant danger of it getting wet or destroyed. Standard cases often fall short because most aren't truly waterproof. The ugo Signature Collection Tablet could be the perfect accessory. Submersible up to 20 feet, the case holds up to a 11-inch tablet. A heavy-duty, waterproof zipper provides easy access. The case, which floats, comes complete with removable hand and shoulder straps, and there's additional space inside for things such as an extra charger, keys, credit cards, or cash. The 12-inch case weighs 12 ounces; other sizes are available for phones and larger tablets. $159 | ugowear.com

In A Snap!

The Snap Multi-Key Tool from Davis Instruments is 19 different tools in one. There are three metric and four SAE wrenches, a couple of screwdrivers, line cutter, scraper, deck plate keys, and even a bottle opener for a sundowner at the end of the day. There's also a hole to attach a lanyard to help keep the tool from going over the side. Made from hardened stainless steel to ward off corrosion, the tool measures 5 inches long by 3 inches wide, so you can carry it with ease. $13.99 | davisinstruments.com