Boys & Girls and their Toys

everything you could possibly need on a boat.

Useful tools and gadgets for boats

Here you'll find useful things that can do practical service on your boat – trigger warning: yes, it's techy toys, and yes, it works without them too :-) The list is constantly being expanded, so do come back... And the financial note: for all the gadgets presented here I receive NO money from the manufacturer! Should affiliate links be given, they are explicitly marked as such!

F2 – the antifouling with a minimised ecological footprint

With F2 you get a forward-looking, environmentally friendly coating for your boat's hull – 100% free of biocides, PFAS/PTFE, solvents or other harmful substances. Developed for sustainable performance and a permanently smooth surface, F2 protects your boat and the environment in equal measure.

F2 antifouling applied to a boat hull

Biocide-free, durable, efficient:
F2 is an innovative, silicone-based antifouling that prevents growth mechanically rather than fighting it chemically.

F2eco.eu logo

The key features at a glance:

  • Environmentally friendly: free of biocides, PFAS/PTFE, solvents – protects water, the environment and crew alike.
  • Durable: with correct application and care the coating can last over 5 years – no annual repainting needed.
  • More performance: the ultra-smooth surface reduces drag and increases speed.
  • Universally usable: suitable for GRP, aluminium, steel, wood and carbon – in salt, brackish or fresh water.
  • Easy cleaning: growth can be wiped off with a sponge or cloth – no more sanding or scraping.

Experience the new generation of hull coating – eco-conscious, efficient and low-maintenance!

Note: affiliate link – if you order via the following link, it supports my work: https://f2eco.eu

Victron Cerbo GX

The Cerbo GX MK2 serves as a powerful control and monitoring unit for energy and battery systems in the marine sector. According to the manufacturer: "Compatible with fully integrated systems, remote monitoring via Venus OS & VictronConnect". Above all, it's ideal for retrofitting, even on older boats.

The Cerbo - the brain of all your data

The mastermind of the ship - the Cerbo
Once installed, you can connect countless sensors

 The monitor - a Raspberry Pi or similar works too.

With the Cerbo GX you can integrate the levels of diesel, fresh, grey and black water tanks (provided suitable senders are fitted) and display them as clear percentage or litre values. At the same time the system monitors your batteries – state of charge (SoC), voltage, current, temperature – and shows historical trends. You see instantly when shore power, generator or solar delivers how much, and where energy is being consumed.

The system can also be expanded with external sensors such as those from Ruuvi: engine-room, bilge or fridge temperature as well as cabin humidity become visible via Cerbo GX / Victron Venus OS. Individual alarms warn you of overheating, condensation or a too-warm cool box – also via remote monitoring.

At https://sailing-insieme.com/ you can order the set.

Ruuvi sensors

The RuuviTag Pro is a rugged, waterproof environmental sensor that measures temperature, humidity, air pressure and acceleration. Originally developed for industrial use, it's also perfect for use aboard yachts and boats. With the RuuviTag Pro you can monitor the conditions on board in real time – be it the temperature in the engine room or fridge, the humidity in the cabin, or the air pressure for weather observation.

Ruuvi sensor in its packaging

Rugged, small and versatile:
The RuuviTag Pro fits perfectly into any cockpit locker or switch panel. Ideal for temperature and humidity monitoring on board.

 Ruuvi sensor with a 1 euro coin for size comparison

The data is sent directly to your mobile device and can be displayed clearly with the Ruuvi Station app or via the Victron Cerbo GX. In addition to current readings, historical trends are available. The app also allows individually adjustable alarms, so you're warned, for example, when the bilge gets wet, the cool box gets too warm, or a temperature value rises too sharply. This makes the RuuviTag Pro a comprehensive tool for more safety and comfort on the water.

Really cool is the integration into the Victron Energy system via the Cerbo GX [see above]. You can watch the integration here.

At Ruuvi.com you can order the sensors directly from the manufacturer. In my personal experience the sensors are delivered within a week.

Lewmar One-Touch winch handle

There are winch handles, and then there are seriously great winch handles. One of them is the Lewmar One-Touch. The Lewmar One-Touch technology makes handling the winch handle really easy. With just one hand the lock can be released or fixed along the entire shaft length – this works both when inserting and when removing the handle. The result is fast yet still safe operation. The Lewmar One-Touch winch handles impress with their low weight, high-quality finish and corrosion resistance. They're offered in two different lengths (200 mm and 250 mm).

Lewmar One-Touch winch handle

Lewmar One-Touch winch handle:
One-handed operation – fast, safe and comfortable. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, safe in use.

I really enjoy using the One Touch; the investment is definitely worth it!

Here's the Amazon link. Of course the winch handle is also available in many other deck-gear shops.