Here at Boating, we understand that having the right accessories can make all the difference. That’s why we’re excited to bring you our weekly roundup of the best deals on top-quality gear for your boat. Each week, we scour the market to find the latest and greatest equipment at unbeatable prices, ensuring you have everything you need to enhance your time on the water. Join us in exploring these fantastic deals on gear that delivers performance, reliability, and value.
The NOCO GEN5X2 stands out as a compact yet powerful onboard charging solution, built specifically for marine environments and demanding use cases on boats:
Pros
Dual-bank 10 A output (5 A per bank) lets you independently charge both your starting and house or trolling-motor batteries simultaneously
Supports multiple battery chemistries including Wet Cell, Gel, AGM, Square Ca, and Lithium—making it versatile for boats that may upgrade or operate mixed battery types
Advanced charging modes such as Thermal Compensation (adapts to ambient temperature), Repair Mode (destroys sulfation), and Force Mode (revives deeply drained batteries) contribute greatly to extending battery life.
Cons
Slightly higher upfront cost vs basic trickle chargers.
Here are three SPOT satellite devices on sale at West Marine—ideal for boaters looking to stay safe and connected offshore:
SPOT Gen4 Satellite GPS Messenger
Compact, waterproof, and perfect for boating. Provides 1-way “OK,” custom, tracking, and SOS messaging via Globalstar satellites. Works with AAA batteries (or USB), has IP68 rating, and supports 2.5–60 min tracking intervals—great for sharing your trip on Google Maps. Reviews highlight its reliability at sea and affordable simplicity
SPOT X 2‑Way Satellite Messenger
For captains who want interactive comms, SPOT X adds real two-way texting via satellite—no phone needed—and gives you a dedicated US phone number. Rugged, IP67-sealed with ~10 days battery life in 10-minute tracking mode. Some users report the keyboard is small, but for those committed to messaging offshore it’s a feature-packed bargain .
SPOT Trace Asset Tracker
Users with docked boats or valuable gear can use SPOT Trace to monitor movement. You get text/email alerts and tracking updates when it moves—perfect for theft protection or monitoring a tender left on the dock.
Stay safe and connected on the water with the Uniden MHS338BT Floating Handheld VHF Radio. Built tough with IPX8 waterproofing, GPS, NOAA weather alerts, and a water-activated strobe, it’s designed for emergencies as well as everyday communication.
Pros
Highly Rugged & Marine-Ready — Floats, dispenses a water-activated strobe, and is fully submersible.
Comprehensive Safety Features — GPS, MOB, NOAA weather alerts, DSC compliance, and strobe lighting—packed into one device.
Versatile Power Output — Adjustable transmit levels optimize battery life and coverage depending on need.
Cons
Potentially Heavier Bulk — Ruggedness and additional functions may make it heavier than more basic handheld VHF models.
