Dan's Papers - March 7, 2008 - Nautical Gadget Guide

As any James Bond wannabe can attest, a tiny motorboat can feel like an eighty-foot yacht so long as the right accessories are on board. This year's winter boat shows have debuted a fleet of innovative new devices, all worthy of the "Q Branch" and all must-haves for the 2008 boating season. So whether you're an avid angler, a weekend cruiser or a day-tripper, here are the top ten gadgets that are making waves from the Atlantic Ocean to the Peconic Bay. "Now pay attention, 007."

Misplacing your keys is bad enough at home, but when you drop them into the water, it's safe to say they're not turning up...unless you have Davis' inflatable key buoy. When the keychain makes contact with the water, the ring releases a self-inflating air tube that shoots your keys to the surface.

$6.99, www.davisnet.com

Admiring the beautiful Long Island Sound from a pair of water skis isn't quite as exciting when the blazing sun blinds you. Fortunately, Gill makes a line of polarized lenses that offer full UVA/UVB protection and float in water, so you only lose your pride in the event of a nasty wipeout.

$40-$60, www.gillmarine.com

If you like pina coladas and you have half a brain, make sure to include Coleman's new rechargeable blender on your next booze cruise. This battery-operated blender is powerful enough to chop through blocks of ice to make the perfect frozen beverages and with rubber grips, even the bumpiest of rides remain spill-free.

$99, www.coleman.com

Keep your VHF radio out of Davey Jones' Locker with this innovative new floating handheld. With large push buttons, a wide LCD screen and a waterproof, easy-to-grip hourglass design, the M34 allows you to say "Breaker-breaker" or more importantly, "Mayday-mayday," anytime, anywhere.

$179, www.icomamerica.com

Everybody knows safety comes first, but does it always have to come with gawky padding and awkward tan lines? Fortunately, with Mustang's line of inflatable Personal Floatation Devices, you'll have maximum mobility and minimal coverage. The vests inflate automatically when submerged in water or manually by pulling on the yellow tab and even come in a limited edition hot pink.

$200-$300, www.mustangsurvival.com

Accidents happen, but they no longer have to happen to your camera thanks to the virtually indestructible Olympus Stylus 850SW. This stylish digital camera is shockproof, freeze proof and waterproof to ten feet, so you can feel good about capturing your memories on board, overboard and under water.

$299.99, www.olympusamerica.com

Nothing beats the sound of the sea, except for the sound of your favorite tunes on the Sony Xplod. Combine this splash proof, UV and salt resistant CD Receiver/satellite radio/mp3 player with a set of Sony's waterproof speakers, and you'll have enough juice to disturb the neighbors - fortunately, there aren't any.

$299, www.xplodsony.com

Go where no boat has gone before with Walker Bay's inflatable Kayaks, which give you access to shallow coves your craft can't enter. The Airis Kayaks are tear and abrasion resistant, quick to inflate, simple to use and so portable, you can toss one on your back and walk it home.

$750-$1250, www.airisinflatables.com

Targeting coastal boaters and roughly the size of a small valise, the Coastal Compact life raft has more than just a clever name. These award-winning rafts come in two and four person sizes, weigh only fifteen pounds packed, and are extremely stable in rough sea conditions.

$950, www.reveresupply.com

The Cadillac of GPS devices, Furuno's new Navnet 3D has incorporated the latest Time Zero technology to eliminate any delays along your route. With the easy to use LCD touch screen, you can chart your progress, evaluate your depth, check the weather, even search for fish, all with a simple lift of your finger.