Product Reviews

June 2022

Readywares’ Tool Roll Bag

A waxed canvas, 18-pocket tote for boat and trailer tools

With 18 pockets for tools and a zippered pocket for small items, this waxed canvas roll can keep the tools you need on the road or afloat in a compact water-resistant bundle.

June 2022

Ono Hatchet

A camper's hatchet from Silky

I like the configuration of the Ono—a small hatchet with a big blade—and found it as able a cutting tool as the other Silky tools I’ve bought.

May 2022

7 Seas 3-Eye Sneaker

A flexible boat shoe from Sperry

Sperry’s boating sneaker has scuppers and hydrophobic uppers to speed drying, 360° lacing that provides a snug fit at the heel, and a siped rubber sole for a sure grip on wet surfaces.

May 2022

TotalFair

Quick and easy epoxy fairing compound

TotalBoat’s two-part marine epoxy fairing compound isn’t fussy about mixing, goes on smoothly, and sands easily.

April 2022

Boat Medic

Waterproof first-aid for the backcountry

Accidents happen. If they result in an injury when you’re far from medical care, a good first-aid kit is essential. The Boat Medic kit from MyMedic is well stocked and packed in a durable waterproof case.

April 2022

DeWalt 20v Random-Orbit Sander

Cordless power in your palm

Anyone building a wooden boat is in for a lot of sanding, so it makes good sense to use a sander that is efficient and convenient. DeWalt’s cordless random-orbit sander quickens the otherwise tedious work.

March 2022

Quick Change Jack

An easy lift for roadside repairs

When a trailer’s tires or bearings fail, having the tools to make the change can save an outing from being turned into an ordeal. The Quick Change Jack has no moving parts and takes only seconds to use.

March 2022

Small Boat Head System

A compact way to leave no trace

The Small Boat Head System from Duckworks provides a convenient way to take a restroom break ashore without leaving a trace and afloat if you just can’t wait.

February 2022

Custom Tie-Downs

Purpose-built straps for safe transport

There are many ways to secure a boat to the trailer that carries it, but the best system is one that is just tight enough, doesn’t damage the boat, and is convenient to use. CustomTieDowns offers a wide array of straps and fittings to do the job right.

February 2022

Impact Fenders

Useful beyond the dock

If your boat fenders get put away after launch and stowed until you get back to the ramp, they spend most of their time taking up valuable space. Impact Fenders make themselves useful while you’re underway or taking a break on shore.

January 2022

Third Reef Foulies

A waterproof jacket and bibs from West Marine

The waterproof, breathable foulweather gear from West Marine has lots of features well suited for use aboard small boats. Kent and Audrey Lewis share their experience with their new affordable foulies.

January 2022

Woodboy

A fine-toothed saw from Silky

Silky’s Woodboy folding saw with its fine, non-set teeth, is a tool for fine joinery. Folded, the handle protects the teeth from damage and keeps them sharp.

December 2021

Sealskinz

Waterproof warmth for the extremities

Clothing that blocks rain and spray but lets sweat vapor pass through can make boating much more enjoyable. Sealskinz adds an extra level of comfort with waterproof and breathable stretch fabrics.

December 2021

Magswitches

Hold-downs for shop machinery

Table saws, drill presses, and bandsaws often require feather boards or fences to do work safely and accurately, but clamping these devices is awkward. Magswitches hold them to ferrous tables and can be turned on and off.

November 2021

A Hitch Mount Canoe Loader

A "helping hand" from Reese Towpower

Loading a heavy canoe or kayak on a roof rack can be difficult, if not impossible, if you try to lift it all at once. With the help of a trailer-hitch-mounted loader, you only have to lift one end at a time—safer for your boat and your back.

October 2021

The Hornet-Lite

A packraft from Kokopelli

For small camp-cruisers that are better left at anchor instead of beached, a tender can come in handy, but most would take up too much space. An inflatable packraft can serve the purpose and yet be easily stowed.

October 2021

Chef’s Knife and Floating Sunglasses

Offerings from MSR and Rheos

Floating sunglasses from Rheos reduce the risk of loss and a camper’s chef knife from MSR is a capable addition to the galley.

September 2021

C-Tug

An easily stowed cart for canoes and kayaks

The C-Tug from Railblaza has wide non-pneumatic tires for easy rolling over sand and knocks down for stowing in a small space.

September 2021

Ballast Bags

Heavy-duty water bags for ballast or flotation

Heavy-duty water bags made for keeping canopies from blowing away are well suited for adding ballast to a small boat in need of fine-tuning of trim. Filled with air, they can provide buoyancy for safety.

August 2021

Xtratuf Legacy Boots

XtraTuf traces its roots to rubber boots designed and built for commercial fishermen in 1950. The durable slip-resistant soles and flexible neoprene-lined uppers make today’s models well suited to small-boat cruising.

August 2021

Cen-Tec’s Quick Click

Dust collection for small power tools

Cen-Tec’s vacuum hose and adapters provide an effective means for collecting dust generated by small power tools and help create a cleaner, safer workshop.

July 2021

Sherpak Quick Loops

Handy tie-down anchors from Seattle Sports

Many of today’s cars may have roof racks that can be used to carry canoes and kayaks, but lack tie-down points to keep them from shifting at highway speeds. The Sherpak Quick Loops create those points at hoods and hatches.

July 2021

Neoprene Knee Pads

Protection without bulk

Small boats can require a lot of kneeling and crawling, and knees can take a beating. Neoprene knee pads designed for dinghy sailing provide protection and comfort without being cumbersome.

June 2021

Lunatec Spray Bottle

A better bottle under pressure

A built-in air pump equips Lunatec’s spray bottle with a lot of functions that ordinary water bottles don’t have. From cooling off in the heat of the day to taking a quick sip of water in the middle of the night.

June 2021

Porta Potties

Dometic 972 and Thetford 135

Adhering to the most difficult principle of the Leave-No-Trace ethic is a whole lot easier if you can bring a portable toilet along. We take a look at two compact porta-potties from Thetford and Dometic.