1. Newport NT300 3HP Electric Outboard
If you want to replace a gas outboard on a dinghy or tender with a quiet, eco-friendly option, the Newport NT300 paired with one of Newport’s lithium batteries is worth considering. The motor comes in two shaft lengths (24.6″ and 29″) and delivers the equivalent of three near-silent horsepower—enough to push boats up to about 12 feet. Matched with Newport’s lightweight 36V 30Ah lithium battery, the complete setup weighs under 50 pounds. In testing, Soundings Executive Editor Pim Van Hemmen ran an 11’7″ rowboat for an hour with numerous high-speed bursts and returned with over 95% battery remaining, supporting Newport’s claim of extremely long runtimes at slow speeds (up to 30 hours and 66 miles under certain conditions). While other batteries are compatible, Newport’s smart batteries pair with a smartphone app for real-time Bluetooth charge monitoring. Motor: $1,199. Battery: $949 newportvessels.com
2. Rugged Road Coolers
Traditional rotomolded coolers are very heavy, even empty. Spencer Sutlive set out to build a high-performance cooler that beats competitors in ice retention and durability while weighing roughly half as much. Using a blast-protective coating originally developed for the military, Sutlive launched Rugged Road in 2021 and refined the line this year with the V2 series in 45-, 65- and 85-quart sizes. These coolers are rugged, float upright even when fully loaded, and can survive extreme abuse—one owner reports a Jeep could sit on one without damage. Lightweight, tough and buoyant, they’re ideal for boaters who want reliable ice retention without the bulk. From $300 ruggedroadoutdoors.com
3. Cressi Flipper Socks
Whether you’re lobster diving, snorkeling a reef or exploring a wreck, fins are essential—but they can rub and cause blisters. Cressi’s flipper socks offer a simple solution. These mid-calf socks are made from 2.5mm neoprene with a Metallite lining that makes them easy to slip on and off. The anti-slip sole works well on wet boat decks between dives, and the socks are designed to fit both closed-foot and open-heel fins. Affordable and practical for frequent divers. $27 divein.com
4. Skeleton Decoy Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential on the water to block harmful UV rays, and Skeleton teamed with Zeiss to build high-performance frames and lenses. The Blaze Orange Decoy model is a favorite of Soundings Executive Editor Pim Van Hemmen for staying secure on the face or cap and for maintaining clear vision when clouds pass. Made in Italy, the frames use Zeiss polycarbonate lenses with a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating that repels water, sweat, oil, sunscreen and dust for easy cleaning and consistent clarity. Skeleton offers multiple frame styles and lens colors to suit different preferences. $239 skeletonoptics.com
5. Clarion CMM-30
The Clarion CMM-30 is a weatherproof marine audio source packed with modern features. It supports digital AM/FM with NOAA weather radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth streaming, USB charging and an auxiliary input. Its compact face fits neatly at the helm and includes a bright, dimmable 3″ LCD display with large, backlit controls for easy use underway. The head unit houses a built-in amplifier delivering up to 100 watts to two main zones and offers eight preamp outputs for expanding to external amps and subwoofers. For boaters upgrading onboard sound, the CMM-30 balances compact design with powerful capabilities. $480 clarion marine.com
6. ACR ResQLink AIS PLB
Personal Locator Beacons are critical safety devices, and the ACR ResQLink AIS PLB represents a major step forward. Winner of an innovation award at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, this unit combines satellite distress signaling with AIS near-field transmission so nearby vessels can acquire your position directly. It broadcasts a 406 MHz distress signal, a 121.5 MHz homing tone, and AIS, and it supports Near Field Communication with ACR’s mobile app plus Return Link Service alerting. Unlike older units that offered no confirmation, this PLB can notify you when your alert has been received and when help is on the way. A compact, life-saving device for every boat’s safety kit. $516 acrartex.com
7. Reliefband Seasickness Preventer
For those prone to seasickness, the Reliefband Sport offers a drug-free alternative. Worn like a smartwatch on the underside of the wrist, it delivers gentle pulses that modulate nerve activity to reduce nausea without sedating the wearer. It’s waterproof, ruggedized for marine use, rechargeable and FDA-cleared. There’s also a module designed to mount under Apple and Samsung smartwatches. Ideal for anglers and cruisers who want effective motion-sickness relief without medication. From $150 reliefband.com
8. Dakine Fish Bags
When your catch is too big for your boat’s fish box—or if you don’t have one—a heavy-duty insulated fish bag keeps fish on ice until you reach the dock. Dakine’s range includes freestanding 2- and 4-foot bags and flat bags up to 6 feet that can handle tuna and wahoo. Built with 305D Cordura HP Ripstop nylon and a PVC interior resistant to fins and teeth, these bags include a 20mm layer of closed-cell foam insulation, a drain plug, and are easy to clean with soap and water. Rugged and designed for serious anglers. From $355 dakine.com
9. Nautical Knots Mug
This 12-ounce ceramic mug keeps your hot beverage close and your knot-tying skills sharp. The handle is shaped like a cleat and the mug includes two lengths of rope—one gold and one blue—so you can practice the eight most commonly used maritime knots, which are printed on the barrel. A clever gift for sailors and anglers alike. $20 philosophersguild.com
10. Toadfish Stowaway Folding Fillet Knives
Toadfish’s Stowaway folding fillet knife blends the convenience of a folding tool with the security of a fixed blade. A stainless-steel frame runs the length of the handle and fully encloses the 7″ or 8.5″ blade when closed, and the frame ends in a carabiner clip for easy attachment to gear. The blade snaps and locks with no slop, giving the feel of a fixed knife. Titanium coating on the blade and frame adds corrosion resistance, and the ergonomic handle with a molded thumb guard makes filleting comfortable. Compact enough for a tackle box or galley drawer. From $40 toadfish.com
