If the pandemic has driven you outside and into the floating realm we call boat ownership, congratulations. If that same pursuit also put a fishing rod in your hands, all the better.

Yet, now that the weather has grown colder, many new boating anglers might fret that the fun has ended. Not necessarily.

Of course, the farther north you live, the less likely you can maintain some on-water presence during winter. But if the winter weather remains mostly mild where you live, here are some tips from our seasoned boating and fishing staff members that will keep you on the water longer.

1. Protect Your Feet

Wear deck boots. Nothing is more miserable than wet feet in cold weather. Deck boots keep your feet as dry as possible should the boat take spray or you need to wash down the deck. Most deck boots for fishing don’t feature insulation, so consider foot warmers between your socks and the insoles.

2. Master the Layers

The saying goes: There’s no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes. To keep warm and dry, layers can include a thermal base layer, wool socks, a hoodie or beanie, winter buff, gloves and an insulated jacket and pants, as well as foul-weather gear bibs. Chemical hand warmers placed in your pockets can also keep your hands warm or re-warm your hands after you handle a fish or bait.

It’s also a good idea to carry spare warm clothing with you in case you get wet or in case a friend needs a warmer coat.

3. Ice, Ice

When it dips below freezing, dew from the prior evening hours can freeze on the deck, gunwale tops and railings, as well as on docks. Remember to check for ice; it can result in a nasty spill or even a man-overboard situation.

4. Weather Wizard

Become a weather junkie by following your local weather forecasts on TV and online. Keep the National Weather Service zone forecasts bookmarked on your browser, and check out apps like FishWeather and Buoyweather.

Good-weather days occur less frequently in winter, so watch the forecasts and be ready to go when conditions allow.

Read Next: Gale-Force Fishing — Trolling in Rough Seas

5. Enclose Your Helm

If you don’t already have top-to-console windscreens or a clear-vinyl enclosure, consider your options for better protecting your helm from spray and wind. A canvas fabricator can build a vinyl enclosure for a center console as long as it has a canvas T-top or hardtop.

6. Turn Up the Heat

Speaking of keeping the helm warm, many of today’s center-console boats come with air-conditioning systems with vents at the helm and elsewhere. We tend to think of these in terms of just cooling, but they can also serve as heaters to warm up the crew. That’s a great benefit on chilly days. 

7. Oil Swap

Some engine manufacturers recommend using a lower-viscosity engine oil during colder weather for optimum lubrication. The owner’s manual for a Suzuki DF200AP outboard, for example, recommends shifting to a 5W-30 grade engine oil when air temperatures drop to 41 degrees F or below, versus 10W-40 grade oil for warmer weather. Boating anglers should check the recommendations in their owner’s manual to be sure.

8. Fish Deep and Slow

Many species migrate through different areas during winter, including sailfish and wahoo offshore. In shallower waters, trout and redfish (those that don’t head offshore) lay up in deep holes that contain warmer water. On sunny days, they look for shallow flats over dark mud bottoms that warm quickly.

Speak to your local tackle shop owner to learn the techniques for catching what’s prevalent in your area. For inshore fishing, the basic rule of thumb on most days is to fish deeper and slower. Fish don’t move as much when the water chills, so don’t make them work too hard to chase a lure.

9. Warm Liquids

Skip the alcohol until you’re safely back at the marina. Bring warm liquids and soups in insulated bottles to help keep you hydrated but toasty.

10. Serious about Safety

Even in Florida, the water gets cold during the winter, and you don’t want to spend any time in it. So get serious about safety. Wear your life jacket and strap a personal locater beacon to it. If you’re heading offshore, invest in an automatic EPIRB and mount it properly. Check all of your required safety gear and fire extinguishers to make sure they’re current and working.

Maintain your outboards and invest in a Sea Tow membership. With fewer buddies on the water during winter you won’t have many options for assistance.

Make sure your mounted VHF radio is hooked up correctly so that you can use its digital selective calling feature in an emergency, and register your radio’s MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Having a VHF radio on board gives you direct access to emergency marine-based personnel. Don’t rely on just a cellphone.

And finally, tell someone where you plan to go and when they should expect you back.

The post 10 Quick Tips to Keep You on the Water Longer This Winter appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yamaha owners now have a new tool in their box to keep their engines healthy, track ownership, log trips, and more — the MyYamahaOutboards app (available free in iOS and Android app stores). The app’s companion website, myyamahaoutboards.com, provides the same interface on a laptop.

