Yachting Monthly picks some of the latest equipment to look out for this year
The Yachting Monthly team selects some of the latest gadgets and equipment which will be launched in 2019.
Triskel Marine Integrel
Triskel Marine Integrel was the overall winner at the DAME Design Awards
Described by Nigel Calder, the systems consultant, as an alternator on steroids, the Integrel system is so much more than just an extra alternator, it’s a full charging, storage and distribution system.
While the system operates on 48V it also converts it to the boat’s operating voltage. The system comes complete with 9kW generator, mounting kit, system controller, battery sensor, battery charger, touch screen interface, 48v 10kWh lead acid battery bank, 3kW inverter and wiring looms.
Put simply, it replaces a conventional diesel generator by taking excess power from the yacht’s engine (power not used to drive the propeller) and uses it in a highly efficient generator which can even deliver high charge, even when the engine is on tickover.
Price: Not yet announced
www.integrelmarine.com
RCR Bilge Away Bilge Filter
The filter uses treated silicate sand to remove and neutralise oily waste. Credit: Graham Snook Photography
No-one wants to pollute when they pump out their bilges, but on older boats, some oil in the bilges is inevitable.
Rather than using ‘disposable’ oil absorbers, this bilge-water filter removes and neutralises oily waste with a specially treated oleophilic silicate sand, to the point that the sand can be naturally composted with no harmful waste.
One filter can absorb half a litre of oil and will not restrict water flow.
Depending on the boat, one filter will last from six months to five years. The makers recommend having a separate bilge pump or a diverter valve for emergencies.
Price: £80-100.
www.rivercanalrescue.co.uk
Barton Marine Quick Cleat
A quick way to secure a line to a dinghy
The Quick Cleat from Barton Marine is a small nylon cleat that gives the user an easy way of securing a line (up to 6mm and 13.5kg).
A twist action against a spring opens the cleat and the line is inserted. The spring closes the inner part and the line is secure but can be easily adjusted.
It’s a quick way of securing a line to a dinghy or kayak and, in inexperienced hands, it’s more secure than tying knots.
Price: £17 for two.
www.bartonmarine.com
Scanstrut ROKK Active
The ROKK Active allows you to charge your mobile using wireless technology, and got a special mention at DAME
Charging your phone and keeping it visible and secure while heeling over is a problem.
The ROKK Active is a IPX6 waterproof wireless charger from Scanstrut that can be mounted on a flat surface and, once wired into the yacht’s 12V supply, will charge your mobile using wireless technology, even through waterproof cases.
If your phone doesn’t accept wireless, Scanstrut sells a pad that attaches to your phone and plugs in to your charge point.
Price: £132
www.scanstrut.com
Lewmar Epsilon & LFX Fluke Anchors
It’s been a while since we’ve seen some new anchors from British company Lewmar. But, like buses, you wait for one and two come along at once.
The LFX Fluke has a large fluke area, adjustable fluke angles and is made from high-grade aluminium. It will be available in weights from 2kg-10kg.
The Epsilon is a progression from the Lewmar’s popular Delta anchor and has been designed to compete with other new-generation, super high-holding power anchors.
It is available in both galvanised- and stainless-steel versions and will be available in weights from 6kg-63kg.
Price: Not yet announced.
www.lewmar.com
Shakespeare Galaxy INFL8 Emergency VHF Antenna
The Shakespeare Galaxy INFL8 won in its category at Dame
If you’re dismasted, an emergency VHF antenna is far more effective than a handheld VHF due to transmitting power, but most emergency antenna are quarter-length helical antenna rather than full height, which is detrimental to range.
The Galaxy INFL8 antenna uses an inflatable tube with a 16g CO2 cartridge and a manual inflate valve to set the element of a full 3dB antenna to a height of 1.6m.
It comes with 4m of coaxial cable and a splicing kit – various fittings are optional. The bladder has straps for attachment and a marker for the start of the element.
Price:£149.98
www.shakespeare-ce.com
Crewsaver Ergofit+ Lifejacket 190N/290N
The hood has two hoops to keep the visor clear of the face. Credit: Graham Snook Photography
Crewsaver have been working with the French lifeboat organisation Les Sauveteurs en Mer as well as the aeronautical industry to improve their established ErgoFit lifeackets.
The major changes are seen in the hood, which now has two hoops to keep the visor clear of the face, as well as a dark fabric baffle to stop the wearer being blinded by the strobe.
The lifejacket can now include Exposure’s OLAS Bluetooth MOB alarm system (for £50 extra).
The bladder has also been remodelled to improve freeboard, support a clear airway, prevent wave funneling and allow movement for self-recovery.
Price: £220-295
www.crewsaver.com
Digital Yacht AIS Class B+
The transponder increases the transmission rate relative to the yacht’s speed. Credit: Graham Snook Photography
Digital Yacht unveiled its new Class B+ AIS at METS. The Class B+ is an AIS transponder that transmits in 5W rather than 2W. It ensures transmissions are more reliably received in busy areas. The increased power makes it suitable for AIS tracking. Class B+ also features SOTDMA – so it ‘books’ its transmission slots on the AIS frequency in advance. The transponder also increases the transmission rate relative to the vessel’s speed. The B+ is also available as the AIT2500 and AIT5000, the latter has Wi-Fi output and built in VHF splitter (£1,170). Both units output in NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 and USB.
Price: £690
www.digitalyacht.co.uk
Spinlock Vito Lifejacket
The Spinlock Vito lifejacket got a special mention in the Dame awards. Credit: Graham Snook
Spinlock’s Deckvest lifejacket made a splash when it first launched, and it’s new VITO design aims to do the same.
Using key developments from the Volvo Ocean Race, the main change is the inclusion of a harness quick-release system, should the wearer become trapped.
It also has a single side closure to help avoid tangles.
It’s contoured to make it more comfortable and includes Spinlocks pylon and lume-on lights.
Price:£250
www.spinlock.co.uk
Garmin Inreach Mini Marine Bundle
With the Inreach, sailors can be notified that help is on its way
Satellite communication is the only reliable way to keep in contact or alert the emergency services when you’re out of VHF or mobile range. But in an emergency it’s often press-and-pray; as you have no way of knowing if your alert has been received. The inReach enables satellite messaging, so the emergency services can reassure you help is coming.
Even if it’s not an emergency, using a smart phone, tablet or Garmin chart plotter, texts can be sent and received (subscriptions start at £14.99/month) anywhere with satellite coverage.
The bundle comes with a bracket that supplies power to the unit and is also available without the bracket for £299.
Price: £349
www.garmin.com
Ocean Signal ATB1 Class B AIS
This AIS transmits every 5 seconds rather than every 30 seconds
Ocean Signal have introduced a Class B AIS transponder that allows leisure users access to the type of Class A service previously restricted to commercial shipping. Similar to Digital Yacht’s new offering, SOTDMA technology allows this transponder to book a transmit slot.
It transmits every 5 seconds, rather every 30 seconds, and does so at 5W power rather 2W, ensuring greater visibility to other vessels. The picture of other vessels it produces can be shared via NMEA 2000 and 0183 as well as via WiFi and USB connections.
Price: £779
www.oceansignal.com