Recently, I started weaving simple items from paracord – like knife lanyards, keychains, and zipper pulls. I learned that for a more polished finish, the experts recommend snipping the ends with micro-shears before melting the tips. At first, I bought some cheap clippers that ended up lasting only 10 minutes – one tip broke off on my third snip. My second pair are these XURON 410 Micro-Shear Flush Cutters, and they have stood the test of time. They use a patented bypass method that produces a clean, flat cut. I like their accuracy, sharpness, and ergonomics. The handles are made of soft-touch TPU. Recommended. Made in Saco, Maine. Find it at Amazon…

Despite its compact size, the new Garmin inReach Mini 2 packs a punch. Boasting global Iridium satellite coverage, it ensures seamless communication even in the most remote maritime locations. Send and receive text messages, trigger an SOS signal in emergencies, access weather forecasts, share your location, and with TracBack, find your way back if you happen to get lost. Satellite subscription is required, however plans are affordable freedom-style. In our experience, when you’re out on the water, staying connected isn’t only about convenience, it’s a vital aspect of safety and navigation. Find it at Amazon…

For the hardcore boater the rugged new Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate watch to wear. At 49mm, it is a big watch but feels similar to the old Apple Watch 45mm (the 4mm difference is only 1/16” of an inch). Unlike many big watches it also feels light. In the real world, the always-on larger screen is great for readability, plus you can crank up the font size making texting and typing much easier too. The raised titanium bezel helps protect the massive screen, so knocking around the boat is much less likely to damage. The new three microphone array gives better voice quality when you’re out in the elements. The new orange action button can be used for many functions – you may wonder why all Apple Watches don’t have it. Think action button for quick access to… read more

We’ve written a lot about our older JBL Flip 4 speakers and how much we love them – we liked the first one so much we bought another and put the two in stereo mode. Now that the new JBL Flip 5 is out, we thought we’d review it. The big difference is a larger improved driver (for even better sound) plus an upgrade to USB C charging. Still the same great IPX7 waterproofing, same fast Bluetooth sync and same great bass. Ours fit in the cupholder of our center console and we use them both on sea and land. For around $100 these make a great gift for the boater. We agree with the 1000’s of other 5 star reviews – highly recommended. Find it at Amazon…

We love this knife. The Morakniv Floating Knife is versatile, strong, light, feels great in your hand and it floats. Unlike plastic handles, cork does not conduct cold – it feels amazing, like a fly rod handle. Believe it or not, the cork is very durable too. The fluorescent orange color stands out everywhere – you may never lose this one. The serrated blade is thin, which make it perfect for cutting rope or most anything. We even like the blunt tip which feels less likely to puncture things around the boat (including your fellow boaters). Rugged sheath included. Made in Sweden. Great gift for a boater. Editor’s Choice. Find it at Amazon…

I have wide feet, double E to be exact. Because OluKai’s have a wide toe box, they are my most comfortable boat shoes next to flip flops. I also like that they feel more like a barefoot experience, which feels natural when seas are rocking. The Nohea Moku No Ties are lightweight, quick-drying and perfect for boating (great reviews all around). I fold the back flap down when just relaxing and flip them up when I’m moving around. Not the most durable shoe out there, but they do feel great and look great! Very comfortable and the non-marring rubber soul won’t leave marks on your deck. Find it at Amazon….

The updated 2020 version of SOG’s Keychain Knife is our new favorite little keychain knife. This version is better in so many ways… it’s 100% stainless, beer opener, locking blade with easy-open cutout, a keyring that hinges, plus the handle is now a handsome mat finish. It’s 3 practical tools in one… a bottle opener, a keyring, and a compact 2” blade so you’re always prepared for opening boxes, cutting fishing line or any task that may come up. SOG calls this The Keytron. Designed in USA, SOG products have won favor among law enforcement, military and industrial customers that rely on their tools to perform flawlessly in the toughest, most adverse conditions. Perfect gift for the boater or sailor. Recommended. Find it at Amazon…

