Mastervolt, the Dutch-based manufacturer of electrical products, has launched a range of three new 6-volt AGM batteries. Each high-capacity model is designed to form a building block for a fully customised battery bank, allowing 12, 24 or 48-volt banks to be created in restricted space. The new batteries are entirely maintenance-free and can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. They are also completely safe, as any gasses released during charging are re-absorbed inside. The sealed cases are ventilated by the surrounding air, so there is no need for complex vented battery boxes and, should the battery be significantly overcharged in a faulty system, then a special safety valve will vent away the pressure. Each 6-volt battery is fitted with double terminals to aid multiple connections and comes in a 260Ah, 340Ah or 400Ah configuration.Tuesday, 14 June 2011 15:28
OverBoard is famous for making waterproof gear in all kinds of forms, from small phone cases to large sports bags - and here in the form of the excellent Overboard Backpack, it might just be having its finest hour. This Premium Waterproof Backpack comes in either 20 or 25-litre capacity. You get heat-welded seams, a two-way roll-top closure system and plenty of adjustable padded straps to keep you well supported and comfortable. There is useful back venting to help keep sweat at bay and an attention to the small details you rarely find on a dry bag. It’s astonishingly good value and, as a means of keeping your gear free of water, dust and sand, it’s about as good as we’ve ever seen.
Price: from £34.99
www.over-board.co.uk
OverBoard, the official kit supplier to the RNLI, has launched the Waterproof Zoom Lens Camera Case. The 0.42mm matt TPU material case allows you to go down to a depth of 19 feet and still take pictures with your regular digital camera. The case is largely transparent so the photographer can see the subject clearly and it will also float safely to the surface should you drop it overboard or let go when diving. The ‘Slide Seal System’ is easy to use and provides reliable watertight protection and the TPU material is resistant to oil and grease (as well as water) and allows excellent flexibility. It’s even environmentally friendly to produce compared to PVC. Great value and top kit.
How do you fancy a seat on the bow that makes you feel like you’re flying? Well apparently, the Flying Seat started out as a stepladder that attached to the bow of a boat to make it safe and easy for people on the beach to get on and off. Then it was adapted as a seat to become two products in one. It fits on most boats, including bow-riders, and it is held on with suction cups and a ratchet strap that will carry as much as a thousand pounds in weight. The straps hook to the bow ring and, for safety and comfort, the seat has a seatbelt and a padded railing, much like the safety bar on roller coasters. Options include fishing pole holders, cup holders and tandem seats, so two people can sit together, as well as a joystick fly-by-wire control on the seat’s armrest that will even give you control of the boat. Simple and quick to fit, whether you want it for the thrill of the ride or for its practical application as a fishing accessory, it looks like a very ingenious leisure accessory indeed.
ACK in the 2011 Dinghy Range by popular demand is the Gill Hurakan Long John wetsuit. Designed to offer the sailing enthusiast a combination of cutting edge materials and functional design, it is developed specifically for dinghy sailing, with 3/2mm neoprene offering decent protection from the water, from the cold and from the friction generated through contact with the boat. The X4 Flex panels create a super-stretchy suit, allowing excellent freedom of movement and eliminating the need for uncomfortable seams and zips. Non-slip knee protectors also provide good grip as well as impact protection, and the seat panel is made from ‘High Tenacity Di-Guard’ neoprene. Sizes range from XS to XL.