A Boatload of New Gadgets

Over the years, the Miami International Boat Show has earned a reputation for being a venue at which manufacturers debut their new products. This year’s show did not disappoint. In addition to all the new electronics on display at the Miami Beach Convention Center, there were several new sailboats to check out at the Strictly Sail portion of the show. The list includes the Beneteau Oceanis 55, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469, Lagoon 39, an updated Lagoon 4052, Lagoon 52, Leopard 58, Nautitech 542, Saturn 47, and Tartan 4700. Look for reviews of all these models in upcoming issues of Cruising World.

A rite for opening day of the show is the West Marine press conference, where the marine retailer announces its Green Product of the Year winners and introduces interesting new items it will be stocking in stores.

This year two companies shared the $10,000 prize, handed out by West Marine Vice President Chuck Hawley.

The Attwood Fuel Demand Valve addresses a problem that anyone using a gasoline-powered outboard faces. Since 2011, the EPA has required that portable fuel tanks be sealed. On hot days, the pressure that builds up in the tank can cause gas to seep pass the valves in older engines, causing them to leak gas, or gas can escape when a hose is connected or disconnected. The Attwood valve overcomes this problem by sealing off the hose, but allowing gas to pass when the engine pulls fuel from the tank. The valve, which retails for about $30, can be retrofitted on any gasoline hose.