This year’s Miami Boat and Strictly Sail Shows offered some interesting model updates including the Bertam 35, based on the classic Bertram 31.  It takes the clean lines and design and expands and updates it for today’s customers.   There are also some new powerboat boarding options including a sliding bulwark that allows easy access amidships.  It includes a retracting ladder.  Shown below is a 63′ catamaran with its own below decks drop-down access hatch.

I liked Fish Monkey’s line of fish handling gloves, some of which can be had for less than $10, and can help make a messy job a bit cleaner and easier.  And adding a Laughing Pirate Deodorizer to those lockers with your fishing equipment can also help.

In something completely new to me, I talked with the folks behind an idea to bring Uber and Lyft type transport convenience to the on-water community.  Hobarides.com offers an app that let’s you hail a Captain to take you from point A to point B via the local waterways.  They started in Charleston, SC and are expanding as they find captains to sign up for the service. I can see this gaining traction in waterways where short distances separate long land-based travel distances, like across parts of the Chesapeake Bay.  Check out their website to apply.