Lighten Up with Torqeedo’s Electric Outboard
Want to tread lightly on the marine environment without sacrificing power? The XP S edition of this surprisingly robust little outboard from Torqeedo provides 44 percent more thrust than earlier models in the Travel series, running on 1,600W of electric, emissions-free power. With a weight of less than 28 pounds, the Travel XP S produces the equivalent of 5 hp and is capable of handling tenders and other small vessels weighing up to two tons. The whisper-quiet, direct-drive motor is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and uses integrated 1,425 Watt-hour lithium batteries that can be charged with a 12V/24V connection or via a solar-panel charge cable. A handy LED indicator provides charge status and a built-in, backlit color display lets you know your speed, power consumption, and remaining range, so you’re always in control. $3,998 //Available via Fisheries Supply in Seattle or torqeedo.com
Get a Grip with the Toadfish Stowaway
Newsflash: Fish are slippery! To make sure that big beauty you just landed won’t be “the one that got away,” you need the Stowaway Fish Gripper to help you out. Using just one hand, this corrosion-resistant, machined-aluminum tool allows you to grab the jaw or your quarry to make quick measurements before you haul it in. When not in use, the lightweight, 7.5-inch grippers can be folded into a compact 4.5 inches for easy stowage in gear bags and tackleboxes, or for clipping onto a belt. A quick-action trigger also allows for easy release for fish to be tossed back without risk of further harm. As an added bonus, Toadfish contributes to fish restocking efforts by coastal hatcheries, so every gripper helps replenish species such as redfish, trout, cobia, tarpons, and flounder. $30 // toadfish.com
Day on the Boat? Bring a Cocktail in a Jar!
After a nice summer day on the water, a perfectly mixed cocktail is a great way to cool down. But who wants to do all the messy prep work in the heat? For those who plan ahead, this delicious treat from Camp Craft provides instant refreshment when you need it most. Each 12-ounce jar in this Salty Dog recipe contains pure, simple ingredients, such a dried grapefruit, lime, and vanilla- and citrus-infused, non-GMO vegan cane sugar. Just mix in water or juice and your favorite alcohol of choice. For best results, allow the beverage to refrigerate for three days to bring out the crisp fruit flavors. For faster results, zap the mixture in the microwave at 30-second intervals to taste and allow to cool. Each Salty Dog can be infused twice, giving you a total of sixteen 1.5-ounce servings. $25 // campcraftcocktails.com
Kavu Rope Bag Shoulders Your Burden
We all love a cool rope bag to carry around on beachcombing missions. But sometimes you need a little more strength when you carry more of a load over your shoulder. This casual Mini Beach Rope Bag from Kavu comes reinforced with rugged, PVC-coated 100 percent polyester mesh fabric. It can hold all of your valuables and beach treasures but lets the sand slip right through. The adjustable rope shoulder strap and side release buckle can be extended from 20” to 40” for a comfy fit. A padded back, elastic webbing, and two interior pockets for things like cell phones, wallets, and keys help keep all the contents dry and secure, while giving your arms free movement. Measuring 16-by-9 inches, the deceptively petite bag provides 244 cubic inches of room. Comes in cool aqua, black, and key lime colors. $65 // kavu.com
Show Your True Colors of the PNW
The Great PNW website calls this the Northbound flag, but we all know it also points toward the west as well—and signals a little liquid refreshment is wanted. The next time you’re on a beer run around the Sound, be sure to hoist this ensign to state your peaceful intentions. On a field of white, the 3-foot by 5-foot flag depicts our iconic Mt. Rainier and the Rainier Beer “R” logo against the setting sun, along with the words “The Great Pacific Northwest.” (It also shows the year 1878, when Rainier Beer was first introduced, which is 11 years before Washington even became a state!) With two heavy-duty grommets, this sublimated-polyester banner will flutter proudly on Salish Sea breezes for seasons to come. $25 // thegreatpnw.com
Fancy Footwork, If You Catch These Drifts
Drifting may not be what a lot of boaters want to do for extended periods, but these Kiata Drift sneakers from Xtratuf are ready to help get you back on your feet and under way. Made of lightweight, quick-drying materials, the shoes have a breathable, unlined engineered upper, equipped with a full lace-up system designed for a customized fit. The grippy outsoles found in all Kiata shoes provide exceptional slip resistance on wet decks, yet they leave no marks. Perforated, high-rebound comfort insoles provide all-day support and promote underfoot circulation. Pull loops at the heel also allow for easy on-off usage. Best of all, the Drifts come in an eye-catching coral sand color combination, with peach and aqua accents, plus pink and mocha on the soles. $115 // xtratuf.com
