Hydrostatic Release Unit A hydrostatic release unit, or HRU, enables liferafts to surface and inflate automatically when a vessel is sinking. It is simple to install and releases at all angles - requiring only water pressure to activate.

HydroFix™ Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) The HydroFix™ Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) is a patented rod system that allows a beacon to be quickly and reliably released from a Category I bracket when submerged in water between  4.9' to 13.1' (1.5 to 4 M.)   Does not rely on a battery, blade or pyrotechnic device to release the beacon.  This advantage allows for a quick, seamless and reliable release in an emergency. *This is a date-stamped product and must be replaced every 2 years from the date of installation or 4 years from the date of manufacture.   Compatible With: ACR Sea Shelter,  Sea Shelter2 and Sea Shelter3 brackets Features: Easily replaceable 100% factory tested Technical Specifications: Dimensions -  2.5" x 3.4" x 2.0" (6.3 x 8.6 x 5.0 cm) Weight - 3.3oz (93.6 g) *Sold as an Individual  WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Hydrostatic Release Unit McMurdo Hydrostatic Release for Catagory 1 EPIRB 'BreaktHRU' - the Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) Kit from McMurdo. Smaller that other HRUs currently available, BreaktHRU is unique in its use of a small pyrotechnic charge, which is used to enable EPIRBs to automatically float free. Features: Compact Classified non-hazardous Complies with the latest SOLAS and IMO resolutions Fits the footprint of existing HRUs Service life of two years Using technology developed exclusively by McMurdo, the pyrotechnic charge is used to activate the HRU when it is submerged in water < 13 feet. Once activated the EPIRB is automatically released - it's as simple as that!

Replacement HRU Kit for G8 Hydrostatic Release Unit Replacment HRU for McMurdo EPIRB in series G8.

Replacement Hydrostatic  Replacement Hydrostatic Release mechanism for Ocean Signal Category I EPIRB's.  Must be replaced every two (2) years from date of installation.  Compatible With:  Ocean Signal Category 1 EPIRB's *Sold as an Individual    WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Marine Safety It can be very enjoyable to be out on the water, but you do not want to forget about marine safety. Making sure you protect yourself as much as possible matters, and you also want to keep all of your boat's passengers safe, too. We have the accessories you need to raise your level of safety and increase your peace of mind anytime you take the boat out of the dock. Our options for personal locator beacons and safety lights can help protect you, and our waterproof bags & cases help you make sure you do not damage any of your personal belongings, either.   Make sure you remember to take an emergency weather radio, and we offer EPIRBs, Flotation Coats/Pants, Fume Detectors, Immersion/Dry/Work Suits, Life Rafts, Man Overboard Devices, Personal Flotation Devices, Personal Locator Beacons, Safety Lights, and Waterproof Bags & Cases and Medical Kits to protect yourself and the people you care about . Your passengers will thank you when they feel safe on your boat, and you will have less to worry about. Then you can have more fun out on the waterways, and really appreciate the beauty of nature and all the fun a boat can bring.

