In today’s age when a formidable array of reliable electronic safety tools and advanced modern alerting and locating systems are available, Electronic Visual Distress Signaling Devices (eVDSDs), or electronic flares, are now being thought of as the logical alternative to pyrotechnic flares. eVDSDs emit bright strobing LED patterns visible for miles. They are compact, waterproof and rugged, and can operate continuously for hours. Pyrotechnic flares raise issues for user safety and the environment and create problems on land with disposal, transportation and storage. Unlike pyrotechnics, eVDSDs can be tested safely, reused, and either be recharged or fitted with new batteries — they also do not expire with a three-year shelf life, do not produce toxic waste, and do not risk setting a liferaft ablaze or potentially injuring the user or other crew.

Safety and survival equipment specialist ACR Electronics is backing industry movement urging regulators to re-evaluate the need for pyrotechnic devices, and to embrace the modern alternatives and make electronic flares permissible. The buoyant ACR Electronics ResQFlare PRO introduces cutting edge SOS distress signalling technology. Utilizing red-orange and cyan LEDs combined with an infrared (IR) component, the ResQFlare PRO offers substantial operational life (burn time) while also significantly improving the level of visibility. Sold with the included daytime distress flag, the ResQFlare PRO and accompanying flag are certified to meet the applicable U.S. Coast Guard requirements allowing them to be carried in lieu of traditional pyrotechnic flares in the U.S.

Mikele D'Arcangelo, Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management at ACR Electronics, says “It is time to establish an International Standard for eVDSDs that could be adopted by IMO and other maritime agencies, and to expedite changes to international conventions and national regulations that would allow the carriage of modern alternatives to pyrotechnic devices, including eVDSDs, instead of pyrotechnics.” Encouragingly, the movement is already underway. RTCM has developed a performance standard for eVDSDs. The U.S. Coast Guard is phasing out pyrotechnic flares from its vessels in favour of electronic alternatives this year and their acceptance of these devices for recreational boats sets an international precedent. Manufacturers in Europe and Asia are pushing for parity, developing multi-color strobes and eFlares.

Boat Bites is an innovative technology and logistics company on a mission to make on-water ordering effortless and enjoyable for boaters, bringing the convenience of on-demand delivery offshore without ever needing to return to dock.

At its core, Boat Bites combines proprietary AI-driven logistics and predictive routing algorithms with a real-time ordering app to reliably deliver goods within about one hour of purchase. Delivery partners typically use personal watercraft to fulfill orders, making the experience fast, efficient, and exciting. The app ecosystem includes interfaces for boaters to place orders and for drivers to receive and complete deliveries. Boat Bites’ platform not only serves boaters but also creates new revenue opportunities for marina restaurants, food trucks, and other waterfront businesses that historically have had limited access to on-water commerce.

Boat Bites plans to continue growing along the Florida coastline and beyond. To learn more and get the app, visit boatbites.app

Boater’s Life is a veteran family-owned brand focused on apparel, gear, and marine accessories designed for boating lifestyle enthusiasts. Founded by a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief and his family, the company aims to blend practical performance with coastal style for all water lovers, from anglers and sailors to beachgoers and cruising families.

At its core, Boater’s Life offers premium boating-focused apparel and accessories crafted for real-world conditions on and around the water. Their UV-protective shirts, performance wear, and outdoor-ready gear is engineered to withstand salt, sun, and adventure while keeping wearers comfortable and stylish. Beyond clothing, Boater’s Life is also offering factory-direct boating essentials sourced through trusted partners. Their catalog includes essentials like trolling motors, GPS systems, fishfinders, kayak equipment, boat hardware, and safety gear such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and EPIRBs. Their goal is to provide a one-stop destination for boating gear that combines performance, safety, comfort, and style.

As a professional wakeboarder, Cobe Mikacich knows firsthand how inefficient fueling up a boat can be — trying to keep a heavy gas can steady as the boat rocks wastes time and can turn messy. Knowing there had to be an easier way to fuel a boat without wasting fuel, Mikacich invented the Drop N Fill, a self-supporting fuel transfer system with a simple design that makes fueling up a simple process.

All you need to do is place the Drop N Fill on a flat surface, put the hose into your tank, and then rest the can on the cross support cones inside of the Drop N Fill. Not only is this system fast and easy, but it prevents fuel from being left in the can. With a long hose to put into the tank, and cross support cones to hold the gas can at the ideal angle, this invention not only saves users time, but also money, by not wasting a drop of fuel. To get one before your next trip, visit dropnfill.com

Seaview has introduced its new premium Instrument Pod Series, expanding its lineup of marine electronic mounting solutions. Designed to protect and showcase essential navigation instruments such as chartplotters, radars, and sailing displays, the pods are available in rail, power, and sail configurations for both powerboats and sailboats. Constructed from high-strength, acrylic-capped ABS, they feature a sleek, flush-mount design, advanced double-gasket sealing, and corrosion-resistant hardware. With universal mounting compatibility, optimized viewing angles, and a compact footprint, the new series delivers durability, versatility, and clean aesthetics for modern helms.

"This is a major step forward for our customers and the industry," says Jason Romesburg, President of Seaview. "Built on a foundation of superior, trusted design, the product line offers greater durability, simplified universal installation, and aesthetic quality for boat builders and electronics installers worldwide." To find yours, visit seaviewglobal.com

Tired of your dock ladder getting covered in barnacles in just one season? StepSea is the best and only dock ladder that doesn't allow crustacean growth. That means no more barnacles or oysters to cut your hands and feet, making your ladder unusable. StepSea has a welded 6061T6 aluminum endo-structure and a PVC exo-skin overlaid with Barnacle-Shield. Extreme growth can happen on your ladder in one season and growth that limits access can happen in weeks, but with Barnacle-Shield it can’t.

StepSea has a 750-lb (340 Kg) rating and can remain in the water for fast, convenient and emergency use. Its expertly designed frame offers a non-skid surface, with wide enough rungs that won’t dig into your foot arch. Finally a solution that allows you to enjoy the water from your dock without raising and lowering ladders. For information on where you can pick up your StepSea, visit barnacle-shield.com

Gulf Coast SB Gear & lifestyle — Spring 2026

Check out some great essentials that cater to every type of Gulf Coast boater.

Gulf Coast SB Gear & lifestyle — Spring 2026

Check out some great essentials that cater to every type of Gulf Coast boater.

ACR Electronics ResQFlare PRO

Savor Every Bite

Living the Boater’s Life

The Definition of Simple

Safeguarding at Sea

Step Into Something Blue

Armour Against Algae