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Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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    As East Coast Editor, I was in every issue of Powerboat Magazine for 40 years. Although Powerboat ceased publication, my love of boats, and marine gadgets continues and you can find some unique and interesting products here. If you're into Performance Boating Jason Johnson and Matt Trulio of Powerboat Magazine carry on with news for the go-fast set with their web based http://www.speedonthewater.com/.

    Entries by The Giz Wiz (91)

    Monday
    Feb012016

    Use WD-10. (Who Doesn't?) Here's the best version ever.

    If you're any sort of handy-person you have probably used. WD-40. You may have also tried to spray WD-40 into a hard to reach place only to discover you pretty much sprayed it on everything but not exactly the spot you wanted. There's where the new WD-40 Multi-Use Product Can comes in. It features a long, 8" flexible straw that bends and keeps its shape. That means users can get around corners and crevices, and up and under things, to spray the same WD-40 Multi-Use Product most of us have used elsewhere. To quote Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company: “This new delivery system gives trade professionals and DIYers the ability to reach the unreachable and accomplish difficult tasks in overhead areas, under the sink plumbing components, or specific sections in motors and engines, among numerous other uses.” WD-40 EZ Reach should be just about everywhere by now and I've seen it for about $8 for a 14.4oz can.If you don't need to use the EZ Reach straw, just fold it down and use the WD-40 the normal way. I think this is a great idea for spraying those hard to reach areas. For more information about WD-40 EZ-REACH and how it can help you get WD-40 Multi-Use Product into hard-to-reach places, visit

    www.WD40.com/EZ 

    GizWiz Video: https://youtu.be/wf-5htVslvE

    Thursday
    Oct292015

    Want to shoot 1080P video as you drive your boat?

    You don't need to use your hands to shoot video with Pivothead Smart Glasses. A 1080P video camera is built right into these glasses. But it should be on the calm side because there's no 'image stabilization in these glasses." 

    I first wrote about Pivothead glasses in 2012. I even used them at CES 2013 to shoot video. Pivothead glasses contain a small, almost hidden 1080P video camera built right into the frame of a pair of glasses. It's taken a couple of years, but now Pivothead is introducing their next generation: Pivothead SMART. And SMART stands for Simple Modular Application-Ready Technology. (I doubt if you'll ever hear that phrase again!) Like the original Pivothead glasses, the new SMART provides full 1080p high definition (HD) video and 8 megapixel photo capture. But the new model add Smart Mods. And what are they? SMARTMods are accessories that add power, connectivity, and apps. There is 16GB of internal memory in the Pivothead glasses, but you can add removable micro SD memory with mods. Interchangeable fuel Mods let you continuously add replaceable power to the glasses. You also control your glasses wirelessly from your smartwatch, smartphone, & more. Quick Pairing instantly pair via Bluetooth with integrated NFC. Android and iOS apps are available. The new model is available in plain glass, or customize them with your own prescription. Retail of the model is $349. The original Pivothead glasses are now marked down to $199.00.
     
    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/-F0yBRmARtQ
     
    Company website: http://www.pivothead.com/

    in these glasses.

    Wednesday
    Sep162015

    Winter again? I'm not a big fan of the cold months.

    And if you love boating, winter seems even longer. Since we can't change the seasons, I'm passing on this ---

    No-Cost “Boater’s Guide To Winterizing” Offered by BoatUS

    Water expands in volume by about nine percent when it freezes, creating a staggering force that can crack a boat engine block, damage fiberglass, split hoses, or destroy a boat’s refrigeration system overnight. As cold weather approaches, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) dug into its claims data and found that more than three-quarters of winter-related claims involved cracks in the engine block or the exhaust manifolds. Now, the national boating services, safety and advocacy group has available at no-cost a 15-page “Boater's Guide to Winterizing” that can ensure boaters don’t miss a step for any type of boat.

    “Boaters up North know they need to winterize, so their freeze claims almost always involve poor winterizing,” said BoatUS Director of Technical Services Beth Leonard. “In the temperate South, the issue can be a case of no winterizing, or relying on a heater when the electricity goes off, usually when you need it most.”

    The downloadable brochure addresses the reasons for more than 95 percent of the freeze claims handled by the BoatUS Marine Insurance Program in the past decade. Included are chapters on: Storing your boat - The options and the tradeoffs; a Winterizing Checklist to use as the starting point for creating your own boat’s winterizing list; Engines and Drives - The dos and don’ts; and Plumbing - Getting the water out, which is great for larger boats.

    Additional information includes tips on choosing antifreeze, lessons learned from BoatUS Consumer Affairs about protecting yourself with a winterization contract, and green winterizing information.

    The checklist is available at www.BoatUS.com/winterizingguide.

    Saturday
    Sep052015

    Docking - made easier.

    The folks at BuoyRope say they created the only quick docking line that enables you to set your boat fender at the perfect height and secure it to the dock at the same time. From checking out their website, this does seem like a great idea for sport boats and personal watercraft. For larger boats BuoyRope can be used as an adjustable fender holder. BuoyRope combines the strength of a nylon shock cord with the versatility of a loop-based rope and steel S-Clips they call LoopClips. BuoyRope can be used as a secure docking device for chaining boats together, attaching personal watercraft, or mooring the boat at the dock. But wait, there's more! When you are not using the BuoyRope dockside, simply remove the fender and use it as a “tie-down” for your gear such as life vests, skis, coolers, fishing poles, or inflatables. The BuoyRope comes in black, pacific blue, red or yellow and is 5 feet in length. Each comes equipped with one stainless-steel double-gated LoopClip. They range in price from about $19.99 to $49.99 for combo packs. But you can find all the details and prices at their website: 

    http://www.looprope.com/

    Saturday
    Sep052015

    Ten Times Stronger Than Most Standard Bungee Cords.

    I’ve been using Shockles on the lines of my 25’ work boat for years now. They work great cushioning the shocks of big wakes on my boat at dock. But now there’s something new, a mini version, the MiniShockle. Stronger, tougher and more secure than a bungee cord, Davis Instruments' MiniShockle is a bungee cord on steroids. It's ideal when boating, camping, biking, motorcycle riding or anytime a load needs to be solidly and safely held in place. Featuring UV-resistant nylon webbing sewn over marine-grade elastomer, the MiniShockle uses 316 stainless steel wire gate snaps that hold up to 300 lbs. That's ten times the capacity of most standard bungee cords.   Davis Instruments' MiniShockle is black and comes in three sizes, 12", 18" and 24". Prices start at $13.99. Local Marine stores, or the company website: 

    www.davisnet.com.