Mad Mariner's editors are always looking for ways to get more consumer information into the magazine. We all spend a lot of time and money equipping our boats, and a little unbiased help selecting products is always welcome. Equally important, many of us like to read about the latest gear and gadgets, even if we are not in a position to buy. So when we met Tim Flanagan, the Managing Editor of the Navagear blog, we knew we were onto something.

Tim travels the waters around Seattle in his C-Dory Two Lucky Fish, testing products and observing this very interesting corner of the boating world. He reports his findings in Navagear, a thoroughly researched and well written blog about gadgets and gear for all types of boats.

Tim and his partner, Aaron Tinling, have written about hundreds of products in the last few years, from electronics and plumbing to navigation and propulsion. In both power and sail, these guys cover the waterfront, writing about fun stuff like the Solar Stik to kite sails.

And so, we editors are proud to report that Navagear is joining Mad Mariner. Beginning today, you can look for Tim's posts regularly, alongside other popular offerings such as the Panbo marine electronics blog and Megayacht News.

We hope the diversity of opinions offered by our nine active bloggers provides fresh insight and information that can help you lower costs, make better purchases, improve your seamanship and have more fun. If nothing else, you'll always have something to read.