Boats

Fishing Boat Accessories

Retrofit for this season

By Capt. Dave Lear

Updated: January 8, 2015

Leaf Marine DC Air Conditioner

Anglers with older boats lacking a generator no longer have to be uncomfortable when the temperature climbs. The Leaf Marine LM8000 (starting at $8,000; leafmarinedistribution.com) is an innovative air-conditioning unit that operates on customizable direct current from 12 to 48 volts. The lightweight, compact design offers dual-zone air-conditioned comfort and reverse cycle heat, and it has a capacity of up to 4,000 BTU. An optional chiller plate can be added without needing a condenser and evaporator. The organic ION battery in the power module is noncombustible, it will not develop a memory and produces
100 amps per hour without dropping off. The module’s built-in management system also protects against complete depletion. Stainless-steel construction and military-grade components and connections add to the system’s reliability. With its easy plug-and-play installation, quiet operation and a two-year warranty, the LM8000 will enhance the boating experience in your favorite ride.

Rigid Industries LED Spreader Lights

With less power consumption, better dependability and brighter illumination, why would anyone choose incandescent lights over LEDs, right? Exactly! Rigid Industries now makes a full line of LED lights for marine applications, including the compact SR-M spreader lights ($109.99; rigidindustries.com). With a 60-degree diffused pattern and a 50,000-plus hour lifespan, these lights illuminate the cockpit like a concert stage while drawing a meager 0.72 amps. The beam extends more than 62 meters. Featuring integral hybrid optics, the lens and reflector combination captures the maximum light emitted and projects it exactly where it’s needed most. A powder-coated aluminum housing and a sealed polycarbonate lens ensure long service in the harsh marine environment.

Bennett Electric Trim Tabs

Bennett, the longtime hydraulic trim tab maker (and inventor of the first electric tabs in 1960) is adding juice to its fluid lineup. The company now offers the Bolt Electric System **(prices vary by size: a 12-by-9-inch set starts at $640; bennetttrimtabs.com) **for trailer boats from 17 to 28 feet in length. The system’s robust design includes a water-tight nylon actuator with the main seal positioned up high for protection against marine growth and water intrusion. The wiring remains secure and protected, concealed through the upper hinge, which does not have to be disassembled for installation. These tabs produce minimal operating noise, the planes are 304-grade stainless steel, and a five-year warranty backs every system. Bolt tabs come with a choice of three controls, including two with the automatic tab-retraction feature

Cooler Shield Hinges

Face it: Plastic coolers, particularly the hinges, take a beating on boats. But instead of tossing a damaged cooler into the recycling bin, Cooler Shield Hinges ($14.99; coolerhinge.com) now give it new life. The hinges are designed to rest against each other at the optimal angle when the lid is open. Components include 316 stainless-steel pins and screws, and the heavy-duty Delrin material is self-lubricating, UV- and corrosion-resistant and food safe. Cooler Shield Hinges retrofit a number of cooler makes and models, and they come with a lifetime warranty.

Frigibar Salty Dog Storage Boxes

One of the age-old truisms in boating is that you never have enough storage. But Frigibar offers a simple, rustproof solution for most stowage needs. The new E-Series Salty Dog deck and dock boxes provide convenient storage units in four different sizes, including 38-, 50-, 60- and 80-inch lengths. All versions measure 20 inches wide and 171⁄2 inches high. With all-fiberglass construction, these rugged containers feature a hard, smooth exterior finish with a matte-white interior. E-Series Salty Dog deck and dock boxes **(starting at $590;frigibar.com) **also boost seating capacity with the optional 3-inch removable cushion.

Shimano CM-1000 Sport Camera

In this age of social media and instant messaging, sharing a fish tale requires more than hyperbole. High-definition images add zip and proof to your posts. The CM-1000 from Shimano **($299.99;shimano-sportcamera.com) **lets anglers capture on-the-water moments in high-resolution stills and video. The f/2 lens provides outstanding low-light performance, while the 16-megapixel CMOS image sensor enables 1080p HD video. Featuring 135-degree and super-wide 180-degree modes, the auto image rotation allows you to flip the camera while maintaining a horizontal image plane. Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone/app friendly, the CM-1000 is capable of live views, video playback, remote adjustment settings and shot framing. The unit is smaller than a deck of cards, and the IPX8 is waterproof rated to 30 feet.

Almost Alive Outrigger Teaser Reels

When a hot fish strikes, the last thing you need is trouble clearing other lines. Almost Alive outrigger teaser reels ($279.95; almostalive****lures.com) solve that problem and add a stylish, modern look to the boat as well. Built on an anodized-aluminum frame and 8-inch spool, these reels come in flat or rail-mount models, which fit tubing up to one inch in diameter. Both include a large ergonomic drag knob, as well as adjustable drag setting and quick drag lock.

Accon Marine Removable Drink Holders

On those days when the boat isn’t cutting through the water like a hot knife through butter, it’s nice to keep cups, cans and bottles securely in place so the contents won’t spill all over the console or deck. Accon Marine’s Drink Holders**(aluminum, $62.36; stainless, $78.52;acconmarine.com) **help keep the boat shipshape. Available in single and double configurations in either aluminum or stainless steel, these holders measure 31⁄2 inches in diameter to fit most standard beverage containers. The stainless-steel base mounts on any flat surface, eliminating the need for cutouts. The base fastens with two number 10 screws, and the holders can be removed when not in use.