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1 Aquarian Hydrophone by AFAB Enterprises
The Aquarian Hydrophone, produced by
AFAB Enterprises, is a small, lightweight hydrophone designed for use by kayakers. The sensor, which is lowered into the water on a 3 metre cable, picks up sounds from passing dol- phins and whales. The cable connects to an amplifier/battery holder assembly, into which can be connected headphones, a speaker, or a recording device (not included with the unit, but the jack is standard size). The unit is powered by one nine-volt battery.
The entire unit is compact, ruggedly construct- ed, and simple to use. The amplifier/battery hold- er, conveniently small at 3.7 x 12 centimetres, clips on to the kayak deck bungies, and the sen- sor is lowered into the water. There is only one plug for the headphones, and only one control switch for power and volume, allowing for fool- proof handling and operation. In tests on the water, I found the Aquarian Hydrophone a dream accessory for ocean kayak- ing! At 270 g (10 oz) it is tiny, lightweight and easy to pack. It takes a bit of foresight to pack it carefully, so the headphone cord and the sensor cable are not entangled at the critical moment when a pod of orcas is passing beneath you. I tried paddling while the sensor was in the
water, but found that the noise of my paddle- strokes was too loud for me. Really, the unit must be packed on deck so it is ready to deploy when marine mammals are encountered, then operated while drifting. Care must be taken with the volume control – the unit is very sensitive, and it is easy to hurt your ears if there is any tapping on the cable
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or the sensor. The Aquarian Hydrophone is an affordable piece of equipment that adds another dimension to a kayaker’s appreciation of the ocean environment.
www.afabsound.com/aquar- ian.htm MSRP $139.00 US.
—Jacqueline Windh
2Harmony Edge Harmony Accessories has brought forth the Edge, a foam paddle float that is simple, effective and may even make paddle float rescues easier. The Edge is a dual chamber or dual cell paddle float requiring no inflation (thus no potential for cell failure) and is brightly coloured with high vis- ibility reflective trim on either side. The opening is large enough to accept the widest of touring blades and long enough to cover a thinner, longer blade style.
The solid yellow nylon outer shell is stitched around the entire perimeter adding to the dura- bility. The interior is a quick draining mesh liner that secures the foam inside nicely. Swivel hooks at each corner make attaching the unit to your deck rigging a snap. Harmony has included dual Velcro™ paddle lash strips. Wrapping the strips around the paddle shaft takes a little figuring but once fastened, the Velcro™ provides a solid attachment point. The Edge is designed to float flat on the surface of the water when the paddle is strapped in the stern deck rigging of your kayak–the paddle float rescue position. This is clever innovation and works best when paddles are set to a 30 degree feather or less. If you are wondering what all this paddle float gibber gab- ber is all about, pick up any kayak touring book and flip to the chapter on rescues. www.har-
monygear.com CDN MSRP: $49.95.
3Aqua-Bound Bilge Master A bailing device is one of numerous mandato-
ry pieces of equipment a kayaker must have on board. Lots of people have their own idea of what a bailer entails. For some, an old margarine con- tainer will do. For gear weenies an electric bilge pump is just what the doctor ordered. Falling somewhere in the middle is the Bilge Master from Aqua-Bound.
The Bilge Master is constructed of a bright yel- low plastic with a red vinyl-wrapped foam sleeve increasing visibility and flotation while being soft enough to protect your deck from scratching. The 37.4 centimetre (17 inch) body makes emptying even deeper boats a breeze. The spout accommodates a one-inch hose but the Bilge Master is such a powerful bailer a hose isn’t nec- essary to get water over the side. In fact it’s quite a force to be reckoned with in a water fight! Boasting a flow rate of 7.5 strokes per gallon, it took our testers approximately 70 strokes and roughly five minutes to suck a large cockpit dry after a re-entry.
The non-ferrous piston rod and ergonomic t- grip make for smooth and comfortable pumping without becoming too tiresome. The fine mesh screen on the intake is a great safeguard against smaller debris jamming the internal mecha- nisms—although it is always prudent to keep an eye on what you’re sucking. Not only will Aqua- Bound’s Bilge Master pump your boat dry, carry- ing one could save you from getting a ticket.
www.aquabound.com CDN MSRP: $39.99.
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