Once owners register their outboards — whether purchased new or used — through an authorized dealer, they have access to the full suite of features. The system provides the outboard’s history and maintenance requirements and reminds owners of recommended service. Owners who prefer DIY can create maintenance charts in the system and add notes, photos and receipts.

“There’s a great deal of benefit in having all completed outboard service intervals recorded in one succinct platform with an authorized Yamaha outboard dealer,” says Frank Wilhelm, advertising and digital marketing manager, Yamaha Marine Engine Systems. “In addition, owners can use this important maintenance history report to enhance confidence and potentially increase value when they are ready to resell their current boat and buy a new one.”

Other features include a library of content — including owner’s manuals, video tutorials and performance bulletins — a dealer-locater feature, convenient checklists for trip preparation as well as trip logging.

Read Next: More Yamaha Coverage

The system can store information, including accumulated engine hours, and photos for multiple boats and outboards per user. Owners can select preferred dealerships and marinas and initiate calls through the app. For boats with multiple outboards, owners can set specific positions for each.

When the owner sells the boat or outboard, the information stays with the engine. A new owner can create a MyYamahaOutboards account and access the records (minus any personally identifiable information added by the previous owner.)

Visit yamahaoutboards.com/app to learn more. View the video below to get started with the app.

Courtesy Yamaha Marine

Yamaha says its owners set the tone and the need for the new app. This video helps explain the available features.

The post Yamaha Releases New App and Website for Outboard Owners appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Marine hydraulic steering systems have for decades served as smooth-turning mainstays aboard outboard-powered fishing boats. In fact, today’s hydraulic steering systems are so reliable that many boating anglers rarely think about them until they wear out or need fixing.

Yet, boat owners can extend the life of hydraulic steering system components even further with regular, yet simple, inspections and maintenance steps, says Brian Dudra, vice president and general manager for SeaStar Solutions. A market leader in marine steering systems, SeaStar is now a division of the Dometic Group.

“While each SeaStar system is designed for the harsh marine environment, like any critical control system, it requires periodic checks and maintenance,” Dudra explains. “As per your owner’s manual and product labels, hydraulic steering systems should be inspected prior to every use for fluid level, steering response, leaks, or worn/binding components.” In addition, most systems require a small amount of maintenance from a qualified dealer every six months for detailed inspections and greasing of key areas, he adds.

Key areas on outboard hydraulic steering systems include hoses, hose connections, the steering cylinder and cylinder shaft, the support arm, the tiller arm connection, the steering helm where the wheel attaches, the steering wheel, and the hydraulic fluid. Let’s take a look at how to inspect and care for each of these areas.

Steering Helm

When inspecting the helm, make sure the steering cylinder and helm hydraulic hose connections are tight. Dudra recommends greasing the helm shaft when installing the steering wheel to facilitate removal in the future. Check the hydraulic fluid level inside the helm by unscrewing the fill plug and looking inside. “The level should be 1/8- to 1/4-inch below the lowest thread in the fill port,” he says. “If not, fill the helm to the proper level.”

Check the steering response when turning the wheel. It should respond within a quarter turn. If not, the system might need fluid or there might be air in the system, which requires purging. For tilt-and-lock steering helms, ensure that the plastic covers are properly secured in place.

Hydraulic Hoses

“Our hoses are a custom multi-layered composite design, engineered specifically for our systems,” Dudra says. When inspecting these hydraulic hoses, run your hand down them to feel for cuts, chafing or cracks. If you discover this kind of wear, have a qualified service shop replace the suspect hoses.

Also, inspect the hose fittings to ensure they are tight. Feel for hydraulic fluid leaks or weeps by running a finger around the fitting. If you find a leak, try tightening the fitting. If that fails to stem the leak, arrange to have a qualified service shop address the issue. “If a leak is present, you will want to fix the leak and use our hydraulic steering fluid to ensure optimum performance and safety,” Dudra points out.

Steering Cylinder

Front-mount cylinders are the most common type found on hydraulic steering systems for outboard-powered boats. Cylinders are engineered and built to operate smoothly for years while being splashed with salt water. Regular inspections should focus on the cylinder hose connections and glands on each end of the cylinder to ensure that there are no leaks.

If the hose fittings are weeping fluid, the hoses might require replacement. The same applies to the glands, which seal and wipe the cylinder rod as the cylinder moves back and forth. SeaStar offers a gland replacement kit and O-ring seals for the bleeders and other fittings to fix leaks in this area.

