The Coastal Boating Top 10 Lists

December 2007

Top 10 “Alt-E” Devices

The more we depend on electronic devices, the more power we consume from the earth’s resources. So we thought, why not recognize the top ten devices that are useful to boaters but do not require batteries or 100V/12V power sources. In researching the list, we found that we had to include an extra one for special credit. Here's our list. Send us yours if you please!

1. Brunton SolarRoll
A very portable solar mat that promises to keep your laptop powered while you’re surfing in the sun. Of course, laptops aren’t the only things that need power, so you can use the mat to charge cell phones, PDAs, cameras and even a boat battery, eh? The mats come in different sizes, and range between $199 to $499.

2. Freeloader Portable Solar Energy
Freeloader is a portable charger which absorbs the sun's energy to charge its internal battery in as little as 5 hours. One charger for all your favorite gadgets and it doesn't have to be out in the sun when charging. Charge your mobile phone, Bluetooth headset, digital camera, MP3 player, sat nav, iPod, PDA, PSP and much much more when needed!

Charge Freeloader in 5 hours using solar energy or 3 hours using the USB charging cable (included)

Impact resistant, rust-free aluminium body

Holds battery charge for up to 3 months

Simultaneously charge hand held devices while at the same time charging the internal battery via its solar panels or via USB

Power an iPod for 18 hours, a mobile phone for 44 hours, a PSP for 2.5 hours and a PDA for 22 hour

3. Tack-Tick Wind Instrument
Solar-powered wireless wind instruments. Not only is it solar powered but wireless so the anemometer communicates with the display without having to string wires in the mast.

4. Carmanah solar powered anchor light
The light made for docks and other stationary objects works just as well on boats. We ordered the solid white light version (available in flashing patterns and colors) and strap it to our boom for eye-level visbility. Carmanah makes solar powered lights for ATONs.

5. Freeplay Indigo Self-Sufficient LED Lantern
Wind Up LED Camp Light. This eco-friendly gadget provides light just by winding it. One full wind-up will offer 4 hours of LED lights, while a 1 minute wind only provides light for 30 minutes.

6. Rayovac Shake Magnetic fashlight
Powered by shaking, it's a great back up for the ditch kit but watch out when storing it near a compass.

7. Hybrid Solar Flashlight
Stored safely in a locker or even attached to your life jacket with the built-in safety lanyard, you'll never have to fear the need, or additional weight, of carrying extra batteries! The Hybrid Solar Light generates the greatest amount of light (using super-bright LIFETIME L.E.D.) with the least amount of effort and environmental impact.

Provides up to 16 hours of continuous light on a full charge
Hybrid solar technology generates renewable power from sunlight or room light and stores it for later use
Holds charge for years without recharging
Can be recharged over and over
Rated at over 100,000 hours of use
Includes emergency battery backup
1st Click = Solar Power, 2nd Click = Battery Power
Waterproof and it floats

8. Freeplay Eyemax wind up Radio & LED Flashlight
Okay so it's only useful near shore, but it's a good backup to find out what's happening in the world if your batteries fail.

9. Electrilite crank powered flashlight
It’s sports multiple LED’s that can be turned on or off depending on how much illumination you need, a hand crank for recharging the unit so you never need batteries and comes in at least 3 models for different uses.Not only that, but it can also be used to recharge your cellphone or operate it indefinitely (or as long as your forearm holds up with all that cranking).

10. Ice Cream Ball
Dip into a sweet, cold bowl of homemade ice cream after a hot day at the beach. Fill the bottom of this durable, lightweight Lexan plastic ball with ice and rock salt, add ice cream ingredients to the top and just shake, pass or roll the ball around your cockpit. In 20 minutes, scoop out about a pint of soft serve. Ice cream recipes included.

11. Solar Back Packs, Camera Bags, Beach Bags and Messenger Bags
Hey, want the perfect gift for your gadget junkie? Get a bag to carry all the toys in that has solar panels on the outsde and can charge your gear while you hike the mountains or stroll the cities. Wear your solar charger to work. Your laptop will rejuvenate itself en route. Your GPS will stay focused. Your iPOD will keep you humming.

Please Note: Normally the number 1 selection each month receives a free link to their website for that month. This month, the resources are so valuable and generally non-commercial that we decided to provide permanent links to each.

Being named to the list does qualify those honored to sponsor links. Please contact us for details.

The list is not revealed prior to posting so the selections are made in relative absence of bias according to reasonably well defined criteria. You are invited to submit names for consideration.