Budget OptionTuesday, 12 July 2011 09:48
Instant Weather Forecasting has been a big seller ever since it was fi rst published more than 40 years ago. Its simple approach involves 24 colour photographs of cloud formations, each with a written explanation, enabling you to read the sky, pick up clues and predict what the weather is likely to do. Written by Alan Watts, a professional meteorologist and enthusiastic sailor, the text, images and diagrams have all been revised and updated over the last four decades. The same author is also the brains behind Instant Wind Forecasting and Instant Storm Forecasting.
Price: £7.99
www.acblack.com
Following on from the huge success of the BR24 Broadband Radar, Navico (the parent company of Lowrance, Simrad and B&G) has launched its new Broadband 3GTM model.
Mastervolt, the Dutch-based manufacturer of electrical products, has launched a range of three new 6-volt AGM batteries. Each high-capacity model is designed to form a building block for a fully customised battery bank, allowing 12, 24 or 48-volt banks to be created in restricted space. The new batteries are entirely maintenance-free and can be mounted either vertically or horizontally. They are also completely safe, as any gasses released during charging are re-absorbed inside. The sealed cases are ventilated by the surrounding air, so there is no need for complex vented battery boxes and, should the battery be significantly overcharged in a faulty system, then a special safety valve will vent away the pressure. Each 6-volt battery is fitted with double terminals to aid multiple connections and comes in a 260Ah, 340Ah or 400Ah configuration.
OverBoard is famous for making waterproof gear in all kinds of forms, from small phone cases to large sports bags - and here in the form of the excellent Overboard Backpack, it might just be having its finest hour. This Premium Waterproof Backpack comes in either 20 or 25-litre capacity. You get heat-welded seams, a two-way roll-top closure system and plenty of adjustable padded straps to keep you well supported and comfortable. There is useful back venting to help keep sweat at bay and an attention to the small details you rarely find on a dry bag. It’s astonishingly good value and, as a means of keeping your gear free of water, dust and sand, it’s about as good as we’ve ever seen. 