Follow the directions carefully or turn the job over to a qualified marine shop. To ensure the steering is secure and tight, check all of the assembly nuts for proper tightness, including the adjusting nut on the starboard side of the support rod, which helps remove slack from the steering system.

After each use it is good practice to spray the steering cylinder down with fresh water to prevent damaging salt buildup.

Cylinder Shaft and Support Rod

These components related to the steering cylinder deserve special attention. Carefully inspect the cylinder shaft for salt buildup, corrosion, nicks or scratches that might damage the cylinder. Any major damage might require replacement of the entire cylinder.

The support rod should be removed and inspected annually. The support rod and outboard tilt tube must be cleaned of all old grease and debris prior to re-applying a good quality marine grease before re-installing.

Purging the System

Air can find its way into the hydraulic system through leaks or when replacing components, and that will make the steering sloppy, unresponsive, a bit noisy and even unsafe. The air must be purged in a process called “bleeding.” Your owner’s manual will explain the process if you want to do it yourself, but it usually requires two people and can become messy from spilled hydraulic fluid. If you lack the confidence, tools or manpower to get the job done, ask a qualified marine shop to handle this.

Water Intrusion

Water can also find its way into the hydraulic steering and eventually corrode internal components that can damage the system. “This is a subjective examination, but can be performed by taking a syringe and sampling the fluid in the helm reservoir,” Dudra advises. “If the fluid looks like ‘chocolate milk’ then the fluid is likely contaminated with water.” If this occurs, the entire system must be inspected for leaks. Once these are fixed, the system should be flushed thoroughly with clean oil to remove any contaminated oil that can cause future internal damage.

Read Next: SeaStar Optimus Universal Electric Steering Actuator

“Steering is a vitally important control system on your boat,” Dudra says. “The ability to safely and confidently maneuver at speed or in close quarters makes for an enjoyable and safe day on the water.”

The post Boat Hydraulic Steering Care appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

At the end of a long fishing day, who wouldn’t want to complete boat cleanup chores faster and easier? That’s the idea behind the Fast Flushem (about $40). This simple, Y-shaped device lets you rinse the salt out of two outboard engines at once using a single garden hose. That cuts down on the time and hassle of flushing each motor ­individually. One end of the Fast Flushem attaches to a garden hose, and the other two ends connect to the flush-out fittings on each of the two outboards. All of the hose ends are gelcoat-friendly nylon, and the connectors are stainless steel. The industrial-grade hose material will not kink.

The post Easily Flush Two Outboards at Once appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

If you keep your boat covered (and you should), getting inside the canvas to grab or stow an item can be a hassle. It involves unsnapping or untying the cover — or at least a corner of it — and folding the fabric back to get in and out, then securing the cover again. On my latest boat cover, I solved that problem by asking the canvas shop to sew in heavy-duty marine zippers on both sides of the aft cockpit. This allows me to duck in and out quickly without removing the cover. The shop also added a 2-inch flap with hook-and-loop fasteners to help keep the zippered seam as weather-tight as possible.

The post Access Your Boat Easily with a Zippered Boat Cover appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Want to prevent tracked‑in dirt, mud, grime, grease and gravel from marring your nice clean deck? Consider a dock mat — much like a doormat for your home — that allows guests to wipe off the soles of their boat shoes, boots or flip-flops before stepping aboard. SSNautical.com offers 24-inch-by-17-inch “Welcome Aboard” embroidered dock mats featuring marine-grade ­carpeting for about $45. Vinyl ­backing keeps the mat from slipping around, even on a wet dock. You can also order mats with custom embroidery such as your boat’s name. Being a neat freak, I also put a towel on the deck so guests can wipe their feet a second time.

The post Dock Mats Keep Your Boat Deck Clean appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

An annual vessel safety check (VSC) represents one of the most important safety steps you can take as a boating angler. This 15-point inspection is conducted by U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessel examiners — all volunteer members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. An easy, natural reminder occurs this month during the annual National Safe Boating Week.

A VSC takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and if your boat passes, it receives a VSC annual decal, which is placed on the port side of the cabin or console.

“The purpose of a VSC is to ensure that recreational boaters have the appropriate safety equipment, it is in good order and they know how to use it,” says Harry Jacobs, a 37-year member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and an approved vessel examiner in Southern California.

