Splice a line the EZ way.

If you want to make a splice without having to take a course, check out EZ Splice. You can construct a reliable custom splice on any type of rope, line or bungee cord in just a few minutes with the EZ Splice Fastener. It's manufactured in the USA using a proprietary polymer and high grade stainless steel pins. UV and corrosion-resistant, EZ Splice makes the complicated task of splicing dock lines, spring lines, anchor thimbles, etc., fast and simple. Fasteners are available in white, black and blue in 1/2” (for use with 3/8 - 1/2” lines) and 5/8” (for use with 9/16 - 5/8” lines). ½” eye splice thimble kits are available in white, black and nylon. MSRP US $10.99-19.99. For more information, and a video demo, visit 

www.ezspliceusa.com

Bad Elf can do some good things!

From Home Port Marine News I thought this is an interesting gadget. The Bad Elf GPS for Lightning Connector is a plug-in dongle licensed by Apple that quickly acquires a satellite lock anywhere in the world – without cell tower assistance - to instantly add location support for iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPod touch (5th generation). No Internet connection or monthly subscription is required. Features a high performance, 66 channel WAAS enabled GPS that delivers latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, GPS track and time. The receiver is accurate to within 9 feet (2.5 meters) and performs up to 60,000 feet and up to 1000 MPH. The core GPS module contains support for the Russian GLONASS satellite constellation, allowing for simultaneous capture of position data from up to 33 GPS and GLONASS satellites for improved satellite coverage and position accuracy. MSRP US $129.99. 

More info: www.bad-elf.com

mPower Jump It - a small, light way to jump-start your engine.

Another gadget I found at the boat show that should be great for the automotive market is the mPower JUMP IT. The company says it’s powerful enough to jump start any 12V auto or boat battery, yet it’s small enough to fit in your glove box. I have a lead-acid jump starter device on my boat, but it has several disadvantages. The worst is that the battery slowly discharges, and could be totally dead by the time you really need it. The market director at mPower said their Jump It only had to be charged for about four hours and then would retain it’s power for about a year. It’s also really compact, roughly 7” X 3” X 1.38”. And the weight is a light 1.52 pounds. The portable jump device I have on my boat is roughly 12” X 6” X 7.5 and it weights a hefty 17 pounds. It cost about $90. While my jump starter has a light and an inventor, I would prefer the safety of a lithium ion battery that won’t constantly deplete itself completely when not in use. The JUMP IT is about $120. There’s no switch on the JUMP IT, it has an automatic on feature. It’s rated at 600A peak current and the jumper cables are built in. JUMP IT is just reaching the marketplace and right now it’s available at the company website. There’s more info there too: 

http://www.mpowertech.com/jump-it-car-jumper-cables/#sthash.ygXUmhgT.dpuf 

I haven't used the Jump IT, but I have used with great success, the Cobra JumPack:

http://gizwizbiz.squarespace.com/powerboat-magazine/

Need to work under the engine in the dark?

Then you should know about the rechargeable LED wrenches. 

Working under the hood of your car, or under the sink. Forget needing someone to hold a flashlight. This wrench set has built-in LEDs that provide directional light without wires or hot bulbs. Their only wrenches (the company says) powered by rechargeable batteries. Recessed lights in the cradle of each wrench head come with high- and low-beam settings for precise viewing while working on any dimly lit project. With three hours of charging on the base, each wrench provides five hours of light. That should certainly be enough illumination for the duration of a project. Made of chrome-plated, drop-forged steel, the wrenches' LEDs also feature a flash setting. I’m not sure if you’ll need to attract attention in emergency ‘fix-it’ situation though. Includes seven double-sided wrenches from 3/8" (10mm) to 3/4" (20mm). Recharging dock stands upright on a workbench or hangs on a shop wall. 10" H x 8" W x 2" D. (4 lbs.) Was $129.95 at Hammacher, now $29.95, plus S&H. With tax and shipping, I paid about $40. With the freezing weather in NYC, I haven’t tried these yet, but should be good for boat projects. They are also available at Amazon for about the same price.

 http://www.hammacher.com/Product/Default.aspx?sku=81281 

Amazon link: Bossco 0208 Hi Beam 1st Ever Light Wrenches

Here’s a video from the company:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP55taiweYs 

Most unusual boat of the year. Or perhaps, most unusual ever!

It's The Hot Tub Boat. And yes, it's for sale, or rent.

This is the electric boat with a hot tub built into its deck. Engineered and built in Seattle, WA by a marine carpenter that specializes in custom house boats, the craft's Vinylester hull is topped with a slatted deck handcrafted from African teak. The hot tub measures 8' L x 4' W x 24" D and is positioned on the boat's center of buoyancy, providing the boat exceptional stability. It drafts only 20", even when filled with its maximum load of 2,100 lbs. of water and six adult bathers. An integrated diesel-powered boiler with an adjustable thermostat heats the tub's water to a maximum 104° F. A waterproof stereo system plays music from your MP3 player through two flush-mounted 50-watt speakers that pop-up from the deck. Four ice chests built into the deck provide ample storage for your preferred libation with additional storage compartments fore and aft. A teak swimstep provides easy entry into and from the surrounding water. A 24-volt electric motor propels the boat up to 5 mph on calm water, steered via a joystick by a bather located starboard/aft. Its rechargeable battery bank provides up to 10 hours of power from an overnight charge using its built-in Smart Plug shore power connection and on-board chargers. Includes hot tub cover. Boat: 16' length overall x 6'3" beam. (Dry Weight 1,200 lbs.)  And the cost? $42,000. Special conditions and guarantee limitations apply. Please call 1-800-227-3528 for details.

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/Default.aspx?sku=12211

Company website: www.hottubboats.com