Recently, we started weaving items from paracord, such as knife lanyards, keychains, and zipper pulls. I learned that experts recommend snipping the ends with micro-shears before melting the tips for a more polished finish. At first, I bought some cheap clippers that lasted only 10 minutes – the tip broke in half on my third snip! My second pair are the XURON 410 Micro-Shear Flush Cutters, and they have truly stood the test of time. They use a patented bypass method that produces a clean, flat cut. I appreciate their accuracy, sharpness, and ergonomics as well. The handles are made of soft-touch TPU-style plastic. Recommended. Made in Saco, Maine. Find them at Amazon...
Top Ten Gifts for Boaters 2017
Looking for just the right gift for the boater in your world? Here’s our list of Top Ten Gifts for Boaters in 2017…
1 The Life Preserver wine bottle cover by Boston Warehouse adds nautical flair and will easily become your go-to centerpiece. Shaped as a traditional life vest, along with a belt and tie. Measures 11-inches by 5-inches, perfect fit for most wine bottles. An instant classic centerpiece for boat, table or home. A great gift for boaters. Find it at Amazon…
2 Waterproof Cree Flashlight This was on last year’s list and we still love it. Many uses. Crisp, compact and bright beam of light. Cree’s last a long time, use a simple battery, and shine brighter than the usual flashlight, plus they are small and light. If you have never had one you’ll be amazed at the distance one can cover. Find it at Amazon…
3There is a reason Nautica Voyage is on this list. It is a classic , smell is not flowery or sweet, more of a citrus. Lightweight, use as an everyday cologne, clean and refined. Find it at Amazon…
4 The Flowfold Wallet is made from carbon fiber repurposed racing sails (perhaps the toughest and lightest materials on earth). Thin as a credit card and so light it floats. Holds up to 11 credit cards plus cash. Designed by surfers and handmade in Maine USA. Find it at Amazon..
5 Boatmodo loves the Boom Swimmer Jr. It’s a lot of boom for the buck! Waterproof, dust and shock proof. Flexible tail that attaches to nearly anything using the same platform as the Urchin, which makes this speaker mountable with all of the screw attachments already available for the R4A Urchin. Suction cup mount too. Red, Blue, White, Aqua, Grey. Find it at Amazon…
6 The Sea Maid Tow Behind Fresh Ice Cream Maker makes fresh home made ice cream right on your boat. Is simle just use heavy cream, a bit of half & half, vanilla or chocolate and sweetened condensed milk or sugar – other recipes are up to you. Spiral exterior keeps Sea Maid spinning in water making ice cream within 25 minutes! Insulated holder aluminum cup, heavy duty bearing swivel line, tightening wrench doubles as a spoon. A great gift for a boater! Find it at Amazon…
7The 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…
8The Yeti Hopper Cooler is amazing and super tough. We have found it can keeps things cold for days. The leakproof HydroLok Zipper technology was taken from survival suits, so you know it’s tough. Holds 30 lbs. of ice or 24 cans of your favorite beer. Liner is resistant to mildew for easy cleanup and storage. When it’s hot and you want to keep a cold one icy cold, Yeti is your best choice. Expensive yes, but well worth the money. “We really love this thing.” -Editor, Yeti Hopper 30 quart available in field tan or fog grey. Find it at Amazon…
9 The book Atlas of Remote Islands is visually stunning and an adventurous discovery of information and history. Open it and uncover the mystery of fifty islands that are both remote and unique – chances are you won’t find these islands in a brochure or as a vacation spot. The author uses historic events and scientific reports to highlight the wonders of each island, locations span from Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Antarctic Oceans. 144 pages, full color maps, bound in black cloth and sea-blue card. “An utterly exquisite object” -The Guardian “…absolutely magical.” – Conde Nast Traveler “If you ever wonder what kind of place ‘real’ books will have in an increasingly electronic world, the Atlas of Remote Islands is the perfect example of the power wielded by a physical artifact. This book is a rare gem. It’s like your favourite children’s fantasy book come to life… it’s a little like Lost, and it is like traveling to the moon.” -Writer’s Pet blog Find it at Amazon…
10 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 comfotable 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…
Our Reader Score
Average: 5 Stars