Paraphernautic

ONE TOUGH JOE

From OXX Products comes a coffee machine designed and built to withstand the rigors of muddy jobsites, so we figure it will stand tall to the demands of saltwater cruising.

The CoffeeBoxx is a rugged-looking, single-serve (pod drive) coffeemaker. It comes in a black-and-lime-colored cube of plastic that looks like an Otterbox cellphone case started lifting weights on the weekends.

Burly, rust-free, and crush-proof (if don’t believe me, check out the video of a CoffeeBoxx supporting an SUV by each wheel on their website), CoffeeBoxx can be sprayed down with a hose, kicked by a horse, blown up with firecrackers (that’s on the site, too), and tossed in a dinghy to brew fresh joe anywhere there is an AC outlet. We imagine it can also be used as a booster if you want to give the grandkids more visibility at the helm, or to fend off a shark attack. If it falls off your galley counter in strong beam seas, no worries, other than for your teak sole. A nice bonus to CoffeeBoxx’s ten-quart water reservoir, non-coffee drinkers can depress the separate “hot water” button to make up some tea, hot chocolate, hot cider, or my personal favorite, hot Tang.— JC

$229; Visit:

ORU BAY+ KAYAK

Kayaks are the ultimate way to exercise and explore quiet coves and waterways that boats and tenders may not be able to reach, but are an absolute misery to carry. One of the best things to emerge from the Kickstarter Universe is, without a doubt, the Oru Kayak (picture on page 79). This genius piece of folding plastic goes from a box-shape the size of a frame pack to a full-blown, paddle-anywhere, 12-foot kayak in about as many steps as it takes to assemble a paddle.

Similar to folding a cardboard box from flat to cube, the Oru Kayak is constructed as a single piece that goes from “box to boat” by folding along pre-creased joints and, once deployed or collapsed, securing a series of clasps to ensure it holds its shape. In fact, design critics have sung such high praises that the original Oru design is a permanent fixture in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Unlike many inflatable- or collapsible-kayak brethren, the Oru doesn’t skimp on the features and comforts found on most full-size kayaks. It includes adjustable back and footrests, a real bulkhead, and enough storage for a short camping trip. Whether you are hiking through woods to a secluded inland lake without having a 12-foot hull above your head, or simply stowing the convenient box in your lazarette so you don’t have to sacrifice deck space, the Oru may be the ultimate in portable paddling.— MF

$1,575; Visit:

Beautiful to look at, robustly constructed and meticulously engineered, Fleming Yachts have won the hearts and souls, as well as the minds, of cruising enthusiasts throughout the world. Our goal was to create a refined and dependable cruising yacht capable of taking her crew in comfort and safety wherever they might wish to go. There are now over 300 Fleming’s cruising worldwide, and this year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fleming hull 001. FLEMING: TrawlerFest attendees show up prepared to learn. They are value driven and focus time on absorbing information about the build quality and mechanical features. We feel that Fleming attracts the detail oriented buyer who will dive beneath the beautiful surface. In addition to the boat show and seminars, attendees can interact directly with others who are more experienced. Much of our marketing strategy includes service and support and our best use of resources is to take exceptionally good care of our current Fleming owners. In turn, these customers are more than willing to tell potential boat buyers about the brand and the value of owning a Fleming. FLEMING: One of the most common discussions involves fuel efficiency. Attendees are focused on value

and they are constantly surprised to learn that the Flemings can attain great fuel economy and range depending on their chosen speed. The boat has the option to cruise efficiently at displacement speed for long distances or have a turn of speed to get out of changing weather, make safe harbor in daylight, or fight a swift current. Fuel economy is something that is easy to calculate and understand, so it gets an unfair weight in the purchasing decision. Resale value is much more important in the long run. Fleming has focused on a long term commitment to quality over quantity, around 300 boats in 30 years, one of many elements to resale. FLEMING: Ease of access is paramount. Boats are always set up at a boat show to be easily stepped aboard. An arrangement of potted plants will camouflage dock stairs when novice boat shoppers climb aboard a floating palace only to fall in love with a boat that is not practical. Cruising in the real world involves low floating docks, tall fixed piers, short finger piers and all sorts of crazy combinations. Most designers have overlooked proper side gates and multiple boarding options. FLEMING: We have learned to never stop improving the product. If there is a better way to build it, no matter if it’s readily seen at a boat show or more often, buried deep in the mechanical spaces, constant improvement is a necessity. FLEMING: Much of our market hasn’t changed. Couples who wish to run their own boat and cruise safely and comfortably are still seeking out the Fleming for the blend of style, layout and quality. Many builders lack continuity and build to their latest view of the market. If anything, the industry has been shifting to values that Fleming never left. They constantly change factories and even countries. We’ve built with the same yard for 30 years, making solid fiberglass hulls in a seaworthy design. Novice buyers should spend time in a large repair yard to discuss the differences between solid glass and cored hulls after impacts. FLEMING: The focus on building to the highest quality standard, regardless of the latest fads, has helped our success. Not trying to build everything from 30’ to 130’ and keeping with only a handful of models, developed over a long time span has allowed us to succeed. Designing and building the boat is only half the equation. Our dealers have provided exceptional service to the customers. They are on the front lines making sure that our customers are supported and enjoying their cruising. FLEMING: We will continue to refine, upgrade, and improve all four Fleming models. Classic looking vessels will never go out of style and will continue to draw discriminating buyers.