“A VSC is free, and your participation is completely voluntary,” Jacobs says. “Although we are required to wear uniforms that look similar to those worn by members of the Coast Guard, auxiliarists are not law-enforcement personnel, so boaters should not be intimidated by the uniform.” There are no consequences for boaters who do not receive a decal.

Learning About Boating Safety

I arrange for a VSC aboard my 22-foot center console fishing boat every year, often in early spring, and on more than one occasion, I have discovered safety issues. For example, during the most recent VSC, Jacobs pointed out that each life jacket should have a whistle attached. I did not know that. He gave me a whistle for each jacket on board.

My boat usually passes, but not always. One year, for example, an inspection of my flare kit by the examiner, a member of the Power Squadrons, revealed that water had leaked inside, very likely ruining the flare cartridges, so I didn’t receive the decal. But a week later, I met with the examiner again — this time I had a new flare kit — and my boat passed.

Over 50 percent of boats don’t receive a decal on the first try, says Jacobs. Yet, boat owners should not consider that a failure but rather an opportunity to make their vessels as safe as possible, he adds.

Common Reasons for Not Passing Safety Check

“Whether or not a decal is awarded, the captain receives a VSC checklist,” Jacobs explains. “That list outlines what is required for the boat to receive a decal. “That gives the boater the guidance to obtain the required equipment or fix any issues and then arrange for another VSC.”

Sometimes, an examiner can fix the problem on the spot. For example, boats with an LOA of 26 feet or greater with an engine room are required to post a pollution placard or decal. Many examiners carry these signs to give to captains who don’t have them, ­resolving the issue immediately.

Jacobs says some of the most ­common reasons for a boat not to pass include:

• No boat registration
• Discharged fire extinguisher
• Malfunctioning navigation lights
• Lack of age-appropriate life jackets (when children are aboard)
• Improper letters/numbers or ­spacing of the state registration ­number on the boat
• Expired or insufficient number of signal flares

When it comes to replacing expired flares, Jacobs is quick to advise boaters to look closely at the expiration dates on the new flares. “Make sure the flares are not ‘short-dated,’” he says. “Some flares sit on the shelf for a year or more at the store.” Make sure the flares you buy are freshly stocked and that they don’t expire for at least three years.

Important Boating-Safety Topics to Discuss

In addition to VSC decal ­requirements, the examiner will take some time to discuss with you a number of recommended items related to boating safety. These include topics such as the importance of having a VHF radio, anchor and rode, first-aid kit, navigation equipment and boater education, as well as accident reporting, weather concerns, fuel management and ­insurance considerations.

VSCs also now include a ­discussion of how recreational boaters can aid authorities when it comes to drug interdiction and homeland security by being mindful of suspicious activities and reporting them immediately to law enforcement. Boating anglers in particular are in a position to eyeball nefarious characters on the water. The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs ­encourage everyone to speak up.

How to Request a VSC

There are two ways to arrange for a VSC. You often can find members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadrons conducting VSCs at popular launch ramps and marinas on ­weekends during the boating season.

Most of the time, these VSCs are ­conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, so you might have to wait for an examiner to become available. Also, you will need to allocate time for the VSC itself, which might not be convenient if you’re anxious to go fishing or tired from a long day on the water and in a hurry to get home.

However, you can also schedule a VSC at a more convenient place, such as at your house if your boat is on a trailer or at the marina if your boat’s in the water. You can also work with an examiner on a mutually convenient time to conduct the VSC.

To schedule a VSC, visit cgaux.org and click on the link for “Get Vessel Safety Check.” The website also offers a self-administered safety check; click on “Virtual Safety Check.”

Safety Inspections for Canoes, Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards

Although recreational boating accidents and fatalities steadily declined from 2012 to 2015, last year saw a spike in fatalities, says Capt. F. Thomas Boross, chief director of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“During July and August 2016, the United States had the highest number of fatalities in five years, most of which were attributed to paddle-craft accidents,” Boross said in a speech to auxiliary members in St. Louis, Missouri, in January.

As a result of this revealing data, VSCs have been expanded to include a focus on canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, says Jacobs, who currently serves with the District II Public Affairs Detachment in Southern California.

“We need to bring paddle-craft enthusiasts into the boater-education community,” says Jacobs. Examiners are now conducting VSCs for paddle craft and issuing decals for canoes, kayaks and SUPs meeting requirements that include a sound-making device, a life jacket, a white navigation light, visual distress signals and more. – JH

For more tips, click the link below to learn the top helpful marine hardware items for boating anglers.

