Products

MAXIMUM VENTILATION FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

A great company offers outstanding products to make your equipment work more safely and efficiently.

From exhausting the bilge to providing engines with maximum air flow, every well-engineered vessel incorporates a complete, considered ventilation plan using top-quality components. The leader in this field is Delta “T” Systems. It offers a full line of DC fans, blowers and controls for custom built, OEM and refit applications, and the engineering staff to design the perfect, vessel-specific system.

All Delta “T” fans and blowers are built specifically for a marine environment; they’re not adapted from another industry. With ignition-protected operation, they’re ideal for both diesel and gasoline powered vessels. Available in 12 and 24VDC, they feature continuous-duty ratings, enclosed double shielded ball bearing motors, stainless steel shafts with O-ring seals, dynamically balanced armatures, and quiet, vibration-free operation.

The company’s 9″ and 11″ Axial Fans have flow rates of 737 and 1,424 CFM, respectively. Built of glass-filled nylon, they’re nearly indestructible. They feature reversible hub/blade assemblies and motor polarity, so they can push or pull air as needed. They’re CE marked and conform to SAE J1171, ISO 8846 and ISO 9097.

The high-performance LIL’ Champ 4″ DC Blower from Delta “T” Systems has a free air flow rate of 350 CFM. Its performance bests all its competition by at least 100 CFM. A powder-coated universal bracket provides not only an extremely secure and robust attachment point, but delivers the versatility to be installed where it’s needed, in an almost limitless variety of configurations. It’s CE marked and conforms to SAE J1171, ISO 8846, ISO 9097, EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and IP 68.

Delta “T” Systems’ 3″ DC Blower is ideal for OEM and refit applications. The flange mount frame makes for easy replacement of existing blowers. The sealed unit has a flow rate of 125 CFM at 0 inches of static at 12V, with a mere 8.2A draw.

The company’s next-generation DCT2 12/24 DC Fan Control System is capable of running four fans or blowers in two speeds, in either fully automatic or manual modes. It’s available in both 12 and 24 VDC with reduced noise and current draw, simple installation and maintenance, and fire shutdown capabilities.

Contact Delta “T” Systems, 858 W 13th Ct., Riviera Beach, FL 33404. 561-204-1500; Fax: 561-848-1611.info@deltatsystems.com; www.deltatsystems.com

 

BoatUS Report

BoatUS By The Numbers 2016

Here’s what the dedicated folks at BoatUS have been up to.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s largest advocacy, services, and safety organization, taking care of America’s recreational boaters for over 50 years. A new look at a few numbers behind the more than half-a-million-member association may surprise or even astonish:

Why are all these people smiling? Visit http://www.BoatUS.com and find out for yourself.

Membership

532,848: Total number of BoatUS members nationwide (annual dues: $24) (BoatUS.com/membership).

27: Average number of years of boating experience for a BoatUS member (BoatUS.com/mediakit).

28.4 feet: Average length of a BoatUS member’s primary boat (BoatUS members own two boats on average) (BoatUS.com/mediakit).

1,060,397: Total number of boats owned by BoatUS members (BoatUS.com/mediakit).

76%: The percentage of BoatUS members who “day cruise,” the #1 boating activity, followed by #2 “fishing” (59%), #3 “overnight cruising” (44%), and #4, “watersports” (26%) (BoatUS.com/mediakit).

522,094: Circulation of BoatUS Magazine, the nation’s largest recreational boating publication (BoatUS.com/magazine).

1,115: The total number of boating and fishing businesses offering discounts to BoatUS members (BoatUS.com/servicelocator).

364: The number of BoatUS Partner Network Marinas across the United States that offer BoatUS members up to 10 cents off per gallon of fuel (BoatUS.com/servicelocator).

On-Water Towing and On-Road Towing Assistance

601: The number of towboats in the TowBoatUS towing fleet, the nation’s largest (BoatUS.com/servicelocator).

70,527: Total number of annual requests to TowBoatUS 24-hour dispatch centers for on-water assistance, including towing, battery jumps, fuel drop-offs, tows home, and soft ungrounding services (BoatUS.com/towing).

259,032: Number of downloads of the BoatUS Towing App, which makes it easy to summon on-water and on-road assistance 24/7, and can speed response times (BoatUS.com/app).

