Odds are good you’ve made a special nonslip shoe when country-music crooners are just as eager to buy it as Florida Keys fishermen.

That’s what is happening with the Rogue Wave line from Huk—which is pronounced hook, if you want to sound like the cool kids out there. The South Carolina-based company launched its Rogue Wave line in 2020, and its 6-inch boot remains popular today. Huk just added a lower-profile men’s shoe and a women’s clog, in response to customers from warmer cruising grounds in Florida and the Bahamas, with the company’s Grip-X Slice outsole for traction on fiberglass boats.

Skippers, though, aren’t the only ones who’ve found this footwear. Scott Smith, Huk’s vice president of marketing, says a country-music artist recently spoke on a podcast about doing a sound check in the rain, and he said, “Buddy, these boots ain’t slippin’.” Now the country-music crowd is clamoring to buy them too, as are guys in the pressure-washing business, who are ordering them by the case. “It provides the grip,” Smith says. “It provides the protection they need to do their job.”

The traction in that Grip-X Slice outsole comes from a grid pattern. “Each little pod is a 360-degree traction control,” Smith says. “No matter whether you’re going forward, sideways or backwards, it will rotate with you and really lock you into that fiberglass hull.”

On the men’s shoe, there’s also an 8 mm neoprene kick plate. It flexes down to slide a foot in, then pulls up.

“We talked to a bunch of guys we work with, and one of them was telling me how nice it is to just slip into it when he gets into the truck and heads down to the dock,” Smith says. “Then when he gets to the boat, he pulls it up for stability.”

The whole Rogue Wave line, Smith adds, is meant to handle all kinds of action around the water: “We use a really pliable proprietary rubber. That’s one of the things that makes our boot different. It moves better as you move, without giving up durability.”  

Take the next step: huk.com

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Full wrap. Thin temples. Arched brow. Integrated side shields. Vented adjustable nose pads. Bioacetate frames. Recycled fishing-net frames. Upcycled plastic frames. Tri-Pel lens coating. Bio-based polarized lenses. Sports hinges. Spring hinges.

The list could go on for pages when describing all the features and options available these days for buying sunglasses—with styles now also being made not just for use on the water, but in particular for use on fresh or salt water, and during inland or offshore boating and fishing.

Some brands are going so far as to get species-specific when describing new sunglasses options. Bajio, in announcing its Zapata style, told this story: “This frame was named after the Zapata swamp in Cuba. Felipe, a local legend, lives there, teaching kids to fly-fish in the streets. This swamp is infested with permit, bonefish, snook, tarpon, snapper and barracuda. They are keen to eat anything in front of them, so we made a frame you can feed them in.”

Polarized lenses and ultraviolet protection are standard features in performance eyewear these days, as are hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coatings that repel water, sunscreen and more out on the boat and back at the beach. At the same time, there really are differences between, say, needing the best lens and frame shape for spotting fish in the shallows, and needing the best glare protection at high noon on a flybridge slathered in bright-white gelcoat.

It’s the basics plus the nuances that create a great pair of sunglasses for any activity—all the more reason to have multiple pairs on board.

A Pair for Every Activity

The post Six New Sunglass Options For Boaters appeared first on Yachting.

Sig Sauer Zulu6 HDX

A good pair of binoculars is critical for any mariner, and it’s especially helpful if they’re gyrostabilized to provide a steady image on the water. The Zulu6 HDX 18x50s from Sig Sauer can cut through the glare while also being rock-steady in the hands thanks to its OmniScan stabilizing technology. The IPX7 waterproof and fogproof performance means they won’t let you down in adverse weather conditions, either. A floating neck strap, waterproof Pelican case and rechargeable batteries are all included.

Breitling Superocean Heritage II

Understated and classy, the Superocean Heritage II from Breitling has luminous silver-tone arrow-shaped hands, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a stainless steel case with an aero classic rubber strap. The case size is 44 mm x 15.5 mm and it’s water resistant to 660 feet.

Shimano Tiagra 

If you’re chasing the world’s toughest pelagics—marlin, swordfish, giant tuna, big wahoo and mahi—you need a reel that can stand up to the challenge. Shimano’s two-speed Tiagras deliver that smooth power when you need it most. Each Tiagra is machined from solid 7mm stock aluminum for strength and perfect alignment even under incredible stress. Features include smooth push-button shifting from high to low gear and A-RB anti-rust sealed bearings.

