WINTERWEAR AND GEAR
1. ZHIK cell insulated jacket • $180 • zhik.com
Stay warm on and off the water this winter with Zhik’s new Cell Insulated jacket. With a slim-fitting, technical styling designed to be worn under a waterproof layer or as a stand-alone outer layer, the jacket is highly breathable and offers excellent insulation. The jacket’s interior contains Repreve—a recycled, breathable-synthetic, high-thermal insulation fill that is low in weight and bulk. The insulation has low water-retention ratings, and the jacket dries quickly. The jacket is constructed using fused core baffling, where the individual insulation pockets are bonded together rather than stitched. This helps trap and maintain body heat. A fleecelined collar and pockets add to the warmth and comfort levels. There’s ample pocket space, including a zippered chest pocket and two handy inner stash pockets for accessories. A streamlined thumb strap makes it easy to pull on outer layers and keeps the sleeve securely in place. Available in men’s and women’s sizes in two colors: anthracite and platinum.
2. PROPSPEED foulfree for transducers • $40 • propspeed.com
Fouling on the face of transducers can reduce their sensitivity and bottom-echo returns. Propspeed’s Foulfree foul-release coating for transducers—the latest addition to the Propspeed product line— keeps transducers clean and operating for the clearest sonar images possible. Foulfree forms a super-slick outer layer that marine growth cannot adhere to, keeping transducers performing at their peak. Foulfree was developed specifically for transducers from the original foul-release coating’s technology and is certified by Airmar. A three-step process—clean, apply, let dry—makes it easy to use. The product is foul-release, not antifoul, with foul-release coatings used as a physical means to reduce fouling. The kit comes with an abrasive pad used to prepare the transducer face; an Xdclean solution wipe (a transducer-safe pre-treatment cleaner); a small, high-quality application brush; and 15 ml of Foulfree clear coat, a nontoxic silicone topcoat.
3. SAILRITE ultrafeed workerb power pack • $300 • sailrite.com
Ultrafeed, one of the best portable sewing machines on the market, just got better. The Workerb delivers 2.5 times more power than other portable motors and takes the capabilities of the Sailrite Ultrafeed to new heights. You can adjust the machine’s speed control for focused, stitch-by-stitch, 304-stitches-per-minute sewing or faster, production-level output at 638 stitches per minute. When the machine encounters resistance from changes in fabric thickness or density, the control box provides a boost in torque to power through the toughest and densest assemblies. The Workerb is compatible with every Ultrafeed Sewing Machine. If you own a Sailrite Ultrafeed, the Workerb Power Pack will work on your machine. The Workerb engine weighs 6.65 lb. and comes with a two-year limited warranty. The Power Pack includes a Workerb motor (90-volt DC), Workerb motor control box (110-volt), balance wheel, foot control, 12-tooth cogged motor pulley, 13-inch cogged timing belt, and power cord.