There's nothing like a good pair of marine binoculars to bring out the pleasure in pleasure boating. On a recent trip to Alaska aboard a Nordic Tugs 37, I brought along a pair of Bushnell Marine 7x50 binoculars that proved beneficial in many ways. Without them I wouldn't have been able to enjoy as much - and in some cases even see -- the rich wildlife and spectacular views Alaska afforded. Watching whales surface, eagles soaring and bears trudging is possible with the naked eye, but the Bushnell binoculars bring them seven times closer into view, which makes wildlife viewing truly spectacular and more memorable.

The binoculars are also useful in navigating, helping us to spot buoys and channel entrances easier through the UV-coated lenses. The built-in compass allows the viewer to guide the helmsman in the correct direction: "Head 70 degrees and the buoy will be just off your port side." With the push of a button, the compass illuminates in your viewfinder. The compass is also useful to members of a landing party hiking on shore; with the aid of VHF radios they can direct the captain right to their location when it's time to be picked up.

The Bushnell Marine binoculars also come with a built-in range finder and are covered in a soft rubber armor that provides shock protection, an excellent grip, and slip resistance when placed on a slick gelcoat dashboard. To top it all off, they're waterproof. You can get a pair for around $220. (800) 423-3537, www.bushnell.com.