Newport for New Products (NFNP) Gear and Equipment Winners
Rockwolfe DC USB Charging Hub – Best Technology Product
While not too flashy to look at, the Rockewolfe DC USB Charging Hub is a compact, mountable charging station with eight USB ports (four USB-A, four USB-B) that works with both 12V and 24V. The concept is to directly connect to your batteries for charging smaller items aboard. This eliminates chorded converters that waste energy transferring power from AC to DC and or necessitate the use of an inverter to change DC to AC only to convert it back to DC for charging. For many boaters, this could be a simple more efficient solution to regular electronics charging needs.
Judge comments, “Once you have one, you realize everyone needs it. The Rockwolfe DC USB Charging Hub offers a durable, compact power solution to covert 12V or 24V DC power directly into charging up to eight USB portable devices. Bringing simple installation to enhanced and electrical safety, this a must-have on any vessel.”
Mustang Survival Elite 190 Inflatable PFD – Best Wearable/Safety Gear
Lifejackets have obviously been around a long time, but companies like Mustang continually innovate new models to be more comfortable, effective, and compatible with the marine safety tech of today. The Elite 190 is built from the same base bladder design as the Atlas 190 model and features Hammar Hydrostatic Inflator Technology, AIS and PLB pairing, and a host of other features.
Judge comments, “For those boating offshore, who want the better fit and increase floatation and form-factor bladder, but don’t need the spray hood, harness or water-activated light. This ultra comfortable life jacket is sure to encourage boaters to ‘Wear-it’.”
Cay Electronics CayCube Silent Power Source – Best Green/Innovation
The CayCube is described as a solid-state electric generator that can serve as a drop-in replacement for a traditional 8KW fossil fuel generator. But rather than create power, the CayCube stores electricity extremely densely to act as the power source for electrical needs aboard. Essentially two solid state lithium 48V, 210Ah batteries (which according to the manufacturer is equal to eight 8D batteries), CayCube seeks to push the frontier of energy storage aboard. Pitting one of these against a traditional 8KW generator in a multiday cruise-off would be very interesting—maybe we’ll get a shot someday. The CayCube can be recharged when depleted using shore power, alternator, or solar in as little as 5hrs.
Judge comments, “Why would a small boat owner go with heavy traditional generators when the Cay Cube exists. Using Solid State Marine’s innovative lithium technology, the Cay Cube offers a complete, lighter weight drop-in replacement of an 8KW generator, with zero exhaust emissions. It offers silent power at anchor and peace of mind with plenty of output.”