100: The number of miles that BoatUS Unlimited Trailer Assist will haul a boat trailer and its tow vehicle to the nearest repair shop or safe area with no out-of-pocket expense to the member (annual fee $14) (BoatUS.com/trailerassist).

$748: The nationwide average cost of towing and soft ungrounding service.
$0: Amount paid by BoatUS members for covered services of Unlimited Towing (BoatUS.com/towing).

26–53 feet: The length of the flatbed tow trucks and “Landoll” trailers used by BoatUS Trailer Assist roadside service providers offering assistance to BoatUS members to haul both a disabled boat trailer and tow vehicle (BoatUS.com/trailerassist).

13,283: The total number of roadside assistance companies across the United States and Canada offering BoatUS Unlimited Trailer Assist service dispatched 24/7 (BoatUS.com/trailerassist).

43%: Percentage of requests for roadside Trailer Assist service to the BoatUS 24-hour Dispatch Centers attributed to flat tires, the #1 request. #2 wheel bearings, 24%; #3 trailer axle, 10%; #4 tow vehicle, 5% (BoatUS.com/trailerassist).

Boating Safety and Clean Water

1,126,003: The number of students who have taken the BoatUS Foundation’s free Online Boating Safety Course to date (BoatUS.org/courses).

297: Number of marina staff trained through our Free Spill Prevention Training for Marinas (BoatUS.org/spill-prevention).

575: Locations across the United States where you can borrow a child’s life jacket for free from the BoatUS Foundation’s Kids Life Jacket Loaner Program (BoatUS.org/life-jacket-loaner).

$1.3 million: Funding over the past 26 years provided to local community groups by the BoatUS Foundation Grassroots Grant Program, which promotes safe and clean boating education (BoatUS.org/grants).

101: The number of Emergency Position-Indicating Rescue Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) available for rent from the BoatUS Foundation (BoatUS.org/epirb).

Boat Insurance

$8 Billion: The total hull value of all boats insured with BoatUS Marine Insurance (BoatUS.com/insurance).

50%: The percentage of a marina’s haul-out bill that BoatUS Marine Insurance will pay to help avoid damage from an approaching hurricane (up to $1,000 total) (BoatUS.com/insurance).

1983: The year the first BoatUS Marine Insurance Catastrophe Team is established to assist Houston Yacht Club following the disastrous landfall of Hurricane Alicia. This set the course to become the nation’s expert in hurricane damage avoidance (BoatUS.com/insurance).

Up to $500: The amount the BoatUS Angler’s Best insurance policy will reimburse a member should an insurance claim cause them to miss or withdraw from a competition (BoatUS.com/insurance).

$939,800: The maximum amount you can be held liable for under federal law for fuel-spill damage to the environment and the amount of the coverage that a BoatUS Marine Insurance program policy provides (BoatUS.com/insurance).

Government Affairs

1: The number of national boat-owner organizations with a full-time government affairs staff (BoatUS.com/gov).

12: The number of individual legislative and boating community issues, from Florida Anchoring and Ethanol, to Aids to Navigation and boating access, that BoatUS Government Affairs works on in an average month (BoatUS.com/gov).

239: The number of groups, organizations, government agencies, and legislative leaders BoatUS works with in an average year to support boaters’ interests (BoatUS.com/gov).

Consumer Affairs

11,216: The total number of complaints filed and searchable in the BoatUS Consumer Complaint database since 1992 (BoatUS.com/consumerprotection).

257: The number of consumer issues, such as warranty disputes and contract disagreements, that the BoatUS Consumer Affairs division resolved for members last year (BoatUS.com/consumer).

136: The number of issues of Seaworthy, a boat damage avoidance and boating safety publication created by the BoatUS Marine Insurance Program, that have helped BoatUS members avoid boating mistakes for 34 years (BoatUS.com/consumer).

Staff

592: Total number of employees at BoatUS National Headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and 24-hour nationwide Dispatch Centers and insurance sales/claims offices in Costa Mesa, CA, and Jacksonville, FL.

24: The number of volunteer (unpaid) positions BoatUS management holds in an average year on outside boating-related advisory boards, professional associations, and philanthropic organizations.