The joys of on-the-water paddle sports are many. Paddling your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or  surfboard takes individual skill, where you set your own pace and experience a sense of calm and quiet serenity as you glide across the pristine waters. You will encounter fewer & wild parties with large, raft-up boat flotillas crowding the waterways. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, and while it is a recent addition to the list of paddle sports, some believe that it has been around for longer. Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s, evolving into the recognized sport today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island. The modern applications of stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the extreme popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005, where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country, with more than 22 million Americans participating in stand-up paddleboarding.   Simply put, stand-up paddleboarding involves getting on a surf-like board with a long SUP paddle which you will use to propel the board while standing up straight. This paddle sport is excellent for photographers as they can get a much better view while standing up. There is more than one way on how to paddle a stand-up paddleboard. You can race, tour, and surf. Many marinas have partnered with yoga instructors to offer on-the-water stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. It is refreshing to watch a class of yogis as they attempt perfect balance in a headstand on an unanchored, less than steady paddleboard! You can even turn your SUP into a kayak. More recent is white water paddle boarding for the thrill-seekers. Kayaking may have been the fastest-growing paddle sport, but stand-up paddleboarding has taken over this title. New variations of stand-up paddleboards have hit the market. Some boards are inflatable, some can be folded up into thirds with hinged sections, and newer paddleboards include tall seats and pedals. For SUP equipment information, click this link at CLR Marine. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html.   SAFETY FIRST and WEATHER ALERTS WHEN PADDLE BOARDING While enjoying any paddle sport, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, be aware that weather can change in an instant. A calm stream can suddenly become a raging river if weather conditions suddenly change higher up at the stream's headwaters.    PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) Wearing or carrying a PFD on-board is essential to paddleboard safety. Stand-up Paddleboards are considered "vessels" under the United States Coast Guard regulations when used out of designated swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Individuals 13 years of age and older must have a PFD on board, and those 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Not only can a PFD save your life, but it can also make it easier for you to climb back aboard after falling or jumping in the water. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/marine-safety/personal-flotation-devices.html   WHISTLE A whistle can be a simple, inexpensive item to carry that can make a huge difference in an emergency. You can use a whistle to alert motorized boats to your presence if needed or to get help from the shore if you have trouble on the water. A whistle can also be heard in the fog when visibility is at a minimum. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/10020--acr-survival-res-q-whistle-w-18-lanyard.html   PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON Personal locator beacons are handheld devices that signal 406 MHz, the same frequency used for newer emergency locator transmitters. Activate a PLB—in most cases, simply by extending the antenna and pressing the On button—and it transmits a powerful distress signal with a unique digital code. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports/personal-locator-beacons.html   LEASH If you fall off your SUP while in the water, the leash will keep your board easily accessible. Wind, currents, and waves can quickly sweep your SUP away from you. Fasten the cord securely & around your ankle.   WETSUIT If you plan on going out on cold water, you should consider a suit to keep you warm. Hypothermia escalates rapidly. An accidental fall into a cold mountain lake or cold ocean water would ruin your trip. Remember that you won't have a stack of warm blankets or warm, dry clothing with you.   HELMET If you're going to take your SUP down a river, you should consider a helmet for the trip. Kayakers wear them, and their heads are much closer to the water than someone standing on a paddleboard. Falling onto hidden or exposed rocks from a standing position could cause a devastating impact. Protect your brain. Wear a helmet.   WEATHER Always be aware of the current weather conditions for your SUP outing and pay attention to the forecast for the day. Weather conditions can change rapidly in some locations, and getting caught in bad weather can be very dangerous. The wind is always a threat. The wind can quickly unbalance a paddle boarder, make it difficult to paddle, or even carry the board quickly away from a dismounted paddler. Have a weather app on your phone, and hopefully a signal will transmit while you are on the water. PADDLE with a PARTNER The best way to enjoy your SUP is with a friend. It is also one of the best ways to stay safe on the water. Paddling buddies can double-check gear before heading out and watch out for each other while out on the water. Let friends know where you will be. Leave your itinerary with someone on land. If you don't return at your designated time, your land buddy will start the search. Should your itinerary change, get in touch with your person on shore. Cell service may be limited on the water. Don't count on your cell phone to be your lifeline.   SUNSCREEN The sun is known to cause cancer in all states, not just California. Protect any exposed skin.    KNOW YOUR LIMITS Remember that you have that same distance on your return trip for every mile that you have traveled out. While the wind may be at your back on the way out, a headwind at the return will be a challenge as your energy is diminishing. Paddleboarding is an excellent way for you to blend in with your surroundings and slide from one area to another. Be safe. Know the distance to your destination or how much exertion you want to make at each outing. In addition, to stand-up paddleboarding, other paddle sports to enjoy are kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. We will explore these paddle sports in a future blog. Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.

Raymarine has identified a problem with Sport Drive autopilot drive unit. As a result the mechanical clutch assembly may fail, causing the steering of the vessel to lock in one direction with possible risk to the safety of the vessel and crew. See PDF for more information.