The post Vessel Safety Check an Annual Benefit for Boating Anglers appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

When someone mentions carbon fiber, you might think of a helm panel with that popular faux-fiber pattern. Yet genuine carbon-fiber construction has only recently begun to permeate the marine industry. It’s currently used by a limited number of marine manufacturers but will increasingly weave its way aboard our fishing boats.

Perfected in the ­aerospace industry, sophisticated carbon-fiber construction has replaced many traditional aluminum structures in new commercial aircraft. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, for example, uses carbon-fiber ­construction for half of its airframe to save weight while maintaining strength and stiffness.

Lighten Up

The same techniques have been adopted by boat brands such as Barker Boats, Hell’s Bay, Maverick Boats and Yellowfin Yachts.

Carbon fiber cuts 20 to 24 percent of the overall boat weight versus fiberglass, says Wylie Nagler, president of Yellowfin Yachts, which has offered carbon-fiber ­construction in its boats ranging from 17 to 42 feet since 2015. Boats using construction are lighter because they require less material and resin, owing to the carbon fiber’s greater strength and stiffness.

“The lighter the boat, the more efficient it becomes,” says Nagler. Top speeds also increase. “We have found 6 to 7 mph increases in our bigger boats,” he reveals.

In addition, lighter boats tend to float higher, and that makes carbon-fiber applications ideal for flats boats, says Charlie Johnson, director of marketing for Maverick Boat Group (MBG). The Maverick line includes three Mirage flats models: the Maverick 17 HPX-S, Maverick 17 HPX-V and Maverick 18 HPX-V.

“Maverick’s flats boats use a combination of carbon fiber, Kevlar and Carbon-Kevlar fiber in a proprietary resin-infusion system known as VARIS,” Johnson explains. This results in boats that weigh about 25 percent less than comparable ­fiberglass flats models. “As a result, Maverick boats draw less water and are easier to ­push-pole,” Johnson says.

Stiffness Factor

Carbon fiber’s stiffness has led companies such as Rupp Marine and Taco Marine to use it for outrigger poles. “The stiffness of carbon-fiber poles eliminates the whipping action common to aluminum or fiberglass poles while trolling in rough seas,” says Jose Chao, strategic product category manager for Taco. This helps keep baits and lures from being unnaturally flung out of the water while trolling.

You’ll see increasing use of carbon-fiber construction in accessories in the next few years, Chao says. The stiffness and light weight of carbon fiber will supplant aluminum and even stainless steel in marine in parts such as seat pedestals. “The more weight you can take out of a boat without sacrificing strength, the more fuel efficient it becomes,” he points out.

While some brands offer entire boats built from high-tech fibers, others feature such construction only where extra stiffness is required. In MBG’s Cobia and Pathfinder lines, for example, carbon fiber is used to reinforce the foam-filled prisma beams supporting the decks in these boats, Johnson points out.

Shifting Weight

Building a carbon-fiber boat is not as simple as swapping out fiberglass with the high-tech fibers. Lamination schedules, resins and infusion techniques differ significantly, says Nagler. “Epoxy resins, for instance, are often used with carbon-fiber construction. But gelcoat won’t stick to epoxy,” he says. So a boat built with epoxy has to be painted.

Changing the overall weight of the boat also calls for re-evaluating the ­center of gravity (COG). Because the weight of the outboard engines doesn’t change, a carbon-fiber version tends to be more stern heavy and will ride bow high unless the COG is shifted forward for balance. Relocating elements such as the fuel, water and waste tanks effectively moves the COG.

One school of thought holds that heavier boats ride more smoothly because the heft tends to more easily slice through waves and cushion the jolts of rough seas. Yet Nagler points out that there are a number of factors that determine how smoothly a boat rides.

“The stiffness of a carbon-fiber boat is better at punching through waves,” he explains. “Plus, because the boat is lighter, it rides higher and can better get on top of the waves while underway to smooth the ride.”

UV Protection

Shielding carbon-fiber components from the damaging rays of the sun is particularly important, says Chao. Boats feature gelcoat or marine paint for UV protection, but carbon-fiber outriggers traditionally have been left uncoated. As a result, the fibers turn a cigarette-ash gray after a year or two of constant sun exposure.