###

Suggested Tweet: BoatUS celebrates 50 years in 2016, and the numbers have a story to tell http://goo.gl/UaqhZ4 #BoatUS

Suggested Facebook post: Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety organization, taking care of America’s recreational boaters for over 50 years. A new look at a few numbers behind the over half-a-million member association may surprise or even astonish http://goo.gl/UaqhZ4

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS): Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

 

 

Products

Raymarine Releases Major Performance Upgrade to its Evolution Autopilots
Self-Calibrating 9-Axis Autopilot is Now Even More Responsive

FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announces the release of Evolution™ Release 4 (R4), the most significant update to its award-winning Raymarine Evolution Autopilots.  Engineered for both sailing and power boat applications, Evolution R4 brings wind and waypoint autopilot steering to new level of accurate and responsive control, making steering to a destination easier, faster, and more efficient.

At the center of every Evolution autopilot system is the 9-axis EV sensor core.  The EV sensor core intelligently monitors vessel motion in all three dimensions, adapts to changing sea conditions, and makes autopilot installation easier by eliminating the need for complicated setup and calibration.  With the Evolution R4 upgrade, the role of the EV core sensor is expanded with patented algorithms for improving the accuracy of measured wind conditions. Evolution’s enhanced awareness of wind angle and wind speed allows the autopilot to deliver crisp and responsive steer-to-wind control, giving both cruising and racing skippers the confidence to let Evolution take command in the most challenging conditions.  The R4 upgrade also introduces Evolution TrackIQ™ technology for best-in-class steer to GPS waypoint tracking.  With integration to Raymarine multifunction displays, the EV sensor core’s patented TrackIQ™ algorithms compensate for the effects of sea conditions and vessel motion, allowing Evolution to make smoother steering commands and keep the vessel on a plotted GPS course with incredible accuracy.

“With our advanced Evolution heading and positioning sensing technology, Raymarine autopilots have set a new standard for accurate and responsive autopilot performance in the boating industry” said Grégoire Outters, Vice President and General Manager of FLIR Maritime. “Evolution R4 takes our best-in-class autopilot steering performance to a new level of precision and control that will surely delight and instill confidence in every boater and sailor.”

Evolution R4 also includes user interface enhancements and improved automatic calibration for easier commissioning and operation while underway.  Evolution R4 is available as a free upgrade to all Raymarine Evolution autopilot owners. The upgrade can be downloaded direct from Raymarine’s website at www.raymarine.com/evolution.

 

 

Dock News

BRP EXPANDS NEW ERA OF OUTBOARD ENGINES TO NEW POWER RANGE

With 21st Century styling and engineering, Evinrude presents a new series of outboards

BRP (TSX:DOO) recently announced  the release of the next generation of Evinrude E-TEC G2 models with horsepower ranging from 150 to 200, the E-TEC G2 150, 150 H.O., 175 and 200. Building on the success of the 200 High Output (H.O.) to 300 horsepower models launched in 2014, the introduction of the new mid-range models will usher in a new era of outboard engines to even more boaters.

The new G2, 200-hp outboard engine from Evinrude offers a wide range of styling colors to suit individual needs.

Combining thrilling performance with the most intelligent design and the cleanest outboard engine combustion technology available, the new Evinrude E-TEC G2 models deliver up to 30% more torque, up to 15% better fuel efficiency, and up to 75% fewer total regulated emissions compared to leading four-stroke outboard engines. Available this summer at BRP dealers, the new models will also feature a distinctive, customizable look that allows consumers to perfectly match their boat.

“Our Evinrude E-TEC G2 technology is now the benchmark for outboard engines,” said Alain Villemure, vice-president and general manager of BRP’s Marine Propulsion Systems division. “By expanding this award-winning product line to lower horsepower models, even more consumers can benefit from the industry-leading performance of Evinrude E-TEC G2. From bass to pontoon, center console to aluminum fishing, freshwater to saltwater, the revolution is here.”

Available with integrated Dynamic Power Steering and i-Trim, Evinrude’s intelligent trim system, the new G2 models deliver confident handling and optimal performance at any speed or in any sea conditions. Incorporating steering mechanisms into the mid-section of the engines also simplifies rigging for a cleaner transom. A 20-inch TRAC+ midsection on the 150HP models with i-Trim is also available for boaters that want a lighter package without integrated power steering.

