Redmond, WA, - Rose Point Navigation Systems has released a new line of digital radar products that can be used with the company’s Coastal Explorer and Rose Point ECS navigation systems.

In the old days, sailing ships carried carpenters, sailmakers, metalsmiths and riggers. If something broke, they repaired it or made a new piece from raw materials.

Times have changed. Modern recreational boaters don't need to know how to make everything, of course. Frankly, it would be impossible, given the broad range of technologies and specialized tools involved. Even propeller-headed uber geeks can't make everything they carry.

Nevertheless, and no matter what your level of do-it-yourself expertise, I think it's always worthwhile to ask yourself, "Could I make that?" Often times, the answer is an unequivocal "No!" But once in a while you encounter an opportunity to transform a frustrating "shopping" project into a fulfilling "fabrication" project.

RLW at Boat Bits recently had this to say:

Navagear often promotes products from manufacturers in our own backyard: the northwestern United States and western Canada. So we’re thrilled to see a Seattle-based manufacturer with an ambitious and innovative new shore power offering.

A great post by Mario Vittone over at gCaptain. I'm sure they won't mind me spreading the word here at Navagear, too. This is really valuable information.

I try not to get too excited about products I haven’t seen in person. But long-time readers will remember my attempt to overhaul my (dead) Sprint 400 windlass.

Remember Accon Marine flush-mount tie-downs?

Did you ever wish the boat in front of you had a set of brake lights? It may sound silly, but actually, I’ve had this experience several times.

Navagear tends to focus on recreational mariners, but we’ve also got a keen interest in professional maritime vessel operations.

That’s a fancy way of saying we like big ships.

Stuart Streuli reviewed the Velocitek Speedpuck for Sailing World this winter