Walking into the water from your pontoon has never been so easy. For the newest and most convenient way for you or your pet to easily step in and out of the water, try the SeaStep—a retractable set of steps that can be attached directly to the underside of your pontoon.
Featuring a large bottom step for waterside seating, the SeaStep is built from lightweight marine-grade aluminum and has a non-skid marine mat for added safety and comfort. Available in a 1, 2, or 3-step actuated model operated by a momentary switch, the step only requires a small two conductor wire for the self-contained electro-hydraulic actuator. No hydraulic lines are needed. A manual 1-step model is also available. (www.sealiftusa.com)
The new inboard electric steering solution from Dometic provides an environmentally responsible, lightweight, and fluid-free electric alternative for a broad range of boats up to 40 feet in length. With precision control and exclusive steering intelligence for single- and dual-rudder inboard powered vessels, the Optimus Electric Steering System delivers effortless, smooth steering at all speeds, zero free play at the helm, and instant steering response. Designed for harsh marine environments, the system is an easy installation with only four components: the electronic actuator, CANtrak display, wiring harness, and the electronic helm. The Dometic Optimus 3000 Series can also be easily networked with other compatible vessel components, such as third-party autopilots. (www.dometic.com)
Safely Carry Wine On Board
Designed to protect and transport bottles of wine safely, the Vin2Go is a portable wine travel case by FlyWithWine, enabling wine enthusiasts to bring their favorite vintages on board their pontoons. This convenient and protective solution fits up to two bottles of wine, or one bottle of wine and one normal size glass.
Made with a durable semi-hard, shockproof shell case that protects wines and wine glasses from drops and bumps, the Vin2Go ($39.95) also has two pieces of inner cushion to secure the wines inside the case. (www.flywithwine.com)
With a brand-new line of apparel and boating accessories, Bennington offers boaters the chance to showcase their favorite quality brand in comfort and style. The apparel line’s long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, and zip-ups feature weather resistance and 30 UPF sun protection, and come in a variety of sizes for men, women, and children. Lovers of high-quality products will also enjoy over 100 accessories that add convenience and versatility for any adventure including coolers, floor mats, drinkware, and docking kits. The product lineup, including safety gear that meets the U.S. Coast Guard’s strict safety standards, embodies the spirit of Bennington’s stylish and functional luxury. (www.benningtonmarine.com)
Where’s The Paddle?
A paddle is hiding inside each issue of PDB and the names of the first readers to find it are printed in an upcoming magazine! In our January issue the paddle is on page 26 on the porch (shown in the photo below). Here are the readers who spotted it first:
Doug Bestry, Queen Creek, Ariz.
David Groner, Vacaville, Calif.
GW Doxtater, St. Johnsville, N.Y.
Danny Criner, North Chesterfield, Va.
Jim “Big Dog” DeStefano, Brigantine, N.J.
As soon as you find the paddle, email its location, your name, and hometown to
paddle@pdbmagazine.com. Paddle on!
Costa’s Conservation Successes
To celebrate its 40th year, Costa just released its Second Edition: Project Report, which captures the eyewear brand’s ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability. Highlighting the ways Costa works to protect our waterways and natural resources, the project report details products like the Untangled Collection made from recycled fishing nets, initiatives including Kick Plastic and OneCoast to clean up beaches, and a groundbreaking research campaign of satellite tagging 15 Striped Marlin in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. From the use of sustainable and water-friendly materials to its conservation efforts with mission-aligned organizations, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Click the button below to read the report. (www.costadelmar.com)
Bumpers can be difficult to access if they’re hidden under a seat and hard to reach as you’re coming into the dock. BumperMate offers an easy solution to keep bumpers accessible yet still stashed out of the way. Lightweight and sturdy, these bumper racks attach directly to the deck of your pontoon or deck boat with stainless steel screws. You can conveniently dock at your favorite waterfront locations and have your boat bumpers easy to access, without having to rifle under seats to retrieve them.
Located in Wisconsin, the company makes all of its products in the USA from lightweight billet aluminum. BumperMate racks are sturdy and rust-free; standard sizes hold two bumpers. Though the company no longer sells an accessory kit to add additional rings to the holders, they often run sales on both the large and small sizes of BumperMates.
The small size retails for $199.99 and holds bumpers to 6.5 inches in diameter. The large size retails for $239.99 and holds bumpers up to 8.75 inches in diameter. Standard BumperMates are available powder coated in silver, black, or textured black. (www.bumpermateusa.com)
If you want to adapt your pontoon to water sports but don’t currently have a dedicated pylon, the 198 Ski Tow from Accon Marine is a great solution, and works better than straining a cleat. The four-piece, solidly constructed Ski Tow ($57.87) can accommodate standard tow ropes without a snag point and can be flush-mounted on the transom. (www.acconmarine.com)
If you’re looking for new experience instead of yet another piece of equipment, consider booking a unique adventure with Captain Experiences. Helping you schedule the fishing or boating excursion of a lifetime, this Airbnb-like online platform can help you identify fishing charters and other outdoor excursions. Simply enter your destination and date—or browse by location, species or trip type—and the site delivers a list of adventure options with full details including price, length, group size, boat type, and a profile of the guide. With the help of more than 1,500 vetted guides across the United States, you can plan an unforgettable and thrilling adventure. (www.captainexperiences.com)
Impressive Carbon Fiber Steering Wheels
Representing the pinnacle of design and engineering, monocoque carbon fiber steering wheels will add individuality and prestige to any pontoon. Offering unparalleled performance and aesthetics, these lightweight steering wheels are currently available in three designs named Clover, Wind, and Joy. The appeal lies in the premium material of carbon fiber, adding prominence to any boat. Additionally, the wheels can be customized in any RAL color, which is especially popular among pontoon owners given the varied color palettes these boats often feature. Carbonautica guarantees that each steering wheel meets the international standards for strength, durability, and performance with their legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. A glass fiber option is also available for a more cost-effective choice. (www.carbonautica.com)
Finder Of Fish
Get the best view of what’s going on beneath the water’s surface with the newest feature-packed fish finder from Humminbird—the Helix 7. With a high definition 7-inch display and many pre-loaded split screen view options, you’ll never miss a fish again. Features include MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, AutoChart Live, Internal GPS, and the Humminbird Basemap. And since the Helix 7 is compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet networking, you’ll have total control of your fishing machine at your fingertips. The Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp Mega SI GPS G4N retails for $949.99. (www.humminbird.com)
Everyone knows that the best way to seal in flavor and delicious taste is to preserve your freshly-caught fish as soon as possible. The compact and lightweight battery-operated Vacuum Sealer from PacBak is the perfect solution for preserving food right on your boat. It’s easy to transport and slips conveniently into the PacBak Byway Backpack or P88-MK Cooler. With a single charge, the ROAM 18-V vacuum can seal over 50 food bags. Premium clear, food-grade 8- by 10-inch bags come in 25-foot rolls and are ideal for cutting to size. The ROAM 18-V ($249) is also compatible with vacuum seal canisters, and can be set to dry, moist, or canister mode for optimal meat preservation. (www.pacbak.com)