With no required break-in period and featuring standard push-button automatic winterization, the E-TEC G2 product line is one of the easiest engines to own and is covered by an unparalleled warranty – five-years including corrosion with no dealer-scheduled maintenance for five years or 500 hours. E-TEC G2 engines are the first and only completely customizable outboards and new for this year, now available in Mossy Oak and Ice Blue.

A G2, 150-hp in red accents.

BRP dealers and boat builders from around the world, and members of the media were given the opportunity to find out more about this new revolution in the outboard industry as well as test-ride the new line-up during a dealer conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (U.S.) this weekend. The integration of sustainability criteria in the organization of the conference will allow this major event to be certified as a BRP Sustainable Event from the Bureau de normalization du Québec (BNQ).

In addition to the new G2 engine line up, Evinrude also expanded the 2017 product year line by introducing two 60 H.O. models available in 20-inch and 25-inch configurations. These models offer consumers best-in-class performance in the 60 horsepower range and are a perfect fit for most applications where additional performance is desired, including aluminum fishing, multi-species, pontoon, bay and flats boats. The Evinrude E-TEC 60 H.O. models feature three years or 300 hours warranty with no dealer-scheduled maintenance.

BRP’s Evinrude engine line up, from 3.5 to 300 HP, offers customers superior value across a full range of applications. The new engines are available at authorized Evinrude dealerships worldwide. Become part of the online Evinrude community at www.evinrudenation.com and follow Evinrude on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brpevinrude.

For a complete list of new and existing Evinrude dealers, visit www.evinrude.com

 

 

Products

 

Centek Check Valve Helps Prevent Water Backflow To Engines and Generators

A simple addition to your exhaust system can guard against costly repairs

The Check Valve from wet exhaust systems manufacturer Centek Industries helps prevent water from flowing back into engines and gensets.

The check valve will be especially useful on boats and yachts that navigate in a following sea, or when a backdown is needed while fighting game fish.

Like all Centek products, the Check Valve is Lloyd’s Register Type approved. Manufactured from the highest quality, flame-retardant and heat resistant resin, it is available in a wide range of standard sizes for both gas and diesel engine applications.

For more information on this or any of the other products from this company, contact http://www.centekindustries.com

 

Yacht Spotting & New Launches

Grady-White’s Fisherman 236 Redefines 23-foot Center Console Category Through Fresh Features, Exceptional Detail, Performance, Classic Style

The venerated Greenville, North Carolina-based boat builder keeps up the quality and excellence of the product line they have become known for.

 

The proud bow and handsome line of Grady-White’s new 23-foot center console Fisherman 236.

Grady-White’s all-new model Fisherman 236 redefines the 23-foot center console market by not only incorporating the kind of finely-tuned, highly functional fishing features that only 57+ years of hands-on experience can create, but also by seamlessly integrating truly superior family-friendly features and options into that overall design scheme.

A flawless, roomy cockpit with impressive rod and tackle storage, a standard livewell that really keeps bait alive and ready, plus huge insulated fishboxes fore and aft are just the beginning of the fishing features. Impressive and innovative seating includes bow seats with available patent pending fold away forward facing bolstered adjustable backrests. Stand up head area inside the console, and the exceptional attention to every detail that you might expect to find only on much bigger models, instantly impress for family functionality. And underneath it all, the SeaV^2® hull boat strongly maintains the company’s time-tested core values of quality, safety, reliability and performance–all in a beautiful package of superbly-engineered elegant, classic style. Sweet!

Christian Carraway, Grady-White design engineer on the Fisherman 236 project, enthuses, “Here’s the boat of choice when your first loves are fishing and family…and not necessarily in that order. First, it is a super, solid sport fishing boat with the function of that activity optimized beyond anything else in this size range. Yet all that Grady-White fishing-savvy wisdom, engineering and design experience is seamlessly incorporated into a boat that’s incredibly versatile for family times, including practically any activity on or in the water.  Once again we have pushed the boundary of just how many big boat features could be incorporated. Refreshing new styling on the Fisherman 236 is innovative, yet stays true to core values and design integrity. The result is a sleek, forward-thinking center console with timeless Grady-White appeal.  This is a Grady-White that delivers very high value and stays true to the company’s family fishing heritage.”