I keep my phone, wallet, keys and electronics in my Yeti Sidekick Dry Bag. The best part is how easy the top opens and closes – no snaps, no rolling flaps, and no zippers. The secret is the magnetic HydroShield strip – once closed you can’t even force air out. It’s 100% waterproof, it floats too. Attaches to other Yeti products or any belt for hiking, river or beach. We think you will be impressed with the fast magentic lock and useful size. Ours gets used more than expected. Find it at Amazon…

On a daily basis, we use Ocean Watch App to tell us the current and future tide levels. We like it because it’s simple, well-designed and easy to read quickly. Is this afternoon looking good for a dinner cruise? Fishing an incoming tide? Will Saturday morning be high tide? Download Ocean Watch App, we highly recommend it. Available for iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch. Free at OceanWatchApp.com…

For the money, the JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth Speaker is as good as it gets for the boater. The sound quality is great, bass is good, charge lasts a long time, bluetooth pairing is easy (unlike some others), plus it’s Ipx7 waterproof and rugged. We liked it so much we just picked up a spare and the stereo function works really well. It also features a built-in noise and echo cancelling speakerphone for crystal clear phone calls. Around the boat, these little speakers can take a beating – we store ours in the boat’s cup holder and have dropped it many times with no issues. Available in multiple colors, but we chose white to reduce heat from the sun and to match our boat. If you’re on the fence, try one, you won’t regret it. It’s a great value with many uses… yard, camp, workshop, kayak, pool. Find it at Amazon…

The Yeti Rambler Mug has become our go-to mug. Out on the boat, in any weather, it keeps our coffee hot for about half an hour. The handle is bigger than normal – which is good if you’re wearing gloves or have wet hands. The larger size makes it perfect for soups, stews or the end of the day drink (add your icy cocktail and it stays that way.) Super rugged, a great gift for a boater that will last a lifetime. Find it at Amazon…

John McCain, JFK, Sean Connery, Morgan Freeman, Johnny Cash, Leonard Nimoy… all Navy men. We are big fans too. And this Classic Navy T-shirt let’s us show our support. Soft material, great fit and excellent ink quality. We think the simple combination of dark blue and yellow look great together. Bonus: One sleeve has an understated American flag (and it’s facing the right direction.). Find it at Amazon…

Sunbum Clear Zinc Oxide 50+ (2 Pack) is our favorite sunscreen for the face. Unlike most zinc oxide creams this goes on white but turns clear (so you don’t end up looking like a zombie). It smells good, like a pina colada. In the water, it provides UVA/UVB protection for about 2 hours and it’s oil-free so it does not leak into your eyes. Zinc oxide has natural skin benefits too – it fights acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and more. Get the 2 pack and give one as a gift. Bonus: It’s  made in the good old USA. Find it at Amazon…

Hands down, the Nalgene 12 Oz Flask is the best flask for boaters. First, you can see if it’s clean (unlike most flasks). Second, the sheath comes off so you can mix drinks in it (or use it like a cup). Third, the top doubles as a shot glass. Fourth, the material is BPA-free. Fifth, it is leak proof. Sixth, it is made here in the USA (most flasks are made in China). Choose red or blue. Support America and buy one of each. Find it at Amazon…

The James Folsom Bone + Black is a knife that you will have and use for a lifetime. Featuring G10 scales and a steel liner-lock. The Carpenter CTS-BD1 stainless steel blade holds an edge, resists corrosion and as is easy to care for. With an ambidextrous blade opening slot and reversible clip, tip-up carry, and serious gripping power, this is a blade you’ll be proud to keep on your boat. Find it at Amazon…

Looking for just the right gift for the boater in your world? Here’s our list of Top Ten Gifts for Boaters in 2017…

