The next best thing to buying a new boat is shopping for all the gear and gadgets you'll use on the water. I can spend hours in a boating supply super store such as West Marine making lists of things I've just got to have. But I'll save you a little time and trouble and share a few things that caught my eye this Christmas season.
ACR AQUALINK VIEW PLB 2884: A must have for every boater, kayaker, paddleboarder and angler. Capable of transmitting a distress signal for up to 35 hours, this lifesaver will fix a position within 100 meters. The digital display is crisp. List price: $419.99, but if you buy it before the end of the year, you can take advantage of a $100 rebate.
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
GARMIN 78SC GPS: This handheld GPS comes complete with U.S. and Bahamian coastal charts showing low tide depths, a must for boaters. You can also get your compass bearings and share wirelessly with compatible device users. Land maps available at extra charge. List price: $249.99
Photo courtesy of thegpsstore.com
Photo courtesy of thegpsstore.com
PENN BATTLE II SALTWATER COMBOS: These light action rod & reel combos are great starter packages for inshore fishermen. Prices start at $109.99
Photo courtesy of basspro.com
Photo courtesy of basspro.com
BLACKTIP FIVE-PIECE KNIFE SET WITH SHARPENER & CARRYING CASE: After you catch 'em you have to got clean 'em. With these Titanium bond knives you can cut bait, bone your catch and filet your meal all in one set. List price: $49.99
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
YETI RAMBLER TUMBLER COLLECTION: Can't go wrong with anything from Yeti. For everything from coffee to cocktails, it will keep temperatures twice as long as other tumblers. Kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel. Starting at $24.99
Photo courtesy of yeticoolers.com
Photo courtesy of yeticoolers.com
BOOMBOTTLE WEATHERPROOF WIRELESS SPEAKER: A day on the water is always more fun with tunes. This 3 watt 40 mm speaker and passive subwoofer wirelessly sends music in all directions. Works with all Bluetooth streaming audio devices and others using a 3.5 mm aux cable. Price: $49.99
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
WEST MARINE SPOTLIGHT WATERPROOF 550 LUMEN: A good light on the water goes a long way. This rechargeable beam will travel 1,870 feet. The Lithium battery (included) lasts up to 7 hours on low, 5 hours on high. Price: $69.99.
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
WEST MARINE INSHORE AUTOMATIC/MANUAL INFLATABLE LIFE VEST: With this comfortable vest, there is no excuse not to wear a personal floatation device. Fits chest size 30 inches to 52 inches. But be forewarned — it must be worn to count as PFD inventory on a boat. Price: $109.99
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
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Explore all your optionsPhoto courtesy of westmarine.com
WEST MARINE TRADITIONAL ANCHOR & ROAD PACKAGES: If you haven't lost an anchor, you just aren't boating enough. Even if you have an anchor, you can always use another. Includes anchor, chain, line, thimble & shackles. Prices start at $109.99
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
Photo courtesy of westmarine.com
Terry Tomalin can be reached at (727) 893-8808 or email ttomalin@tampabay.com.