Reactor™ 40 Steer-by-wire Corepack for Viking® VIPER™ Garmin's Most Responsive Autopilot System on the Water Solid-state 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) Minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride Minimal commissioning and calibration The Reactor 40 for Viking VIPER steering systems brings our leading-edge marine autopilot technology to Viking yachts. With a complete package designed for powerboats and sailboats, Garmin brings an advanced marine technology to the boating public that was once only available for commercial boats. The Reactor 40 autopilot series is simply the most responsive autopilot system we have ever offered. Reactor 40 autopilots are very versatile. Both powerboat and sailing features are available in all corepacks, including heading hold, wind hold, tack/jibe, step turns and more. Solid-state 9-axis AHRS With its advanced solid-state 9-axis AHRS, you can mount Reactor 40 nearly anywhere, in any orientation. In addition, this new system greatly minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride for all on board. Reacts to Conditions This amazing autopilot actually reacts to the sea to hold your course. Even when the boat is pitching and rolling, you can remain confident that the Reactor 40 autopilot will keep you on your desired course. Minimal Commissioning and Calibration All autopilots require commissioning and calibration — all of them. We know you just want to get on the water, so we made this process as fast and easy as possible. That’s the power of simple. Full Integration with Garmin Chartplotters Combined with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter, you can have full control of Reactor 40 from wherever you are on the boat. In addition to holding its course in virtually all weather and wind conditions, the system can smoothly perform a variety of preprogrammed trolling and search procedures. Plus, with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter and BlueChart® g2 Vision® charts (sold separately), you gain optional features such as Auto Guidance¹, which automatically steers GPS paths. Connect to Networked Devices The Reactor 40 autopilot is operated using up to 3 GHC™ helm control units. GHC communicates with the autopilot system via your NMEA 2000® network, so autopilot heading data can be shared easily with other devices. This enables MARPA and chart overlay when connected to a Garmin chartplotter. An optional handheld wireless remote control is also available; however, for the highest level of convenience, control GHC using a compatible quatix® 3 or quatix 5 marine multisport smartwatch. In The Box: Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit) GHC™ 20 helm control display CCU cable Buzzer NMEA 2000® drop cables (2 meters) NMEA 2000 power cable NMEA 2000 T-connectors Male and female terminators Documentation 1Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Reactor™ 40 Steer-By-Wire Corepack for Viking® without GHC™ 20 The Most Responsive Autopilot System on the Water Solid-state 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) Minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride Minimal commissioning and calibration Reactor 40 for Viking VIPER steering systems brings our leading-edge marine autopilot technology to Viking yachts. With a complete package designed for powerboats and sailboats, Garmin brings an advanced marine technology to the boating public that was once only available for commercial boats. The Reactor 40 autopilot series is simply the most responsive autopilot system we have ever offered. Reactor 40 autopilots are very versatile. Both powerboat and sailing features are available in all corepacks, including heading hold, wind hold, tack/jibe, step turns and more. Solid-state 9-axis AHRS With its advanced solid-state 9-axis AHRS, you can mount Reactor 40 nearly anywhere, in any orientation. In addition, this new system greatly minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride for all on board. Reacts to Conditions This amazing autopilot actually reacts to the sea to hold your course. Even when the boat is pitching and rolling, you can remain confident that the Reactor 40 autopilot will keep you on your desired course. Minimal Commissioning and Calibration All autopilots require commissioning and calibration — all of them. We know you just want to get on the water, so we made this process as fast and easy as possible. That’s the power of simple. Full Integration with Garmin Chartplotters Combined with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter, you can have full control of Reactor 40 from wherever you are on the boat. In addition to holding its course in virtually all weather and wind conditions, the system can smoothly perform a variety of preprogrammed trolling and search procedures. Plus, with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter and BlueChart® g2 Vision® charts (sold separately), you gain optional features such as Auto Guidance¹, which automatically steers GPS paths. 1Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations What's In The Box? Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit) CCU cable Buzzer NMEA 2000® drop cables (2 meters) NMEA 2000 power cable NMEA 2000 T-connectors Male and female terminators Documentation WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro - Float-Free Category 1 EPIRB The SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro operates in the 406MHz satellite band. This band comprises the international distress frequencies that are constantly monitored by Cospas-Sarsat, the international search and rescue satellite operator, ensuring a rapid response when a signal is received, no matter where it is in the world.  As the world’s most compact Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB, the EPIRB1 Pro pairs its compact stature with a durable design, making it a practical option to meet the needs of all commercial, fishing, and leisure vessels. The product has been designed for maximum efficiency and boasts a 10 year battery life in addition to superb operating life when activated, keeping rescue services updated with your location for longer.  Features: Most compact Float Free EPIRB / 30% Smaller Footprint (typically) State of the art 66 channel GPS receiver for fast and accurate position acquisition Float Free bracket, automatic release housing with Hydrostatic Release Unit High intensity strobe lights 10 Year Battery Life Intuitive operating controls protected from accidental activation Meets or exceeds all International standards including IMO and GMDSS Class 2 EPIRB (-20°C – +55°C) for general use Non hazardous battery This EPIRB is fitted with a 121.5MHz homing beacon used by rescue services for close-in location of vessels in distress. In addition, the EPIRB is fitted with a high brightness LED strobe light for additional impact, especially at night. For emergency situations where a user is not physically able to reach the EPIRB in time, The EPIRB1 Pro also comes complete with a Category I Automatic Release Housing (commonly referred to as ‘float free’). This ensures that the EPIRB is automatically deployed from the bracket by the internal Hydrostatic Release Unit, and then also automatically activates and floats to the surface to send your distress message to the satellite network. The Automatic Release Housing (ARH) also includes a convenient adapter providing multiple retrofit options. Use the adapter to easily mount the ARH using the same mounting holes that were previously used for older and larger EPIRBS such as the Ocean Signal E100/E100G, Jotron Tron 60s, and McMurdo E5/G5. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov. This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