The Roxant 6×30 Grip Scope “wide view” monocular is both a practical and fun tool out on the water. In the first 2 minutes of use, we spotted 2 dolphins from roughly 2000 feet away. It is weather resistant (not waterproof), has a grippy coating and feels slightly weighty in the hand. Fully multi-coated glass lens with BAK4 green film prism for clear, crisp viewing. Wearers of glasses or sunglasses will appreciate the retractable eyepiece. We love the crisp, wide field of view and ease of use. Find it at Amazon…

Summit Insulated Wine Glasses keep your wine cold out on the boat – or anywhere. Unbreakable stemless 18/8 stainless steel, stylish, colorful with awesome leakproof lids included. Surprise, these are actually light weight, not bulky, and the BPA-free lids are comfortable for sipping and they keep bugs and bees out too. Hint: we prefer the larger 12 ounce size. Sold in packs of two. A great gift for the boater in your life (but you’ll want to keep them for yourself.) Find it at Amazon…

As the season changes to cooler, wetter weather we recommend the 3/4 length Helly Hansen Belfast Jacket. Includes exclusive Helly Tech Protection water repellant treatment, mesh liner, YKK Vislon front-zip, bottom Cinch cord, antic-chafe chin guard and of course the classic style of Helly Hansen. Things we love: high quality, velcro adjusters on wrists, and a front zipper that slides up at the bottom for easier seating. Find it at Amazon…

The Cutco Fisherman’s Solutuion is the knife of choice for many professional fishing guides. The most interesting part is the expandable blade, one quick click and it adjusts from 6 to 9 inches. Sheath converts into pliers to hold fish while cleaning or removing hooks, bult-in line cutter, built-in sharpening stone. Sharp, flexible 440 Stainless blade, super grippy handle. Made in USA. FOREVER guarantee. Find it at Amazon…

In case of an accident, most serious boaters have a “ditch bag” which is large enough to hold epirb, first aid, snacks, whistle, mirror, and important papers. The ACR 2279 RapidDitch Express Abandon Ship Survival Gear Bag is one of the better ones because it’s heavy duty and highly reflective. We wish it were waterproof, but it’s still excellent for storing and quickly locating your survival gear. Find it at Amazon…

The PulseTech SP-7 Solar Charger is one of our best additions to date… no more dead boat batteries. We now have a perfectly maintained 12 volt boat battery at all times. Pulse technology increases battery life by 3 to 5 times, so this easily pays for itself. The military grade solar array is much smaller than most and is virtually indestructible because it’s encapsulated in Lexan. It has a rugged 17 foot cord (with a quick disconnect), so you can mount it quickly and almost anywhere. Small control box stops discharge when light is insufficient, simple red LED lets you know it’s working at full or blinks when not. Built for the Army. Five year limited warranty. Find it at Amazon…

We just got our Sea-tags wristband and it is impressive. There is a waterproof removable bluetooth tracker on the backside that detects your location by using the Sea-tags app – when the wristband is immersed in water a paired phone sounds an alert and a tracking map is displayed to help navigate back to the wristband wearer. In our testing this system is simple, smartly designed and works well to protect your crew (or pet) from man overboard situations. About $80 at Sea-tags…

These little Anchor Bars really work, almost like magic. We bought a few and now store them on the boat (just in case). They are proven to work for 7 out of 10 people, contain no drugs and last over 3 hours. They even taste good! Try for yourself. Find it at Amazon…

The Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Sea Kite Sport Boat Shoe provides great traction on wet surfaces, which is a must for boat shoes – these do that extremely well by using “Adaptive Wave-Siping” soles. We also love the support and comfort because we wear them all day and our feet still feet great. The insole pulls out in case you want to clean or dry. Great with or without socks. Looks so good we even wear them to work! Find it at Amazon…

We’re not sure how long this little seat will last but it’s getting a lot of use on the boat. The Oniva Recreational Reclining Seat is lightweight, folds flat, has an adjustable shoulder strap and is adjustable to six positions. Comes in various colors, the bottom is black (which helps it avoid looking dirty). Works great in the boat or on the beach. Backed by the Picnic Time Family of Brands “Built to Last” Lifetime Guarantee. Find it at Amazon…