The factory floor at the Greenville, North Carolina facility is always a bee-hive of activity.

Standard features aboard the Fisherman 236 include new built-in swim platform extensions port and starboard that double as convenient boarding areas, with starboard side deck level auxiliary anchor storage. The starboard platform features a sturdy, four-step swim ladder. There is easy access via Grady-White’s heavy-duty transom door–super safe and secure with positive locking hardware that befits a much bigger vessel. Additional deck level storage is featured on the port side, forward of the platform extension.

Aft cockpit space is beamy so there’s more room for any activity than in other 23-foot center consoles. Grady-White’s patented aft bench seat is standard, providing seating when needed and folding away when things get busy. For tow sport enthusiasts, there’s a super easy-to-use optional ski pylon that tucks quickly into the transom when you’re ready to fish.

Standard helm seating is a lean bar with backrest, flip up bolster and rod storage as well as knife and pliers holders. Upgrades include a deluxe lean bar with additional livewell capacity. The helm itself is ergonomically arranged. Systems and controls are at the fingertips.  Boats equipped with the optional T-top have a highly functional and full height windshield integrated from the console to the T-top.

The console’s oversized enclosed compartment is complete with standard portable head, LED lighting and plenty of extra storage. The bow anchor locker is available with an optional windlass. There’s seating room enough for up to six people on the thick, comfy port and starboard bow cushions, or passengers can enjoy the optional patent pending fold away forward facing bolstered adjustable backrests for a super comfortable seat in the bow.

The Fisherman 236 and all Grady-Whites are available in one of six hull gelcoat colors or one paint color. Every model features the remarkable performance of a SeaV^2® hull that provides a softer, drier, more stable ride, meaning you can enjoy more days on the water more often.

Established in 1959, Grady-White builds a full range of versatile, saltwater-tough center console, dual console, express and walkaround cuddy cabin sportfishing and coastal family boats from 18 to 37 feet in length. Grady-White is historically renowned for and highest rated in customer satisfaction by every third party study ever done in the marine industry. Marine Industry Hall of Fame member Eddie Smith and the Smith family have owned the company since 1968.

Visitors are welcome to tour the factory in Greenville, NC, and meet the passionate craftspeople who build the ultimate outboard powered family-and-sportfishing boats. See http://www.gradywhite.com to learn more about Grady-White’s exceptional attention to detail in every boat they build.

Basic Specifications 

Beam Amidships: 8’6″ (2.59 m)

Center Line Length w/o Engine: 23’7″ (7.18 m), not including swim platform

Cockpit Depth: 25″ (0.64 m)

Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees  (SeaV^2® progression)

Maximum HP: 300 (224 kW)

Fuel Capacity – Standard: 115 gal (435 l)

Passenger Capacity: 10

The boat of choice when your first loves are fishing and family. The new Fisherman 236 is a super, solid sport fishing boat with the function of that activity optimized beyond anything else in this size range.

For more information, contact Grady-White at http://www.gradywhite.com

 

Technology

TECH DOCTOR

The Power Installation Dilemma: Who To Do, or Not To Do …
That Is the Question!

 By Don Wilson, Tech Doctor

TECH DOCTOR DON WILSON has worked in technical capacities in the automotive,RV and marine fields and for the military since 1989 and has extensive experience in designing and troubleshooting onboard electrical systems. A former customer service manager dealing with electronic issues, Wilson currently serves as a technical instructor for the RV industry’s RVIA Trouble Shooter Clinics and is a full-time sales application specialist for Xantrex Technology Inc.

Many electrical products are channeled to the end user in one of two primary ways. It is either sold to and installed by the manufacturer, or sold to a retailer where an end user (or service center) purchases it for after market installation. There are also power enthusiasts who dare to install themselves. There are pros and cons to each option, so how to choose?

How about OEM Installations?

