Electronics
Sterling Power BBWS: charges from the battery and from the solar panel
Under the name BBWS, Sterling-Power offers a rare combination of battery-to-battery charger and solar charge controller. The compact devices are completely waterproof and pre-wired. The connection is made via the Anderson plugs commonly used in the low-voltage range. In battery-to-battery mode, they can be operated with an input voltage of 12 or 24 volts and charge 12-volt batteries of common lead-acid and lithium technologies. Depending on the version, they deliver 25 or 40 amps of charging current. The solar input can handle up to 32 volts and 350 or 550 watts of input power. Prices start at 359 euros.
Victron Energy Phoenix Smart Charger: New powerful charger
Victron Energy has a new charger in its programme with the Phoenix Smart Charger. It is available for 12-volt and 24-volt batteries. There is also a 1+1 outputs version, which can charge a battery bank and the starter battery. In the three-output version, three different batteries or battery banks can be connected. The Phoenix Smart charger is available with 30 and 50 ampere charging power and is protected against spray water in accordance with IP43. It offers a six-stage charging algorithm and a charging curve for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Complete monitoring and configuration is possible via Bluetooth. Customised charging curves can also be defined. The device measures 180 x 249 x 100 millimetres and weighs 3.5 kilograms. It has no active fan. Price: from 338 euros.
Navigation
Garmin Quatix 7 pro: persistent navigation on the wrist
Garmin's marine smartwatch Quatix 7 pro is said to have a battery life of up to 16 days. It is equipped with a 1.3-inch Amoled display that is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The watch case is partly made from recycled Ocean Bound Plastic. Garmin autopilots and Fusion audio entertainment systems can be controlled via the smartwatch. It also functions as a mini plotter and supports BlueChart g3 charts for inland and offshore waters. The price is around 1,000 euros.
Boat equipment
Cookvision Nesto: More space in the cupboard thanks to practical pot set
The Nesto cookware range from Cookvision can be customised and saves space in the cupboard thanks to its stackability. According to the manufacturer, the chrome-nickel stainless steel with sandwich base and aluminium core is particularly durable. The base construction prevents bending and thus ensures even heat distribution. The glass lids have hinged handles and therefore stack particularly flat. The pan handles and silicone handles are removable. An airtight lid for keeping food fresh and a magnetic trivet that sticks to the base of the pan are also available as accessories. In total, there are six pots with a volume of 1.3 to 5.1 litres, three pans with a diameter of 20 to 28 centimetres and with or without a non-stick coating, as well as five different glass lids. For on-board use, two pots and a pan with matching lids and handles are probably sufficient. The starter set offers this scope for 245 euros.
Nodus Speed-Drop A12: This super-light hook is easy to open even under load
Nodus has a new hook on offer with the Speed-Drop A12. The special feature is that the connection should be easy to open even under load. To do this, the locking mechanism is pulled aft using a thin release line. According to Nodus, the neck line of a gennaker is a possible application. The Speed-Drop A12 is made from stainless steel and titanium and is spliced to a Dyneema mastrope. The hook weighs just 44 grams and is said to offer a breaking load of 2,400 kilograms. It is nine centimetres long when closed and twelve centimetres long when open. The price is 96 euros.
Security
Wichard Proline: Lifeline with new carabiner
Wichard's safety lines were pioneers in the development of lightweight aluminium carabiners. Now the French company has revised its Proline series once again. The new forged carabiners have an opening of 26 millimetres and lock automatically when closed. Six different versions with different lengths are available, and when connecting to the harness you can choose between an OSR-compliant carabiner, a loop or a quick-release snap shackle. Prices have not yet been finalised.
Revolve VHF emergency antenna: the VHF magic wand for emergencies
Revolve has a boat hook in its programme that is stowed when rolled up and becomes firm when unwound. The plastic strip rolls up in the transverse direction to form a rigid round profile. The new VHF emergency antenna from Revolve is also based on this principle and can be used as a replacement in the event of rig loss, for example. Packed in a small bag to save space (130 x 130 x 110 millimetres), it is an impressive 2.5 metres long in an emergency. The antenna is waterproof to IPX7, comes with a PL259 connector and six metre long cable and measures 32 millimetres in diameter. A 45-lumen LED emergency light from ACR can be attached to the top of the antenna and is included in the scope of delivery. The antenna costs 300 euros.
Drive
Temo 450 Carbon: Electric whisk with more range and less weight
We have the Temo 450 Already extensively tested and compared with two other electric outboards. The French manufacturer is now launching a carbon fibre version on the market. The Temo 450 Carbon is lighter and should weigh less than five kilograms. In addition, a larger battery has been installed, which should now last for one hour at full power. Otherwise, the dimensions and basic functionality have remained the same. With the new material and battery, however, the price has risen from 1,591 to 2,200 euros.
HVO100: Green diesel now officially authorised
The abbreviation HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, which is also known as green diesel. The fuel can be obtained from leftovers from food production and does not require petroleum. It is of interest to sailors because of its particularly long shelf life. It does not harbour any organisms known as diesel pest. HVO100 hardly smells, is colourless, but otherwise has the same properties as normal diesel. Vetus, Yanmar and Volvo Penta have now officially approved the fuel for some of their drives.
