I’m always on the lookout for well-made, practical mounts for portable devices—things like a handheld GPS, an MP3 player or a compact camera. I also needed a simple, sturdy mounting solution for the stern light on my inflatable tender. After trying several options, I found an elegant set of answers from Kayalu, the outdoor-products division of SH Pierce & Company in Boston. Kayalu has adapted a single-point mounting system to suit a number of common boating and paddling scenarios.
Kayalu Single-Point Mounts: Versatile, Durable, Easy to Use
Kayalu’s modular approach centers on a robust single-point base that installs quickly and adapts to irregular, inclined or flexible mounting surfaces. The mounts are engineered to overcome the limitations of rigid pole systems and suction-cup solutions, providing a more secure and forgiving attachment for small boats, kayaks, tenders and other watercraft.
Key models in the line include:
- Kayalite — A lightweight mast fitted with a high-visibility LED marker light that can function as a stern light, deck light or anchor light. Its 18-inch overall height gives good visibility while remaining compact for storage.
- Kayaball — A mount built around a 1-inch RAM-style ball-and-socket interface that accepts a wide range of cradles, holsters and waterproof cases for handheld electronics.
- Kayacam — A camera mount that uses the same RAM-style ball system to secure compact still or video cameras for point-of-view shots or handheld-style recording from small craft.
All three products share the same textured black ABS mast and a 4-inch-diameter foam base that conforms to surface imperfections and helps prevent scratching. A curved tube through the mast protects the internal bungee cord from chafe—an understated but important detail that extends service life. The mounts use a patent-pending tensioning system: a bungee cord runs through the mast and is clipped to an existing eyelet or padeye (which can be easily installed) on the outboard cowling, seat, kayak hull or tender. After placing the mast base over that attachment point, you tension the bungee and secure it to the integral jamb cleat on the mast side. The tension cable keeps the mast upright and prevents it from snapping back or detaching accidentally, making the system ideal for unsteady platforms.
The Kayalite’s LED light is a Tektite Mark III industrial marker light, bolted to the base with marine-grade stainless fasteners and a stainless nylon-insert locknut for corrosion resistance. The Kayaball and Kayacam use the popular RAM ball-and-socket mounting standard, allowing quick, flexible positioning and compatibility with many accessory cradles and cases from RAM and other manufacturers.
Kayaball and Kayalite were priced at $39.95 each at the time of review, while the Kayacam carried a suggested retail of $49.95. These mounts are positioned to be affordable while meeting demanding marine-grade durability expectations. For information, search the Kayalu product pages or contact the manufacturer directly (Kayalu / SH Pierce & Company).
Mustang Water Rescue Kit: Compact, Practical Safety Gear
Rescuing someone in the water follows a basic, proven sequence: 1) call for help, 2) protect yourself, 3) stabilize the victim and 4) retrieve the victim. Mustang’s Water Rescue Kit focuses on the last three steps by providing compact, rugged equipment packed into a bright-yellow, watertight Storm Case.
The kit typically includes a belt-pack inflatable PFD, a Rescue Stick and a Throw Bag—tools designed to be easy to store and fast to deploy. The inflatable PFD is manually inflatable either by pulling a ripcord or using the oral inflation tube, offering straightforward self-protection for the rescuer. It stows small and is well suited for carrying aboard a tender or small boat.
The Rescue Stick is a purpose-designed throwable aid. Weighing about one pound and measuring roughly 16 inches before inflation, it inflates automatically seconds after hitting the water into a horseshoe-shaped float with handles. That horseshoe design helps stabilize a conscious victim, keeping the head above water and reducing panic. The Rescue Stick uses a CO2 cartridge for automatic inflation but also supports manual activation via ripcord or oral inflator tube. With approximately 35 pounds of buoyancy, one Rescue Stick can assist multiple victims in an emergency and can be repacked and rearmed for reuse. The product is covered by U.S. patents.
The Throw Bag holds 50 feet of floating rope inside a buoyant, heavy-duty pouch. The correct technique is to hold the loose end of the rope in your non-throwing hand, then throw the rope-filled bag to land beyond the person in the water. Once the bag is within reach, you slowly draw the rope in, allowing the victim to grab on and be pulled to safety. Practicing an underhand toss—similar to throwing a softball—usually yields the best accuracy.
Housed in a rugged Hardigg Storm Case, the Water Rescue Kit is easy to stow on even the smallest boats and keeps contents dry and ready for immediate use. Many boaters add a few extras—flares, a portable VHF radio or additional buoyant gear—to customize the kit for their needs. The throw bag is also a handy item for passing a line at crowded dinghy docks or marinas.
The Mustang Water Rescue Kit typically sells in the range of $400 to $500 from major marine retailers. For brand and product details, consult Mustang Survival’s product listings or speak with an authorized distributor.
This article originally appeared in the July 2010 issue.