That's a 10-4

Although it's no substitute for a VHF radio, Coleman's new Transmit PFD should come in handy when you need to radio for a towboat to come pick you up after you've wiped out for the umpteen-millionth time. Constructed with a rugged neoprene outer shell and a 100-percent PVC beveled foam core, this PFD features a two-way radio stitched into the chest module for added convenience and safety. For routine communication, the radio can be used to transmit and receive at a range of approximately 2 miles by simply touching the unit's watertight pressure switches. Both men's and women's models are available in all standard sizes at retail prices ranging from $99.99 to $129.99.

(800) 835-3278, www.coleman.com.

Grill Thrill

Impress your family and become a bona fide flame-searing, steak-grilling galley gourmand with Magma Products' ChefsMate Connoisseur Series Gas Grill. The first in a new series of low-cost, multifunctional cooking hardware, the ChefsMate features foldaway legs that make it perfect for onboard use, picnics, tailgating parties or camping excursions. This propane-powered "go-anywhere grill" also includes a miniature cutting board that also holds your knives, store your spices and aid in general food preparation. The ChefsMate Connoisseur Series Gas Grill sells for $199.

(562) 627-0500, www.magmaproducts.com.

Shades of Light

For someone who's never spent more than $50 on a pair of sunglasses, the opportunity to test a pair of Maui Jim's Akoni shades ($259) seems positively decadent. And as it turns out, it's literally an eye-opening experience primarily due to the PolarizedPlus2 technology at work. My extended test takes place over some ridiculously sunny days, and the polarized lenses block glare, while allowing a vivid color spectrum to make its way through – which Maui Jim says is the result of a multilayered lens design that allows more usable light to be transmitted to the eyes. The SuperThin glass lenses are reportedly 20 percent thinner and lighter than conventional glass lenses, and the Akonis feel comfortable when I'm wearing them. Subjected to the ultimate torture test courtesy of my infant daughter, Marisa, the Monel frames prove strong but flexible, and after I klutzily drop the glasses (the horror!), the lenses showcase their resistance to scratches. For boaters seeking stylish, top-quality sunglasses for general recreational boating, the unisex, saltwater-safe Maui Jim Akoni shades fit the bill.

(888) 666-5905, www.mauijim.com.

Airborne Ranger

Ever wanted to be an Airborne Ranger, living a life of … er, sports and danger? Then ollie it up with O'Brien's new Airborne kneeboard, which is constructed from high-quality body board foam and a strong plastic base. This board has a low-profile rail for easy edging, and it comes equipped with retractable tracking fins and a soft EVA pad. Additionally, it features an integrated hook and padded adjustable strap. The O'Brien Airborne kneeboard sells for $120.

(800) 662-7436, www.obrien.com.

Damage Control

For boaters in particular, there's always an 800-pound gorilla in the room whenever the conversation turns to ethanol. Although commercial gasoline now contains up to 10 percent of this clean-burning, corn-derived additive, ethanol-caused water buildup can (among other things) corrode fuel tanks, fuel lines, carburetors and injectors. Gold Eagle's Marine Formula STA-BIL Ethanol Treatment and Performance Improver, however, will allow you to counteract many of the potentially damaging effects of your fuel tank's ethanol content. STA-BIL contains double the corrosion inhibitors and five times the cleaning additive to help clear deposits from your boat's tanks, lines and engine. The formula also includes a fuel system detergent to keep intake valves and fuel injectors clean for improved performance. Gold Eagle's Marine Formula STA-BIL Ethanol Treatment and Performance Improver costs $9.99 (8 oz.) or $29.99 (32 oz.).

(800) 621-1251, www.goldeagle.com.

Happy Trolling

Tired of hauling out your trolling motor every time you want to cruise for fish? With Davis Instruments' Happy Troller, which mounts on the engine's anticavitation plate, you can maintain those ever-so-slow "fish-friendly" trolling speeds with the simple pull of a cable. Once activated, this heavy-duty marine aluminum plate locks down behind the prop, slowing the boat's speed. In the "up" position, the innovative mechanism allows for full unobstructed propeller thrust, while still acting as a stabilizer to reduce porpoising and cavitation. Davis Instruments' Happy Troller sells for $129.99.

(800) 678-3669, www.davisnet.com.

Winging It

Lose your kid's old water-wings and step up to the new generation of children's flotation devices with Stearns' Puddle Jumper. This hybridized lovechild of a water-wing and a PFD allows for free range of motion, while simultaneously providing increased stability and protection in the water. As an added bonus, your kids will likely be so distracted by the Puddle Jumper's fun cartoon designs, they probably won't even remember to throw a tantrum at the words, "It's time to put on your floatie." The Stearns Puddle Jumper costs $24.99.

(320) 252-4425, www.stearnsrec.com.