TR5LM with Safety Pin - Large Mouth (1.130" mouth diameter) The LM models (LM = Large Mouth) are provided with a front jaw enlarged to receive straps, cable or fiber line. Additional side plates at the jaw area are provided to spread the load and minimize chafing. Features: Designed for use with a 7/16" shackle at rear of device Perpendicular or parallel release directions Hitch pin lock for device locking safety Computer generated parts precision-cut from aerospace grade stainless steel plate Low friction, low effort lanyard-style release for maximum user safety On load/off load releasing All parts 100% stainless steel No springs Break Load 16,618 pounds and SWL 3,323 pounds WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

TR7LM with Safety Pin - Large Mouth (1.6" mouth diameter) The LM models (LM = Large Mouth) are provided with a front jaw enlarged to receive straps, cable or fiber line. Additional side plates at the jaw area are provided to spread the load and minimize chafing. Features: Designed for use with a 5/8" shackle at rear of device Perpendicular or parallel release directions Hitch pin lock for device locking safety Computer generated parts precision-cut from aerospace grade stainless steel plate Low friction, low effort lanyard-style release for maximum user safety On load/off load releasing All parts 100% stainless steel No springs Break Load - 35,210 pounds and SWL 7,042 pounds WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

ARH100 Automatic Hydrostatic Release Housing The ARH100 is manufactured in a durable and highly UV stable plastic and provide excellent protection of the unit until it is required. ARH100 automatic release housing, containing a hydrostatic release mechanism which automatically deploys the EPIRB if the vessel is sinking Note: IMO regulations require an automatic release housing to be provided for mandatory fitted EPIRB's. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

TR7 with D-Shackle Safety Pin - 5/8" Shackle Features: Perpendicular or parallel release directions Hitch pin lock for device locking safety Computer generated parts precision-cut from aerospace grade stainless steel plate Low friction, low effort lanyard-style release for maximum user safety On load/off load releasing All parts 100% stainless steel No springs Break Load - 35,210 pounds and SWL 7,042 pounds WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.