Whether you’re dealing with a boat, RV, commercial truck, utility truck, ambulance, or even a military vehicle, optioning an inverter is generally available at the OEM level. One major benefit of the OEM install is that the consumer is able to take full advantage of the manufacturer’s detailed engineering work that has been built into the production process. From the electrical supplier offering applications support, to the OEM’s electrical engineers specifying the best cable size, to the design staff ensuring proper compartment size and cooling, going the manufacturing route provides a highly professional, relatively safe, and efficient installation from concept through production. In addition, the OEM brings solid knowledge of the installation, which allows for outstanding customer support as needed after the sale. These installations are specified and part of a process that delivers production consistency.

On the challenging side, OEMs sometimes offer multiple choices, for example, power level, wave form,  charging capability etc., for a power inverter. The customer is faced with multiple options to choose from, which requires knowledge of how the electrical system will be used, prior to ordering. Those who don’t know often opt for the “biggest/best”, which usually translates to higher cost.

What about qualified service centers?

The term “Qualified Installer” always make me uneasy. I always wonder: “Qualified by whom?” My wife may ask me to change the fluids in her car, which infers she has qualified me as capable of performing this job. However, does her qualification guarantee we’re not going to end up with gear oil in the crankcase? Is she able to appropriately and accurately qualify my capabilities to do this job? I took the car to our dealership and got the job done right.

Case in point, if you need an inverter installed after the vehicle has been built, it is imperative that you find a service center that either has a good reputation, specializes in inverter installs, or has a stamp of approval from the vehicle manufacturer — or better yet, all three. Make absolutely sure that the resource you are considering is qualified to do the work.

Another big surprise: realize that every service center install differs from the one before. There may be the temptation by the crew to use similar components for different installations. For instance, if you’re having a 3000W inverter installed, and the last vehicle they worked on had a 2000W inverter, will they use the left over parts from one, for the next? What size battery cable is being used? Will they use the same cable for both installations, regardless of a difference in cable lengths? These concerns plague my mind and my inbox.

How about the amateur electrician? Can’t I just install it myself?

The first thing I have to say about shade-tree electrical upgrades is to refer once again to the ‘gear oil in the crankcase’ scenario. If you plan on doing an inverter installation yourself, first candidly assess your skills, knowledge and experience. Where do you stand on a scale of 1-10 as far as proven qualifications are concerned, and then subtract two points for safety. If you’re not an 8 or higher, please back away slowly and put the multi-meter down.

In all seriousness, electricity is dangerous! If you’re working on a 12-volt lighter plug or a 300W inverter for the laptop, well then knock yourself out! But please … for larger inverters that require hard-wiring, fusing, voltage-drop calculations, and knowledge of UL standards and the National Electrical Code for AC and DC systems, I cannot stress enough how important it is to get it right the first time. I’ve seen way too many faulty installations that result in property damage and injury to be apathetic in this recommendation.

Always, Safety First!

Ultimately, the bottom line is SAFETY. The OEM install may not be the most cost-friendly, but that slight increase in cost translates to system insurance for longer reliability and safety. The service center/dealer install is acceptable, so long as the staff is knowledgeable and competent in installing complex electronics.

By all means, please totally avoid self-installations unless you are skilled and knowledgeable about the requirements for performing these specific types of installations and have studied the operation/install guide. Good luck in your next electronics purchase … and may you make the right choice for you on your installation!

If you have any questions for Tech Doctor Don Wilson about this or any other topic he covers, please visit the Xantrex site at www.xantrex.com

 

 

Products

New GOST™ EZ Tracker 2.0 Features Long Life, Rechargeable Battery & Input for Contact Sensor or Panic Button

Compact unit operates up to 180 days between charges

The new EZ Tracker 2.0 from GOST™ (Global Ocean Security Technologies – formerly Paradox Marine) provides global tracking and monitoring of recreational and commercial vessels and features an integral, long life rechargeable battery that will allow the unit to operate up to 180 days between charges.

Designed for continuous use where there is no external power source, the compact EZ Tracker 2.0 terminal measures just 10in by 7in by 2in (247mm x 178mm x 48mm). The EZ-Tracker 2.0 has one external interface connector which is used to connect a sensor or panic button and to charge the unit. It also has a key switch that allows you to switch the terminal “On” and “Off.” This helps preserve the life of the battery when the terminal is not in use.