Costa Fantail Pro

A slimmed-down version of the best-selling Blackfin Pro, the Fantail Pro also has all of Costa’s pro tech, including a vented and fully-adjustable nose pad for a customizable fit. There are also sweat channels and eyewire drains designed to help keep your vision clear plus new stickier Hydrolite and metal keeper slots to help to keep your frames on your face and the sweat and sun out of your eyes.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i

For the adventurer, the latest handheld from Garmin is a rugged GPS and satellite communicator with InReach technology for two-way messaging, interactive SOS alerts and location sharing. It also has mapping to keep you on course virtually anywhere in the world with expanded GNSS support, with 165 hours of battery life in tracking mode and up to 425 hours in expedition mode.

Yeti Loadout GoBox 30

This one’s a jack of all trades that’s perfect for organizing tackle, serving as a camera case or anything else that requires secure stowage. The Yeti Loadout GoBox 30 is dustproof, waterproof and virtually indestructible, and has a removable cargo tray and divider. It can also be accessorized with a tie-down kit, internal gear caddy and a beefy HeftyHauler handle.

Grundens Deck-Runner Ankle Boot

Built for action, the Deck-Runner from Grundens offers the lightweight comfort and support we love from everyday sneakers paired with the waterproof protection and durability of rubber deck boots. Prioritizing 100 percent waterproof construction yet emphasizing performance versatility, the Deck-Runner has a lightweight, high-rebound EVA midsole enhanced with thermo-regulating propertiesp. It also features a razor-siped gum rubber outsole for outstanding traction on wet decks. 

Mustang Survival Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket

Lifesaving gear has made significant advancements in the last few years; among those leading the way is Mustang Survival. The HIT series has hydrostatic inflator technology which has reliable inflation in a low-maintenance design that will only auto-inflate when submerged in four inches or more of water, and never inadvertently inflate in rain, spray or humidity. This lightweight, comfortable PFD allows for maximum mobility.

Grundens Charter Jacket

From tropical squalls to wind-driven rain and angry seas, the Charter Jacket is built for both versatility and durability to keep you dry and comfortable on and off the water. Emphasizing waterproof-yet-breathable performance, it excels as a packable rain shell and has a stowaway design feature that rolls into the jacket’s own hood for compact storage. Other features include zippered handwarmer pockets plus an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs.

Yeti Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack

Anyone who’s been around boats has gotten something wet that wasn’t supposed to be wet at some point in their adventures. The Panga 28L is constructed of ThickSkin material that’s highly puncture resistant, but the key feature is the waterproof and leakproof zipper. This keeps the bag completely dry inside even when submerged underwater. It’s like an impenetrable fortress for your stuff. 

Penn Spinfisher VI

The Penn Spinfisher is one the most recognized and accomplished saltwater spinning reels in the world. The Spinfisher VI series builds on that legacy with a full metal body and sideplates that keep the CNC gear system in precise alignment, while the IPX5 sealed bearing design keeps saltwater out. The premium HT-100 drag washers also keep things cool in the heat of battle. It’s available in nine different sizes and models to match the target species. 

Yachting Magazine

Yachting is one of the marine industry’s most respected boating magazines committed to enhancing dad’s boating experience.Every issue feeds his passion for the yachting lifestyle with extensive coverage of premium yachts, equipment, technology trends, world-class destinations, luxury charters, electronics and more. Subscribe for just $39 for a full 12 issues delivered right to his mailbox, plus instant digital access, weekly email newsletters and more.

The post 12 Best Father’s Day Gifts For Boaters 2025 appeared first on Yachting.

Lucy Davis loves to go to fabric fairs, looking for materials she can use in her role as sailing designer for the UK performance-sailing brand Musto. When she saw what PrimaLoft had to offer recently, she got excited.

PrimaLoft is a type of polyester insulation that mimics down feathers. There are different versions of PrimaLoft, and Davis used several of them to winterize Musto’s BR1 Collection. The result is warmer pieces to go with the uninsulated originals.

The concept with the BR1 Winter Collection is to give casual cruisers an affordable product with qualities similar to what the pros wear out on the water in heavy weather. At the same time, the product design is not wholly sailing-specific, so the pieces can also be worn while walking a dog or doing other things.

“We wanted to offer some midlayer options so people could sail all year round if they want to,” she says. “The casual day sailor can layer up in the same way that our professional sailors might.”

