BEYOND SIGHT

Get a better view of all the boating action that's out there with West Marine's Lake Tahoe Binoculars ($49.99). These binoculars offer crystal-clear viewing in any weather conditions because of their waterproof construction and fogproof nitrogen filling. They're lightweight and have multi-coated lenses with BK-7 roof prisms for crisp imagery. There's also an 8x32 center focus, 16mm eye relief and a 6mm twist-up eyepiece.

(800) 685-4838, www.westmarine.com


BRIGHT IDEA

You may have a difficult time trying to get your regular butane lighter to work while boating in wet or windy elements. A beneficial backup is Sunlighter Inc.'s Sunlighter ($17.95). It's both 100-percent windproof and waterproof, and creates zero hydrocarbons, emissions, greenhouse gases or carbon dioxide. Simply using the laws of tabletop physics, the Sunlighter's curved parabolic surface is solar-powered to light anything from wood kindling to cigars and cigarettes. It even works at night, using a flashlight as a light source. Included is a 4-inch compact carrying case, and both
a cigar and cigarette adaptor.

(800) 803-4370, www.sunlighter.com


ALL SCREWED UP

Instead of lugging a bulky tool kit around the boat, why not have all of your blades in one system? It's possible with Wiha Tools' Drive-Loc VI (sets range from $42.78-$81.48), a locking blade system that can hold over 50 screwdrivers and blades: Phillips, Torx, Pozidriv, Slotted, Tri-Wing and more. Drive-Loc VI has a chrome, corrosionprotected finish, and also includes a bit holder for 1/4-inch bits and an adapter blade for 1/4-inch sockets. The handle is designed with a SoftFinish cushion grip for roll-off protection, and its clickstopball clamp allows you to rapidly change blades.

(800) 494-6104, www.wihatools.com


OVER AND OUT

If you're a newbie to the world of marine VHF radios, try Eagle's entry-level handheld EHR-10 ($89.99). The EHR-10 is a 5/1-watt waterproof radio that features all legal U.S., Canadian and international channels; a four-bar battery  indicator; bright-red LED TX transmission confirmation indicator; and has the ability to meter the energy of incoming/  outgoing calls and weather alerts. The function keys illuminate in low light, and its backlit LCD display is larger than  most handhelds. It also includes a NiMH battery pack and charger.

(800) 324-1354, www.eaglesonar.com





FIRE WHEN READY

Kids can experience their own swashbuckling adventure with Captn. Jack's Remote Control Pirate Ship ($69). With a realistically-detailed design, this three-masted pirate ship will keep children on the water for hours. The ship has powerful motors inside and counter-rotating propellers underneath to give it surprising speed and maneuverability. And with a press of the remote control button, the cannon lights up, elevates and fires.

(800) 227-5225, www.capjack.com



WATCH YOUR BACK

Backing up your tow vehicle can be an intimidating task, especially when you're hauling around your boat or personal watercraft, and there are adults and children walking around. Since most tow vehicles have larger blind spots, it's difficult to see what's behind you, and that's why Visualogic's HindSight C-1000 Vehicle Backup System ($499) can come in handy. It includes a 3 1/2-inch, full-color reverse monitor, which captures a viewing angle of 120 degrees, and a waterproof, swivel-adjusted VersaMount camera that mounts on the top or bottom of the licenseplate frame to help you safely reverse. All the necessary mounting hardware is included as well.

                                                (800) 624-7960, www.vizualogic.com




LIGHT THE WAY

Whether you need light for nighttime boating in unfamiliar locations or for emergencies, Allsman Enterprises' AE Xenide Personal Searchlight ($395-$435) is your go-to device. According to Allsman, the Personal Searchlight delivers 10 times the lumen output of traditional incandescent flashlights. So in case of an emergency, it can be seen for miles if assistance is needed. After all, it was originally used for law enforcement, maritime interdiction and border patrol. It's waterproof, lightweight and has a redesigned reflector and lamp for a better focus, and higher lumen output to distribute more light so you can see a target with a sharper and crisper beam.

(541) 471-8988, www.aelight.com



MULTI-TASKER

Tackle more than one onboard odd job, be it during the day or at night, with Buck/Whittaker's X-Tract LED Multi-Tool ($65).The X-tract is a one-hand operable device that includes an integrated 5mm LED flashlight to shed light on those hard-to-see spaces. Extra features include a can/bottle opener, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, workman-sized Buck blade, and spring-loaded needle-nose pliers with wire cutters. The neat part is that it only takes a push of the thumb to access every tool.

(800) 326-2825, www.buckknives.com



BYE BYE BIRDIE

Boaters who have to put up with birds - and their messes - can now get rid of the problem once and for all with WhirlyBird Solutions' WhirlyBird Repeller ($39.95). The repeller catches the slightest breeze and spins, making an annoying sound that birds dread, and therefore avoid at all costs. The WhirlyBird is made of recyclable plastic that's tough enough to withstand winds, and it's ideal for boats, marinas and docks.

(800) 377-1103, www.whirlybirdrepeller.com





HOLD 'ER STEADY

For anglers who are passionate about their sport, a nice conversation piece to have on your office desk is Henry's Tackle Rod Rack Business Card Holder ($6.99). The card holder is decorated with miniature rods and reels (the decorations are sold separately), which are so detailed, they actually resemble the real deals.

(800) 685-4838, www.westmarine.com