Gear

Hot New Gear at the 2015 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS)

This show, held annually in Amsterdam, is the place to check out what's new in the international marine market.

By Jen Brett

Updated: December 2, 2015

For three days every November, the marine industry gathers in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to introduce new products, check out trends, and network with colleagues from around the world. For 2015, the event topped all the records with 1,383 exhibitors and 21,953 attendees from around the world, and I was there to represent Cruising World. Once again, I was impressed by the variety and innovation showcased by the exhibitors. Check out the photos for some of the products that caught my eye, and be on the lookout for more details about them in future issues of CW.

2015 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS)

An overview of Hall 1 at the 2015 METS Jen Brett

Selden winches

Selden self-tailing and reversible winches — I particularly like the reversible ones, where with the push of a button on the purpose-made winch handle, the winch direction reverses, and turning clockwise will let line out, while the line is still in the self tailer. Jen Brett

Selden sail slides

The Selden OWS sliders allow you to have the ease of using a batt-car system on your mainsail, without the need to have a separate track. Jen Brett

Selden sail slides

Batten receptacles for the Selden OWS Slides Jen Brett

METS DAME awards

The DAME Design Award is an annual international competition for new marine equipment and accessories, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015. The winners are announced the first morning of the METS show. Jen Brett

FLIR AX8 Marine Thermal Monitoring System

Winning a special mention in the annual DAME awards, the FLIR AX8 Marine Thermal Monitoring System allows users to visualize and monitor critical engine and mechanical equipment. Combining thermal and visible cameras in a small, affordable package, the AX8 integrates with Raymarine LightHouse II powered multifunction displays to keep a watchful eye on such critical equipment as engines, exhaust manifolds, and shaft bearings.

Spinlock Lume-On

One of two overall winners of the 2015 DAME Design Awards, the Spinlock Lume-On is basically a tiny, powerful LED light that can be attached to the bladder of any inflatable PFD. The light is water activated, and when illuminated the PFD works as a diffuser and turns the whole life jacket into a glowing light. With a retail price of $20, it’s an easy addition for any crew. Jen Brett

Spinlock

Because why not try out the spray hood on the Spinlock PFD? Jen Brett

METS Innovation

From DAME winners to the Material Xperience, METS showcases innovation in the marine industry. Jen Brett

TackingMaster

You wear it like a watch, but it’s (refreshingly) not electronic. The TackingMaster works together with any compass. It aims to make it easier to understand and visualize changes and trends of the wind during regatta sailing. The visual overview on TackingMaster helps any tactical sailor to visualize all the most important main bearings in order to be better prepared for the next wind change. Jen Brett

Gill Competition Boots

The classic Gill Competition Boots have been reborn — combining support from a close-fitting lace up system with reliable waterproof protection the Competition Boot excels in wet & slippery conditions where sure grip is an absolute must. Jen Brett

Argonaut M7

If you navigate on your smartphone or tablet, you know the shortcomings — charting apps go through the battery quickly, and these devices are not usually cockpit-friendly. With the Argonaut M7 Smart Touch Monitor, you can still use the Navionics app on your phone or tablet (Android only for now), while leaving the device plugged in safely below. The M7 not only repeats what’s on your device, but it also allows you to control your device remotely. Jen Brett

Quick Marine Lighting

The Secret Light by Quick Marine Lighting looks like an unobtrusive deck plate when not in use. But when you need light, simply twist and up pops an LED light. Jen Brett

Quick Marine Lighting

The Quick Color Control from Quick Marine Lighting allows you to easily fine tune your LED lights’ color scheme. Jen Brett

Sailmon

This very cool display by Dutch company Sailmon is completely customizable through an app on your phone or tablet. Jen Brett

Zhik Isotak jacket

The new Isotak 2 jacket (red) from Zhik offers rugged and durable waterproof protection while still being lightweight, versatile and highly breathable. Jen Brett

Navionics Autorouting

Ideal for planning purposes, the Navionics Autorouting feature allows users to simply tap start and end waypoints on the chart and the app displays the route along with any precautions such as shallow water or collision avoidance, as well as speed, ETA, distance to arrival and total distance while underway.

Andersen Winches

Available from Ronstan, these Andersen Winches have a low profile top and are available in a variety of finishes. Jen Brett

Wichard ProLine Tether

The Wichard ProLine Tether is simple to use one handed (and won’t pinch your hand!). Jen Brett

Wichard Offshore knife

The Offshore knife from Wichard offers a good grip, serrated blade and marlin spike. Jen Brett

Henri Lloyd Flex 3D Jacket

DAME category winner Henri Lloyd Flex 3D jacket offers full-stretch insulation with thermal non-flattening “spiral” wadding, which retains loft under stretch

Boat Builder Awards

New this year at METS was the Boat Builder Awards, which recognized individual and team success within boat building companies globally across six categories of business achievement. Jeanneau and Harken took home an award for their groundbreaking Assisted Sail Trim. Jen Brett