Rock the Yacht with Garmin Speakers
As we gear up for some warmer weather, it’s important to make sure your sound system is up to date and ready for your next “yacht-rock” party. The playlist is still up to you, but Garmin will help you turn the beat around with these recently updated Fusion EL Series marine speakers. The latest version includes a water-resistant, injection-molded polypropylene cone for protection against harsh weather, UV light, saltwater intrusion, and fog. The 6.5-inch diameter speakers produce remarkably clear and powerful sound reproduction, despite having a mounting depth of just 1.7 inches. To bring more boogie to the dance deck, the EL Series can be also upgraded with an RGB illumination option to provide a range of LED colors to match every mood. $110 standard pair; $130 w/RGB illumination // garmin.com
Belt on the Mustang Survival Minimalist Pack
Whether you’re on a kayaking excursion or just hopping into the tender, it’s always best to be prepared for mishaps. For those times you find yourself in the water by mistake, carry along this discrete Minimalist Inflatable Belt Pack from Mustang Survival. Made with soft exterior fabric, the ergonomically designed nylon pack is adjustable to fit easily around most waist sizes and includes Molle webbing to help secure gear and other small essentials. A quick pull on the activation cord inflates a bright-yellow, pillow-style bladder that provides 38 pounds of buoyancy, like a bridge over troubled water. Manual inflation by mouth is also possible via a side tube. Color choices include admiral gray and azure blue. $125 // mustangsurvival.com
Follow the North Star with Orca Deck Boots
These boots are made for working, that’s just what they’ll do. But this latest footwear offering from Xtratuf in a new design from Alaska-based Salmon Sisters also has a playful side: the two-tone blue and yellow women’s ankle boot features original artwork of celestial orca whales floating amidst the Great White North’s signature Big Dipper constellation. The 100% waterproof boots include pull-on tabs and slip-resistance chevron outsoles to provide a tight grip on the slickest of decks, and the XpressCool liners will keep you comfortable all day. Sales of these amazing boots support Salmon Sisters’ year-round efforts to supply wild-caught fish at Alaskan food banks. $125 // xtratuf.com
How to Solve the Rainy Day Puzzle
If rainy days and Mondays always get you down, here’s a fun springtime activity you and your family can work on to keep your thoughts on sunnier sojourns. This 520-piece jigsaw puzzle from Gig Harbor Boat Works depicts a 10’ Navigator Sailboat tacking into the breeze of a summer day on Puget Sound. Another puzzle in the series includes an image of a 14’ Whitehall rowboat passing through a marsh. All puzzles are made-to-order and available exclusively in the U.S. Once completed, these semi-gloss, vibrantly colored artworks, measuring roughly 16- by 20-inches, are suitable for framing to adorn a boat salon wall or a nautical-themed den. But first, we have to hunt some more for those pale-blue sky pieces… $35 // store.ghboats.com
Turn Night into Day with UCO Headlamps
For those seeking some hands-free illumination while paddling on a dusky day or while poking through cramped engine compartments, these Beta Headlamps from UCO Gear will allow you to get things done after the sun goes down. Just three AAA batteries produce sharp, steady beam of up to 200 lumens. The lamp’s wood-inlay lens articulates, so it can be directed at various tasks without added neck strain. With low, medium, and high settings, the light can last on a single charge for between 30 and 100 hours of use, with a beam distance more the 200 feet. There’s even a flashing strobe mode to advertise your location if you lose your bearings. Adjustable head straps come in three photo-quality styles: classic wood grain, cosmic tie-dye, and starry, starry night skies. $27 // ucogear.com
A Cap for All Seasons from Outdoor Research
Tired of wearing your sun-bleached, salt-stained Mariners cap on your weekend excursions? This new line of Artist Series caps from Outdoor Research can liven up your hiking/boating game. Made of 100% cotton, with a soft and stretchable sweatband, these hats feature striking moon-and-mountainside illustrations by Bellingham-area adventure photographer Gretchen Leggitt. It’s a unique piece of Northwest artwork that shields the sunshine on your forehead in the great outdoors—or maybe just a leisurely stroll through town. The low-profile cap comes with an adjustable snap back and rope on the curved brim. The dual-density screen print is available in two attractive styles: beechwood beige and dawn blue. $32 // outdoorresearch.com
