Helpful Tools and Equipment for the Marine Industry

New Propellers from Mercury Marine

Mercury Marine has introduced a line of propellers for Volvo Penta® Duoprop® drives. The Quicksilver Thunderbolt is made in the U.S. at Mercury Propellers Investment Casting foundry located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In recent testing, the Quicksilver Thunderbolt outperformed the Volvo F6 propeller with improved top speed and 5 percent quicker 0-20 MPH acceleration. The new line of props are a suitable replacement for Volvo Type F Duoprops, the most common propeller for Volvo DPS drives. The performance gains are driven by the Thunderbolt's cutting edge four-blade front propellers coupled with a three-blade rear propeller. "The four blade front propeller is the difference maker," said Dirk Bjornstad, Brand Manager for Mercury Propellers. "For this system, we made the front propeller a four-blade for superior holding and acceleration. As it turns out, the system is also faster on the top end as well. We think boaters will appreciate the improved performance." You'll find the Quicksilver Thunderbolt available in 19 to 28 pitch. Within this range, Thunderbolt is available in seven pitches, providing more propellers to choose from when dialing in a boat for top performance. It also features Mercury Marine's proprietary propeller alloys—metals that provide superior strength, but offer the corrosion resistance required to stand up to demanding freshwater and saltwater applications which should make it even more popular. mercurymarine.com

A Better Bimini Mount

The proper bimini hinges can provide boat owners a simple way to install and remove bimini tops. Accon Marine's new 410 Quick Release Bimini Hinges offer a simple, hassle-free assembly without detracting from a streamlined appearance. Now it's possible to easily remove or install a bimini top without having to keep track of pins and screws, a great advantage during storm season! Each hinge effortlessly snaps into its base and remains attached to the bimini when separated. Built to be extremely durable yet light, of precision die-cast aluminum, the hinges feature a surface mount so no cutouts are required. The 410 hinges are installed with two #8 screws. They are available in standard aluminum finish, chrome, white powder coat and black powder coat, and have a starting retail price of $17.09 each. acconmarine.com

Solid Surfaces, Shaped to Fit

Known for its reliable exhaust solutions, Delta "T" has raised the bar yet again with its new Redneck Fan line. Named for their distinctive red-bolt seating ring around the flange of the housing, the Redneck Fans were designed to give boat builders a robust line of quality ventilation products to choose from, at an affordable price. The Redneck Fan line, which offers fans from 11 inches to 30 inches in diameter, is supplied as standard in kit form, which can be assembled in minutes using normal tools, helping boat builders to reduce costs. The fan housings are made from corrosion-proof, type-one PVC with premium-efficiency motors and high-output composite fan blades.  Free airflow rates range from 600- to 26,000-cubic-feet-per-minute. Redneck Fans are also available fully assembled and can be shipped in bulk for OEM applications. 561-204-1500; deltatsystems.com

When aesthetician Sara Damelio, founder of skincare line Skincando, Inc. named her rich anti-inflammatory moisturizer Combat Ready Balm, she was alluding to the battle that ordinary civilians wage against dry skin and sunburn. Since it's invention, it has provided fast and effective relief for those lucky enough to have come across it. It's even used by staff members at SB magazine. But more interestingly, back in 2005, the wife of a military service member sent some to her husband stationed in Iraq. Within two weeks, he wrote to Damelio requesting more of the "magic balm." The troops were miserable with sand flea bites, sunburns and dry skin caused by the extreme climate and conditions, and Combat-Ready Balm was the only remedy they'd ever found to simultaneously combat their array of ailments. Damelio began sending packages on a regular basis along with notes thanking them for their service. In 2008, she launched Operation Sand Flea, a donation campaign to send 1,000 donated jars to the troops. The goal was met and exceeded, and the project continues to send Combat Ready care packages to U.S. troops. To date, more than 5,000 packages have been donated. To purchase a jar or to donate to Operation Sand Flea, visit skincando.com. Once the donation is received, a jar of Combat-Ready Balm and a note will be sent.

Those wild and crazy folks over at Rhino say that their dock and boat protection system is the most customizable around. They're saying it all over the place—on Facebook, YouTube, everywhere—proving these guys sure know how to use social nets. We'd have to say that their RhinoTube Dock Fenders are indeed affordable, durable and a stylish solution to protecting and preserving your boat and dock. Plus, they're easy-to-install, endure tough weather conditions and can match the color of most boats or canvas. Manufactured in the U.S.A. by Rhino Marking & Protection Systems, the dock fenders use RhinoPoly, a proprietary plastic designed specifically for outdoor use with UV protection. RhinoPoly keeps the dock fenders unaffected by weather, sunlight and exposure to lake and river water as well as marine chemicals. The patented triangular dock fenders are available in 12 colors, and a variety of lengths, including custom-ordered lengths for professional installers. The RhinoTube Dock Fenders give marine retailers and professionals a high-quality product that protects better than vinyl rubrail-type dock fenders. Retail pricing is affordable and gives retailers a good margin. Rhino can also provide retailers with marketing materials to draw more attention to product displays. rhinofenders.com