Solent PrimaLoft Insulator Jacket

The big kahuna of the Winter Collection is the PrimaLoft Channel Sailing Jacket. It’s an outer-layer piece (think big coat for winter fun) with features such as fleece-lined pockets, a high collar, a hood, and extra insulation around the body’s core.

The two other jackets are midlayers that can be worn underneath that outer jacket or on their own. The PrimaLoft Midlayer Jacket is waterproof, while the Solent PrimaLoft Insulator Jacket can repel light spray but with breathable fabric, thanks to PrimaLoft’s Utility insulation.

BR1 PrimaLoft Channel Sailing Jacket

“If you’re wearing heavy back straps or you have a life vest on, you’re not losing a lot of the loft on the shoulders,” Davis says. “But it’s also thin insulation, which is preferable when you don’t want bulk. It’s unique in that it’s a genuinely breathable insulated jacket.”

All in all, she adds, the fun is in giving boaters better options: “I love being able to use anything new that I think actually is going to make a difference for how comfortable people are when they are sailing.”  

Take the next step: musto.com

The post Musto BR1 Winter Collection appeared first on Yachting.

Boat shows brutalize your feet. Yes, mile after mile of boats looks like a dream come true, but wearing the wrong shoes can make walking the docks a nightmare.

Yachting Editor-in-Chief Patrick Sciacca feared the worst as he placed a brand-new pair of Amberjack loafers into his suitcase when bound for a show earlier this year.

“I was expecting sore feet at the end of a day, maybe even a few blisters, but none of it came to fruition,” Sciacca says. “The shoes have an almost sneaker-like sole and a well-cushioned lining, making the loafers comfortable over the long haul, about 45 miles in my case. Additionally, they easily slid on and off my feet, a benefit when you’re constantly stepping on and off boats at a show.”

None of that is by accident, says John Peters, Amberjack’s CEO. He founded the company in 2019 because, like our editor, he wanted style without pain.

“In dress shoes, you had some really comfortable stuff, but style was an afterthought,” Peters says. “And conversely, you had the handmade beautiful brands, but they hurt your feet. We wanted to combine style and comfort—look beautiful but feel good.”

Read More: Discover 21 Incredible Boating Gifts to Wow Enthusiasts This Holiday Season

The trick, he says, is that Amberjack does extensive testing on the insole, which molds to the individual’s foot over time with every wearing. The company also uses customer feedback and testing to create a fit that works for most men within a given size range.

“Everybody’s feet are different,” Peters says. “If you took a hundred guys at Size 9, you’ll have a hundred different types. That’s the complexity of mass production in getting that fit correct. We try really, really hard to get as many feet as we can into that spectrum.”

Leather is by far the most popular style customers choose, he adds, which is why Amberjack is also “maniacal” about getting that element right.

“Every single batch is different,” he says. “You have to have so much manual filtering and processing [of] the hide that give you a beautiful, natural look. You don’t want it to crease quickly. You want it to retain its structure, but you also want it loose enough to be comfortable.”  

Sustainability

Amberjack places a priority on sourcing its materials from reputable, sustainable tanneries. Lesser facilities do not properly dispose of waste. “They’ll just dump this stuff in the river or the lake,” says CEO John Peters. “We only work with the highest level of certification.”

Tender-Ready

Amberjack’s shoes are non-marking with nonslip soles. Natural leather styles resist water on their own. Suede styles are treated to hold up too. “That’s not to say you can walk underwater with our shoes,” Peters says, “but they are treated with a water-repellent coating.”

Take the next step: amberjack.shop

The post Hit the Docks in Style with Amberjack Shoes appeared first on Yachting.

Costa Men’s Rincon Sunglasses

Costa’s Rincon, blue-mirrored, polarized sunglasses have the company’s scratch-resistant, 580 glass lenses. The shades provide 100 percent UV protection and help anglers see through the water. The glasses’ rectangular frame is acetate and manufactured from tree pulp.

Sperry Men’s Billfish Three-Eye Boat Shoe

From its full-leather upper section to its boat-friendly non-marking rubber sole, The Sperry Billfish Three-Eye Boat Shoe has an uber-comfort fit and timeless design. It also features Sperry’s trademark 360-degree lacing system.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 

Two-comms in the palm of your hand are just the start of the Garmin inReach mini 2. This 4-inch by 2-inch unit leverages satellites to enable features such as two=way messaging, location sharing, SOS alerts, weather forecasting and more. It’s also rated at IPX7 waterproofing, which is the ability to be submerged at a one-meter depth for 30 minutes. 