11. Simrad Halo 20+ Radar
The Simrad Halo 20+ radome earned its reputation for fast, reliable performance. With the quickest 360° sweep in its class—one second scans at ranges under 1.5 miles—it delivers near-real-time tracking of vessel movement and can display two ranges at once in split-screen mode. Pulse Compression technology provides strong long- and short-range detection with high target resolution and low clutter, despite the compact 20″ diameter. Preset modes (harbor, offshore, weather) plus a custom mode make it versatile for cruising and fishing, while its long-range capability (typically 36–48 miles depending on installation height) helps spot birds and feeding fish far beyond visual range. $2,299 simrad-yachting.com
12. Raymarine Axiom Pro S and Pro S RVM
Raymarine’s latest Axiom Pro displays are powerful multifunction units available in 9″, 12″ and 16″ sizes, running on six-core processors with the LightHouse 4 OS. All models include GPS chartplotting and embedded High CHIRP sonar, well suited to cruising and sailing. The Pro S series targets sportfishing with advanced sonar features, and the Axiom Pro S RVM adds RealVision MAX 3D sonar for exceptionally detailed, high-frequency 3D imaging of bottom structure and fish. These systems network with radar, cameras, audio/video gear and other peripherals, making them a strong choice for anglers and serious cruisers. From $2,749 raymarine.com
13. Xtratuf Vintage Ankle Deck Boots
The Xtratuf Vintage Ankle Deck Boot updates the brand’s popular ankle design with new colors and cordage-inspired pull tabs, offered in both men’s and women’s sizes. Known for dependable traction on wet and dry surfaces, Xtratuf outsole materials provide long-lasting grip and comfort. Owners praise the boots for everyday wear on and off the boat. $115 xtratuf.com
14. Dometic SeaStar Trim Tabs
Trim tabs can make a dramatic difference in ride quality, and Dometic SeaStar’s system modernizes the interface with an intelligent dial controller. Instead of twin rocker switches, you get a single dial with four center buttons and tab-position LEDs around the ring. Turn the dial to level the boat and use Bow Up/Bow Down for angle-of-attack adjustments. A Favorite (star) button stores a preferred tab setting for one-touch recall—handy for counteracting torque steer or returning to an efficient cruise setup. The Home button retracts tabs quickly, and the sealed actuators protect the mechanism from the elements. From $1,200 dometic.com
15. Sionyx Nightwave
For affordable night vision on board, the Sionyx Nightwave camera delivers full-color, low-light video using a moonless-starlight CMOS sensor. Compared with pricier thermal imagers, Nightwave produces clear, real-time color images at a significantly lower cost. It connects to an onboard MFD via analog video input or to a smartphone/tablet over Bluetooth. The 44° field of view can be tilted manually, and the unit is IP67-rated for marine use. Installation is straightforward for DIYers with basic tools. $1,895 sionyx.com
16. PinUltimate Locking Trailer Hitch Pin
Many locking hitch pins corrode quickly in saltwater. PinUltimate tackles that problem with machined titanium components and aircraft-grade anodized aluminum, plus a ConnecTrick quick-release design that makes operation fast and snag-free. Soundings Executive Editor Pim Van Hemmen reports season-long saltwater exposure left his PinUltimate looking new while traditional pins failed. It’s pricier than basic pins, but built for longevity and ease of use. $160pinultimate.com
17. Tsunami SaltX II Spinning Reel
The SaltX II from Tsunami Tackle offers premium reel features at a much lower price than flagship models. With an A6061 aluminum body and rotor, a hammer drag system, and a machined stainless steel drive train, it’s built for durability. Titanium components for the spool lip, bail wire and main shaft, plus a reversable power knob on a machined aluminum handle shaft, round out the package. Available in four saltwater sizes for everything from inshore species to larger gamefish, the Gen-II builds on a strong first-generation design. From $399 tsunami fishing.com
18. Grundens Pisces Women’s Bibs
Grundens’ Pisces bibs for women include an Easy Relief system that makes using the head simpler while kitted out in foul-weather gear. The design borrows the convenience of classic union-suit access but improves it with modern zippers. Constructed from breathable, durable materials tested by Grundens’ female pro staff, the Pisces bibs are built for serious anglers and commercial use. $170 grundens.com
19. PropSpeed & StripSpeed
PropSpeed antifouling coating differs from traditional biocide-based systems by creating a super-slick surface that prevents marine growth from sticking, rather than poisoning it. Owners report extended protection on running gear—one photographer kept his 1986 Grand Banks 32’s gear clean for two years. StripSpeed, a newer companion product, simplifies PropSpeed removal: apply StripSpeed, wait 30 minutes, then scrape the coating away without abrasives or toxic dust. PropSpeed from $178. StripSpeed from $70 propspeed.com
20. Revere 4 Person Life Raft
The Revere Compact life raft fits into a small, lightweight valise for easy stowage and is rated for up to four people. Intended as a bridge between a life jacket and a full-size life raft, it still includes many essential features: dual 200-lb Super Rev ballast pockets, a rescue ring, grasp lines, a sea anchor, a full rain-and-sun canopy and a sealed non-refillable CO2 charging cylinder. A practical emergency option for boats with limited storage space. $1,650 landfall.com
21. Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest
Minn Kota’s Riptide Instinct Quest brings advanced anchoring and trolling features to saltwater boats. With built-in GPS the motor can hold position, maintain a steady drift direction and speed, or be controlled remotely with a wearable remote. Auto stow/deploy removes manual lifting, and a new brushless motor runs longer and provides more torque than previous models. Available in 24V and 36V versions with shafts up to 100″, the Riptide Instinct is capable of handling larger boats and demanding saltwater conditions. From $4,399 minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com
This article was originally published in the December 2023 issue.