When the sensor or panic button is activated the unit will generate an ‘in alarm’ message with the vessel name, latitude, longitude, speed & heading and will continue to do so at whatever interval is selected on the web site for the next four hours. After four hours, the unit will revert back to standard tracking messages at the normal reporting interval. A hardwired sensor can be connected to the device to monitor conditions remotely and the battery will operate up to 6 months between charges (with set to report every 6 hours reporting, approximately 2800 pings).

The terminal incorporates magnetic feet in addition to fixed mounting points to provide greater flexibility to monitor transitory or fixed assets.

For more information about the GOST EZ Tracker 2.0 and other GOST marine security, monitoring and tracking products, visit www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898
Global Ocean Security Technologies – 1200 NE 7th Avenue – Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA

 

Products

Boating World Magazine Features DIY Install Of A
Mist-er-Comfort Misting System

Boating World magazine writer Nick Felix recently completed a do-it-yourself installation of a marine misting system manufactured by Mist-er-Comfort, Inc. aboard his 2004 Wellcraft Coastal 270.

The step-by-step installation process has been posted on the Boating World web site and can be followed by clicking here or by visiting http://www.boatingworld.com/Newsletter/Article/Mister-System.

Mist-er-Comfort misting systems can lower cockpit temperatures as much as 25 degrees F on the hottest days and can be installed easily on biminis, T-Tops or hardtops on any size boat.

All Mist-er-Comfort components are specially-designed and UV-rated for the harsh marine environment. For esthetic purposes, the misting tube can be concealed within the structure of a boat. Multiple misting zones can be operated from a switch on the console. Misting systems can also easily be added even if there is no water tank on board – tank kits are available.

For more information about Mist-er-Comfort marine misting systems, visit www.mist-er-comfort.com or call 1+407.695.0958. Mist-er-Comfort – 5703 Red Bug Lake Road Suite 103 – Winter Springs, FL 32708 USA

 

BoatUS Report

Tax Tip: Boat Owners May Have Federal Tax Deductions Available

Recreational boat owners who paid state sales taxes on a boat purchase, or those who secured a loan to finance a boat, may have some tax deductions coming to them when filing their 2011 federal income tax return. The tax tip comes from the nation’s largest boater’s advocacy group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

The Sales Tax Deduction For boat owners who paid substantial state sales taxes on a new or used boat purchase last year, the Tax Extenders Act of 2008 continues to offer a federal tax deduction for state sales taxes.  Boaters must choose either the state sales tax deduction or state income tax deduction on their federal tax return – you cannot take both.

In addition, to take the state sales tax deduction, the sales tax on a boat purchase must be applied at the same tax rate as the state’s general sales tax. In order to claim the sales tax deduction, tax returns must be itemized. State sales taxes are entered on IRS form Schedule A, line 5b.

The Boat Loan Deduction For those owners with a secured boat loan, mortgage interest paid on the loan may be deducted from your federal income taxes. Taxpayers may use the home mortgage interest deduction for one second home in addition to their primary home, and must itemize deductions on their returns. A boat is considered a second home for federal tax purposes if it has a galley, an installed head and sleeping berth.

During federal budget negotiations last year, Congress sought to eliminate this deduction for boat owners while keeping it in place for second home and recreational vehicle owners. BoatUS lobbied aggressively for a more equitable all-or-nothing approach when applying the deduction, and boaters did not get unfairly singled out.

Some boaters may be unaware of this potential tax benefit because not all lending institutions send borrowers an Internal Revenue Service form 1098 which reports the interest paid. Not receiving the form does not preclude taking the deduction. If a 1098 is not available, boaters should contact their lender for the amount of interest paid and should enter it on line 11 on Schedule A along with the lender’s tax ID number. If a form 1098 is sent, boaters should simply enter the amount on line 10 of Schedule A.

Sorry, AMT For those who fall under the Alternative Minimum Tax, most deductions are unavailable. Boaters are urged to contact a tax preparer or financial advisor for more information.

For more details on the mortgage deduction on boats that qualify, go to www.IRS.gov and download Publication 936 or the Fact Sheets. For state tax deduction information, download Publication 600 which also includes state-by-state tax tables.

About BoatUS: BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.