Garmin MARQ Captain Gen 2 Smartwatch

An AMOLED touchscreen display, titanium construction and a rechargeable battery for up to 16 days of use hint at the robust nature of the Garmin MARQ Captain Gen 2 Smartwatch. This smartwatch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, has a regatta timer, autopilot control, waypoint marking, one-touch MOB function and more.

Helly Hansen Men’s HP Foil HT Sailing Shorts

If he’s got the need for speed, the Helly Hansen Men’s HP Foil HT Sailing Shorts are for him. These waterproof sailing shorts are designed for inshore racing in extremely wet conditions. They include a reinforced seat and are mesh-lined for comfort. These shorts are available in sporty navy, gray fog and black styles.

Starlink Actuated High Performance Kit

Starlink has created easy-to-install, cost-effective, high-speed connectivity for boaters. This Starlink kit includes the satellite dish (22.6 by 20.1 inches), a router, base, a power supply, and all necessary cables. It also supports as many as 20 users on board.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Weather happens. When it does, the Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket can help. Columbia’s Omni-tech material keeps this jacket breathable and waterproof, a welcome combination when it comes to comfort. It’s also easy to stow, lightweight, machine washable and has a storm hood.

Silwy Magnetic Crystal Longdrink Glasses

The drinks can stay as stable as a table. The Silwy Magnetic Crystal Longdrink Glasses have magnets built into the bases and sit on metal foil pads to keep them upright underway. They can also sit on the pads when stowed. The glasses come in sets of two and the pads are washable and reusable.

Costa Women’s Anaa Sunglasses

The Costa Anaa polarized sunglasses have 580 polycarbonate lenses, which helps make them scratch- and impact-resistant. These lightweight shades come with gray-, copper- or green-mirrored lenses and several frame color options. The Anaa sunglasses also come with a case and a cleaning cloth. 

Roc Inflatable Paddle Board 

The easy-to-inflate and stable nature of the Roc paddleboard makes it a shortlist choice for boaters looking to add to their water toy arsenal. The 10-foot-six-inch board even has a seat to enable it to function as a kayak. It comes with single and dual aluminum paddles, backpack for storage, drybag, pump, kayak seat and more.

Yeti 20 Oz. Cocktail Shaker

Double-wall insulation helps keep drinks in the Yeti 20-ounce cocktail Shaker cool for extended periods. The Yeti shaker, a solid addition on board when it’s time for sundowners, comes in an array of colors, is 18/8 puncture-resistant stainless steel and has a one-ounce, leak-resistant twist cap.

Rolex Submariner

What could be a better gift than the king of watches for a king in your life? The Rolex Submariner Date is an 18 kt. white-gold statement of deep confidence. The rotatable bezel is designed for a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops.The dial’s luminescent Chromalight display allows for visibility in dark environments.

Amberjack – The Loafer

It just wouldn’t be a complete holiday gift list without some stylish footwear. The Loafers by Amberjack are made with A-grade full-grain leather and sheepskin lining, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are comfortable, stylish and they feature an athletic outsole with a heat-activated insole. And, after a day of cruising, they just look great when heading ashore to your favorite waterfront eatery.

Helly Hansen Kensington Waterproof Shell Jacket

Waterproof and windproof are two essential elements of an effective jacket on the water and the Helly Hansen Kensington Shell Jacket is both. It is 100 percent polyester and has taped construction to ensure it stays waterproof. It also has reflective stripes, adjustable cuffs and is machine washable.

Smith Hookset Sunglasses

Ten color styles are just the start of Smith Optics Hookset polarized sunglasses. These made-for-boating, medium-frame shades have the company’s trademark ChromaPop lenses, which are said to help cut glare, adjust to lighting conditions, enhance contrast and increase “visual clarity.”

GPSMAP^® 9219 MFD-Premium Chartplotter with Garmin Navionics+

Bigger glass,  faster processing and a future proof design are at the heart of Garmin Series 9000 multifunction displays. The Garmin 9219’s screen (there are also 22-, 24- and 27-inch screens available), has edge-to-edge glass, 4k resolution and seven times faster processing than its predecessors. It also offers gigabit speeds when using the company’s Bluenet Network.  

