Real-Use Product Reviews

[smackdaddy]

This thread is for product reviews on any gear purchased anywhere.

The idea is that we can get some unvarnished offerings (informed by actual use) on stuff that we're looking for before we buy it. And this is just as much about how something wears/lasts than it is how it works.

It's a hell of a lot better and more informative than the little stars you see on the vendors' websites.

So what have you actually been using that has either impressed you, or let you down?

[QuickMick]

my ex let me down, but the little uniden voyager handheld vhf was a score. things tiny and has great batt life.

oh, and this this is ubercool and seems darn near indestructable.

Vion MiNi 2000 Handbearing Compass

[remetau]

We use these stainless steel water bottles all the time. We've been using them for a couple of years now filling them with regular tap water and have no need for plastic water bottles.

[remetau]

I can't get a direct link to the product, but the dome interior lights from Stecktronics. We've spent hundreds on different LED interior lights and have always been disappointed once we get them home and tried them out. The light is always too blue or too yellow. These LEDs are the closest we've seen to incandescent lights and are just as bright without the amps. We have been very very satisfied with these.

[smackdaddy]

I bought a Sunbrella bimini from Overton's just under two years ago. It was right around $380. Here it is on the boat:





We have it up most of the year - only stowing it in the winter which is December through February here. The sun is also pretty brutal here.

Generally, I've been pretty impressed with it. The Sunbrella has held up really well...but the stitching is failing all over the place. And that sucks. It's not really something you think about when you're buying Sunbrella.

Also, the straps are disintegrating. But what's really weird is that the straps UNDER the cover (that cinch tight the two frame bows) have been the first to go. The four external tie-down straps are still in good shape. What the hell?

Overall, I guess I'd recommend it for the price. My hunch is that the stitching issue is going to be the same on most products. But it sucks to have to repair it after only two seasons.

[smackdaddy]

PS - also in my pics above you'll see a solar charger. I tried to go the cheap route with a Coleman charger from Walmart (under $50). Went through 2 of them in less than 6 weeks and both of them gave out.

Definitely don't recommend those pieces of crap!

[SecondWindNC]

People often have questions about teak products, and I figure a picture is worth quite a few words. I refinished these hatch boards with Cetol Natural Teak this spring. I'm pleased with the finish/color, and they've held up well through a season of charter use. There are a few scratches now, but with Cetol you can just add a couple coats without having to take it back down to wood.

[dvuyxx]

Secondwind, is that picture with or without Cetol Gloss on top?

[tattoosteve]

recently replaced my dead adler barbor with a frigoboat it is quieter and uses less power than the a. b. unit also was rated as better by pratical sailor. plus the install was easier than removing the old unit. would highly reccomend.

[JimsCAL]

There is already a Sticky for product reviews right on this forum.