To combat such degradation, make sure the carbon-fiber poles you buy feature a barrier coating. Taco’s carbon-fiber Tele-Outriggers, for instance, are sprayed with multiple applications of Awlgrip marine clear coat. “This provides long-term protection and keeps the poles looking good,” Chao says.

At the same time, proper care and maintenance is essential. This includes washing the poles with soap and water after every use to clean away damaging salt residue. Lubricating the contact points of telescoping poles with light oil helps keep salt from making its way inside the tubes and damaging the outrigger from within. If you don’t plan to use your outriggers for a long period of time, remove and store them indoors.

Electrifying News

Unlike fiberglass, carbon fibers conduct electricity. That poses a challenge for boatbuilders using this material because a boat essentially becomes one big conductor. “You have to be very conscientious about electrical grounding issues and where and how you run wires,” says Nagler. “We have learned how to do it properly.”

To minimize electrical issues, Yellowfin uses only fiberglass construction for its center consoles, where many of the boat’s electrical elements are housed.

The conductivity of carbon-fiber outrigger poles is also important to keep in mind when you are caught in a thunderstorm. Retract the poles as quickly as possible in such conditions.

Ultimately, cost represents the ­biggest impediment to the widespread application of carbon-fiber ­technology in boats. “It adds considerably to the cost,” says Johnson. Raw materials are five to six times more expensive than conventional materials, he reveals. That results in a 25 percent increase in the price of an MBG carbon-fiber boat.

Nagler calculates the cost increase another way. “Carbon-fiber construction adds about $1,000 per linear foot to the cost of the boat,” he says.

These kinds of increases extend into the marine-accessory market, where carbon-fiber components cost more than three times as much as aluminum pieces, says Chao. A pair of Taco 15-foot aluminum Tele-Outrigger poles retails for about $500, while a pair of Taco 16-foot carbon-fiber Tele-Outrigger poles sells for about $1,700.

Will prices come down in the ensuing years? Time will tell. In the meantime, if you want a boat that floats higher, runs faster and fishes farther, or stiffer outriggers that refuse to whip, you’ll have to pony up to satisfy your carbon craze.

The post Carbon Craze in Fishing-Boat Industry appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Few fishermen describe their boat’s hardware as exciting or sexy. Yet marine hardware serves a crucial role aboard saltwater fishing boats, in the form of cleats, hinges, rod holders and more. And this field is advancing, with innovations emerging each season.

Let’s look at eight ­challenges that boating anglers face as well as some cool marine hardware and other gadgets that help overcome those issues.

Livewell Hatch Won’t Stay Open

You open a livewell hatch about halfway to retrieve a bait, but the lid keeps slamming shut. In the past, a gas-assist strut helped keep the hatch open, but these pieces of hardware snag cast nets when you’re loading bait and interfere with dip nets.

Solution: Friction Hinges

Available from hardware companies such as Gemlux, friction hinges are ingenious devices that use a tensioning system within the hinge-pin assemblies to keep a livewell lid or hatch in place throughout its arc. “We were inspired by laptop ­computers,” says Matt Bridgewater, CEO of Gemlux. “If you can keep a laptop screen open at any angle, why can’t you do the same with a livewell lid?” Utilizing corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction, the elegantly simple friction hinge does the job and does it well. Prices start at about $27 per pair.

Snagged Nets and Stubbed Toes

A few years back, I broke a toe when I jammed my bare foot into the horn of a spring cleat while making my way forward along a catwalk. OK, I know: I should have been wearing deck shoes. But conventional cleats still pose tripping hazards that can send crew members tumbling. Even in the best-case scenario, they tend to snag fishing lines and cast nets.

Solution: Pull-Up Cleats

Pull-up cleats have existed for decades (thank goodness), and they rank as one of the greatest marine-hardware innovations of all time, especially for boating anglers. You will find them on virtually every salt­water fishing boat sold today. Available from brands such as Accon and Gemlux, pull-up cleats let boatbuilders create smooth, snag-free rails (when the cleats are retracted). Yet these robust stainless-steel devices quickly pull up when it’s time to dock, anchor, or tie off a bait bag. Retail prices start at about $35.

Not Enough Cup Holders

Some hardcore anglers used to scoff at the idea of cup holders on a boat. Now anglers realize the importance of staying hydrated, and they want places to keep beverages from sliding around and falling to the deck in choppy water. In fact, many captains want more cup holders but lack space to install them.