Helly Hansen Women’s Manchester 2.0 Shell Jacket

A brushed-fleece collar for warmth and comfort, a detachable hood and adjustable elastic cuffs are just some of the features found in the Helly Hansen Manchester 2.0 Shell Jacket. It’s also waterproof, has an adjustable hem via a drawcord and has no shoulder seams. It comes in six color options and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

Fusion Marine MS-RA210 Stereo and XS Classic Speaker Kit

The Fusion Marine MS-RA210 Stereo and XS Classic Speaker Kit is a gift that will keep everyone onboard jamming all day. The system’s advanced connectivity capability gives users the freedom to control this stereo from a compatible Garmin MFD, smart device or watch, making this a great gift to pair with!

HUK Next Level 10.5-inch Short

On or off the water, the HUK Next Level 10.5-inch Short is a blend of form and function. These stylish, anit-microbial shorts have a 30 SPF rating. They are also stain-resistant (a great asset for anglers), are high stretch, quick drying and come in six color options.

HUK Womens Pursuit Cover-Up Dress

If you’re looking for a little extra cool and comfortable sun protection on the boat or the beach, the HUK Womens Pursuit Cover-Up Dress can help. Coming in two colors, this non-cling cover-up has a 50 SPF rating, a 34-inch length, is constructed in polyester and has an adjustable bottom hem.

Yeti Tundra® 125 Hard Cooler

Three-inches of Permafrost insulation in the Yeti Tundra 125 Hard Cooler’s walls and lid helps keep up to 129 pounds of ice, well, ice. It also accommodates 193 beverage cans. Its roto-molded construction ensures a long life on the boat and a two-pin hinge design helps prevent it from breaking. The cooler also comes with a dry goods basket.

The post Discover 21 Incredible Boating Gifts to Wow Enthusiasts This Holiday Season appeared first on Yachting.

Helly Hansen’s original crew midlayer jacket was introduced more than a decade ago. It was based on a shelled fleece that the company made to take a real beating for a Volvo Ocean Race team. Since then, it has become one of the brand’s bestsellers among all kinds of boaters who want to stay warm and dry out on the water. Tweaks have been made to the design here and there, but this year Helly Hansen did a full-on upgrade as part of the new Crew 2.0 Collection.

One of the big evolutions is a main zipper that does a better job of resisting saltwater corrosion. Helly Hansen incorporated Vislon on this element, trying to give an assist to cruisers who can’t always douse their gear with a freshwater rinse before damage from the elements sets in. Vislon is made of injection-molded plastic, not metal, so it also reduces weight a bit.

Also new in the Crew 2.0 Collection is an update to the fleece lining. The styles are now made with Polartec fleece, which is known for being water-resistant in addition to being warm and lightweight. Polartec is further known for being fast-drying, which makes it a real benefit for cruisers who get caught on deck in a squall.

Helly Hansen worked on an improved fit with the Crew 2.0 Collection too. In particular, the company focused on shoulders and sleeves, trying to make the material move as one with the person wearing it. Shoulders are articulated, which means they are made in a way that allows a greater range of movement while pulling up fenders or handling lines.

And fear not, group cruisers: Helly Hansen also made sure there is still adequate space for teams and clubs to add their favorite logos on the chest and back.  

The post Helly Hansen’s Crew 2.0 Midlayer Jacket appeared first on Yachting.

Skeleton Optics, in premiering a line of sunglasses for women, says demand is continuing to increase from female anglers. “Fishing historically has been perceived as a male-dominated sport,” says Eric Storey, the company’s CEO, who adds that “the millions of women who spend their lives outdoors need sunglasses made just for them.”

His company is far from alone in offering an increasingly broad array of styles not only for men and women alike, but also for specific types of on-the-water activities and face shapes. Costa launched King Tide less than a year ago, promising not only its most technical frame to date, but also a version for elite anglers. The new Rigolets line from Bajio is designed for boaters who have smaller, narrower faces, and who previously couldn’t find a comfortable fit. Hobie offers the Everglades Float, which is being marketed not just for general fishing, but in particular flats-fishing and sight-casting.

The one thing they all have in common: This eyewear is being designed by boating and fishing enthusiasts, for boating and fishing enthusiasts. “As avid anglers, we understand the frustration of losing sunglasses while on the water,” says Dylan Coates, marketing manager for Hobie Eyewear.

Bajio Rigolets

Skeleton Decoy

Costa King Tide

Hobie Everglades

Costa Catherine

Skeleton Outlaw

These manufacturers also understand key safety features, which include things like Costa’s venting, which is inspired by sharks, to help prevent lenses from fogging up when skippers are trying to run the boat. Scratch-resistant lenses, ultraviolet protection and more are usually part of the package too.

