ACR GlobalFix iPro

The FCC has also approved ACR Electronics' latest EPIRB, the GlobalFix iPRO, a next generation 406 MHz EPIRB, which features a digital display screen and dual GPS capabilities. The digital display provides the user with a variety of important information both during operation and self-test. ACR integrated its digital display from research and customer feedback, coming to the understanding that beacon users could benefit considerably from a digital readout.

When activated, the GlobalFix iPRO displays latitude/longitude coordinates on the screen and tells the user that the beacon is working, the amount of remaining battery power, and reinforces the correct deployment of an activated beacon, such as "Leave beacon on until ResQ" and "Do not hold aerial." During a self-test, the digital display provides information, including results of each test (pass/fail) and the final result of all the tests combined. These tests provide status reports on the 406 MHz signal, GPS acquisition, and battery power. It also advises on appropriate routine actions, such as "Send for service."

The iPRO is smaller and lighter than previous models, and uses LEDs for the strobe, which means longer battery life and a better ability to withstand shock and vibration. According to ACR, battery life for the iPro is a minimum of 48 hours. $1,540, www.acrelctronics.com

Davis Instruments Echomaster

When it's dark, foggy, or rain has reduced visibility to nearly nil, you want to be as visible as possible to radar, and even aluminum or carbon-fiber rigs don't show up that well on radar. Davis Instruments has introduced a new model radar reflector, the Echomaster, which, the company says, makes your boat much more visible. In fact, the 12.5" diameter circular reflector plates provide 13.2-square yards of maximum cross section in the X or 3 cm band (9-9.6 GHz frequency).  This is equivalent to the radar cross section of triangular plate reflectors with an approximate 17-inch diagonal dimension. According to Colligo, the quickly assembled, marine-grade aluminum plates are thick enough to minimize flex, and are dimpled to reduce angular distortion. Tough, injection-molded captive corner latches minimize angle error and windage holes reduce aerodynamic drag. There are two models available, the Standard, which sells for $54.99, and the Deluxe Hanging Echomaster, $74.99. The Deluxe Hanging version includes a unique mounting system, enabling the Echomaster to hang from a spreader or rigging. www.davisinstruments.com

PYI Clamp-Jacket

You don't really think about hose clamps until one goes bad, and then you remember that despite their obvious usefulness, they can be a pain. They're often in hard-to-reach places, and their removal demands knuckle-busting contortions with a wrench, screwdriver, or a socket. The worst part of them, however, maybe the sharp metal bits of the tail that stick out as each clamp is tightened.

We've all got scars from these things, but now PYI has released the PYI Clamp-Jacket, a protective cover for those nasty hose clamp tails. This protective cover not only protects the user from possible injury, it helps eliminate wear to surrounding material and gives that errant tail a finished appearance. Manufactured in EPDM rubber, this product is extremely resistant to weathering, performs well in harsh environments such as engine rooms and boats that live in salt water. Clamp-Jackets are available for 1/2" or 5/16" standard hose clamps. www.clampjacket.com
-Tony Bessinger