Solution: Combo Rod/Cup Holder

File this one under “Why didn’t I think of that?” The rod/cup holder from Mate Series serves as a conventional gunwale rod holder for trolling, drift-fishing or just stowing rods. The ­holder’s sturdy stainless-steel ­construction means you sacrifice nothing when it comes to strength or corrosion resistance. Yet when it’s not holding a rod, this cool item doubles as a handy cup holder. Prices start at about $120 for stainless models; ABS plastic models sell for around $20.

Can’t Position Fenders Properly

Using only your boat’s cleats to ­position fenders for maximum protection against dock rash can be risky. Cleats are situated for tying up, not fender positioning, so your fenders might not hang in the optimal places for guarding the hull. Also, belaying a dock line and a fender whip to a single cleat is unseamanlike, cumbersome, and requires extra time to unravel both lines when casting off.

Solution: Low-Profile Fender Locks

Dedicated fender hangers are a great solution. To eliminate snag and tripping points, brands such as Taco Marine offer low-profile fender locks that you can add virtually anywhere along the rail of your boat. The Taco Quick Release fender lock features a smooth, round receiver that measures just ¼ inch high and is easy to install. A corresponding pin comes with a swiveling eye for securing a fender whip. A locking mechanism keeps the pin secure but also lets you quickly remove the fender. Retail is around $51.

No Rod Holders at the Transom

Virtually all saltwater fishing boats feature gunwale rod holders, but not all have them installed across the transom. Many times this is because there’s a hatch covering the transom for a fish locker or other stowage, rendering the surface unsuitable for a flush-mounted gunwale rod holder.

Solution: Burnewiin Mounting System

There are a number of workarounds, but one of the best I’ve seen for this problem comes from Burnewiin Mounts. Its mounting system features a beefy stainless-steel base with a locking receiver that mounts atop the transom. An equally robust rod holder then snaps into the base. The rod-holder angle is adjustable on two axes, and a quick-release mechanism lets you remove and stow the holder when it’s not needed. If you mount this system atop a hatch, make sure the hatch lid latches securely to prevent the strike of powerful fish from pulling it open. The stainless base sells for about $150; add $350 for the rod holder.

No More Room for Electronics

Twenty-first century anglers with 20th-century boats face an interesting issue. The millennium has ushered in a host of new electronics choices, but many older boats lack adequate space to mount the additional displays or other electronic accessories that boating anglers might desire, such as cameras, antennas and mobile devices.

Solution: Ram Mounts

Pedestal mounting offers a great solution. One of the most versatile systems comes from Ram Mounts. The quick-release ball-and-socket ­system offers a mind-boggling range of bases and adapters that let you add electronics just about anywhere. Prices start at about $22.

Bouncing Outrigger Poles

Running in choppy seas or trailering a boat on rough roads can cause outrigger poles to bounce and flex excessively. Even when telescoping poles are retracted, the bouncing action places tremendous stress on the outrigger bases and mounting surfaces, as well as on the poles.

Solution: Outrigger Support System

A simple yet effective solution comes from brands such as Birdsall Marine Design. Its Outrigger Support System consists of U-shaped cradles to secure the poles with arms that slip into the rod holders on a hardtop or T-top. Elastic cords secure the poles. These innovative devices are available in 2- and 6-inch offset versions. They retail for $95 per pair.

No Cutting Board

Many new boats feature built-in ­cutting boards, but some older boats lack this basic angling amenity. That leaves the crew wondering where to cut bait, filet a fish, or rig a ballyhoo.

Solution: Cutting Board with Rod‑Holder Mount

One of the best solutions is a ­cutting board equipped with a rod-holder mount, such as the system offered by Magma Products. The Magma 31-inch-wide Bait/Filet Mate board is crafted from resilient King Starboard and features guards across the aft and sides to keep fish from sliding off. It can be equipped with the Magma adjustable LeveLock rod-holder mount, which fits virtually any rod holder. The board and mount sell as a combo for about $170.

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Most new fishing boats feature pressurized livewells to minimize sloshing that can jostle and injure delicate baits. Many older boats have conventional wells, but you can pressurize them. Cut a plate of King StarBoard or clear acrylic to fit under the lip of the well opening. Attach a padeye on top of the plate and loop a bungee cord through it, securing the two ends to a piece of wood that will extend across the top of the well. Add four small circular pieces of wood or King StarBoard in the corners to center it. Use weather seal around the edges to keep the well watertight. Insert the plate and twist the piece of wood to tighten the bungee. Now your well is pressurized.

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