And as you can see in the examples above, the variety of frames, lenses and styles is pretty darn stunning—as beautiful as the colors of coral on the most vibrant reefs.

The post Marine-Friendly Sunglasses appeared first on Yachting.

Garmin isn’t trying to be Apple. Dave Dunn, senior director of marine and RV sales, is clear about that: “We’re trying to be the watch that you can beat up and use every day. Our customers are adventurous.”

Still, the Garmin team kept hearing customers talk about how much easier they found it to look at an Apple Watch. “Historically, our watches had a display that was not crisp, not bright,” Dunn says. “Our customers said they liked the Apple Watch display better.”

Hence the upgraded display on the recently unveiled Garmin quatix 7 Pro. Its 1.3-inch AMOLED display is brighter and crisper than the displays on previous models, with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens so boaters don’t have to worry about banging it up.

Also new is a flashlight that was on a prior quatix model, which is now standard on most models.

“Any of our users will tell you it’s our No. 1 feature,” Dunn says. “It sounds ridiculous until you see how bright it is. If you’re walking the dog at night or going to the restroom while you’re sleeping, it comes in handy. It’s a hands-free light.”

Two new apps are also loaded into this version of the quatix. The first is Trolling Motor Remote, which lets anglers control a compatible trolling motor. The second is Fish Forecast, which is intended to save anglers the effort of searching online for general information that can indicate better days to wet a line.

“Think about an almanac; it has moon phases, time of year, all of that. It gives you a prediction about the best times to fish,” Dunn says. “All of it is right there. You’re never guaranteed to catch fish, but it tells you when the better times might be.”

Garmin also updated apps that let the smartwatch act as a remote control for chart plotters, autopilots and Fusion stereos; notify boaters about anchor drag; and show integrated tide data.

“This is designed by boaters, for boaters,” Dunn says, adding that he personally enjoys controlling a boat’s stereo from his wrist. “If you’re on a sandbar at a party and you want to change the volume or the song, you can do that from your watch. I love that feature.”  

Boater-Friendly

The Garmin quatix 7 Pro is built to let users control their whole boating ecosystem from their wrist. This smartwatch can connect to compatible chart plotters, autopilots, Fusion stereos and trolling motors, all while it simultaneously tracks personal health information and serves as a hands-free flashlight. It also receives text messages and smart notifications.

Purchase your own here: Amazon, Garmin

The post Garmin Quatix Upgrade appeared first on Yachting.

Allied Feather + Down is not a company that most boaters know, but it plays a role in many of the brands that boaters buy. The California-based firm sources the materials that go into products sold by Vineyard Vines, Under Armour, Sail Racing and more. If you like the way a particular jacket stays warm but not too hot, materials from Allied Feather + Down may be at least part of the reason.

Since about 2010, the company has been trying to solve the problem of down having a bad relationship with water. “For boating and water sports in general, down has always been considered not applicable because of the high levels of moisture, from rain to humidity,” says Creative Director Matthew Betcher. “So even with a brand like Helly Hansen, it’s never something we really saw in their boating pieces until recently, where we can start to develop solutions for that problem.”

That solution is called ExpeDry. The idea is that instead of making water bead up on the outside, or shell, of a product, such as a jacket, ExpeDry will fight the water from within.

Think about how a down jacket or blanket has baffles, which are the squares that look kind of like a quilt. Inside each one of those baffles is what Betcher calls an insulation chamber. His team worked with a technology called FUZE to create tiny gold particles that permanently bond to the down inside the insulation chamber, creating an electrostatic barrier that stops, say, humidity from condensing into water.

“What would happen without it in a down blanket, for example, is that humidity would continue to be picked up by the down, and it would grow mold, lose loft, just get gross,” he says. “It will never really have a chance to dry out. What this does is help keep that down dry. It keeps the whole inside of the blanket drier.”

ExpeDry also makes it possible to hang a down product on a line and have it actually get dry without the need for a home-type, heat-based dryer—a boon for boaters who otherwise have no way to dry those products. “In a laundry situation, it helps the product dry over 50 percent faster,” he says. “Those comforters can take hours to dry properly. This saves a tremendous amount of time and energy.”

The post Allied Feather + Down Launches Extreme Foul-Weather Apparel appeared first on Yachting.