Extending the cruising system is the aim of the newly introduced Climma reverse-cycle heating and cooling systems for boats from 20 to about 55 feet in length. The Climma Compact systems are well-engineered from Europe and use the best of heat-pump technology that provide both heat in the shoulder seasons and welcome cooling in the sultry summer months – both from one compact system. All the components are included with the necessary plumbing and controls. AC power is needed for the compressor but the fans and pumps can be wired to use onboard 12v power.

Enjoy ideal temperatures in your boating environment year-round with Dometic’s EnviroComfort air conditioning systems. We offer a wide range of capacities from 5,000 to 15,000 BTU/hr, so you can size the system to suit your boat for ultimate cooling and heating comfort. All EnviroComfort models use R-417A refrigerant, an environmentally safe gas. The EnviroComfort kit includes everything needed for a professional installation on boats with or without an existing air conditioning system. EnviroComfort units use high-velocity blowers that eliminate blower-motor overhang for a smaller installation footprint.

The Saturn Ring MKII is a general purpose, recessed, water resistant fixture in your choice of spotlight or floodlight models with the added benefit of high-flux LED technology.  These lights produce a warm white light and are fabricated from the highest quality components to assure long life and trouble-free functioning. 

There is no end of LED lights available now, entire fixtures as well as replacement bulbs.   But Dr. LED’s new 360-degree festoon bulb replacement caught our attention recently because it is an excellent replacement for the bulbs found in established Perko navigation light fixtures. There are thousands of such navigation light systems installed and the Dr. LED festoon is designed to replace the Perko Fig 71 bulb.

A new fuel cell from Efoy now makes battery recharging a bit easier and almost totally noiseless as well. This is entirely new technology as this device is a true hydrogen fuel cell that converts methyl alcohol into a steady stream of electricity. The 1600 model provides up to 64W at 5.4 Amps, sufficient to re-charge a battery bank found on almost all sailboats and many medium-sized power craft. The fuel cell operates automatically with its built-in sensor that automatically reads the battery state and then starting or stopping accordingly. The larger 2200 model produces an impressive 90W at 7.5Amps. This level of electrical current is ideal for topping up a battery bank or for re-charging one that is not fully discharged.

With the legislation and regulation that was imposed (most significantly) by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), on manufacturers of engines of all types, 2 stroke and 4 stroke gasoline engines and diesel engines, new technologies and designs had to be developed to meet the mandated emissions levels. Otherwise the manufacturers would be forced to stop selling their products.