Marine Accessories

A Furuno fishfinder is a type of fathometer, both being specialized types of echo sounding systems, a type of Active sonar. (‘Sounding’ is the measurement of water depth, a historical nautical term of very long usage.) The Furuno fishfinder uses active sonar to detect fish and ‘the bottom’ and displays them on a graphical display device, generally a LCD or CRT screen. In contrast, the modern fathometer (from fathom plus meter, as in ‘to measure’) is designed specifically to show depth, so may use only a digital display (useless for fish finding) instead of a graphical display, and frequently will have some means of making a permanent recording of soundings (which are merely shown and subsequently electronically discarded in common sporting fishfinder technology) and are always principally instruments of navigation and safety.

The distinction is in their main purpose and hence in the features given the system. Both work the same way, and use similar frequencies, and, display type permitting, both can show fish and the bottom. Thus today, both have merged, especially with the advent of computer interfaced multipurpose fishfinders combining GPS technology, digital chart-plotting, perhaps RADAR and electronic compass displays in the same affordable sporting unit.

One of the fastest charging and most advanced battery chargers available is the Guest Battery Charger.  Its advanced micro technology delivers a quick charge for maximum performance. The control center has easy to view functions and membrane covered push buttons. LED indicators show charge status and warning alerts. Specific charge buttons for different battery types (AGM/flooded or gel). Electronic system mounted on anodized aluminum base for heat dissipation and decreased weight. Epoxy coated circuits for water and vibration resistance. Housing has side slots for convection cooling. Meets IP65 water resistance standard.

The ideal efficiency of any size Marine propeller is that of an actuator disc in an ideal fluid. An actual marine propeller is made up of sections of helicoidal surfaces which act together ‘screwing’ through the water (hence the common reference to marine propellers as “screws”). Three, four, or five blades are most common in marine propellers, although designs which are intended to operate at reduced noise will have more blades. The blades are attached to a boss (hub), which should be as small as the needs of strength allow – with fixed pitch propellers the blades and boss are usually a single casting.

A propeller that turns clockwise to produce forward thrust, when viewed from aft, is called right-handed. One that turns anticlockwise is said to be left-handed. Larger vessels often have twin screws to reduce heeling torque, counter rotating  propellers, the starboard screw is usually right-handed and the port left-handed, this is called outward turning. The opposite case is called inward turning. Another possibility is contra-rotating propellers, where two propellers rotate in opposing directions on a single shaft, or on separate shafts on nearly the same axis

A Garmin Fishfinder is an echo sounder or sonal designed to detect the presence of fish in the water and also give you information on how deep the water is and some units will even give you the water temperature.  Some units come with color screens and others are black and white and some Garmin Fishfinders screens can even be watched in the sun.  Garmin has a nice selection of fishfinders to choose from and a lot of different features to look at so you will need to research which one fits what your need will be.  You need to know where you will be fishing, is it salt water or fresh water and this will help choose the correct transducer which you need with a Garmin Fishfinder.

Outboard propellers are as important as propellers for inboard engines because the damaged caused by a damaged propeller is the same.  A damaged propeller causes vibrations that will harm the gears in lower unit which can be a very costly repair bill.  Keeping an extra outboard propeller in your boat is always a good thing to do because if you do damage your propeller you can change it an not do any other damage to you outboard engine.  To make sure you are using the correct propeller for your boat check with your engine manufacture for their recommendation for the correct propeller.

Not all radios are waterproof so when choosing a radio for your boat make sure you select a radio from a large selection of waterproof radios that are available.  Major manufactures such as Boss make radios for all environments so make sure you choose the one that fits your needs and if it is for your boat make sure it is a waterproof radio.  If you are looking for a CB radio for your boat make sure that it is also a waterproof radio because when you are boating their is no way to keep everything dry.

Having fun with inflatable water toys is a great way to have fun on the water using inflatable towables such as the sportsstuff super mable towable which can hold three people.  When you get used to being on the inflatables you will find that their are a lot of things you can make the inflatable do by shifting your weight or by lifting up one side or the other.  On thing to remember is just like any other water sport using inflatable towables can be dangerous so boat in safe areas, do not get to close to the shore and make sure you have a spotter on the boat to make sure the boat driver is aware as soon as someone falls off and puts up a red flag.

Fathers Day is almost hear so why not a Garmin Handheld GPS for Dad, I am sure Dad has been out for a long walk are a bike ride and got a little lost and this would not have happened if he had a Garmin Handheld GPS.   GPS units are not that expensive so it is easy to get the one you think he really needs and will use all the time.  Gps units are good for when you go on vacation and on a boating or fishing trip so get Dad the gift that he needs and wants.

Before you launch your boat this season, it is essential to go through basic preseason maintenance procedures. Taking simple measures, such as changing your oil and inspecting the hull for damage, can save you an immense amount of time and money later on. In addition to a thorough inspection before leaving the dock, you should also bring an assortment of tools and supplies to help you manage any contingency.

Marine battery chargers should always be kept onboard; nothing is worse than trying to start your boat in the middle of a lake only to find that your battery has died. Having extra life jackets, flares and emergency flags on is advisable, no matter how short you plan on your outing being. Be sure to have a supply of extra oil and fuel as well.

For more than 40 years Mustang Survival has provided a Mustang Life Jacket providing life support solutions for people exposed to the most hazardous environments. Through constant innovation and application of new technologies we have established ourselves as a leading supplier of survival solutions to the most demanding military, professional, and recreational users.