Tools · Reviews
rOtring Trio-Pen Review: Three Functions Without the Bulk
Black ink, red ink, and a pencil in a normal-sized metal body. After a few weeks, we like the rOtring Trio-Pen—with one tip-selection trick to learn.
Worth itLatest field notes
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Reviews · Outdoor · Tools
RovyVon Aurora A5 vs. Nitecore TINI 2: We Would Take the TINI 2 Every Time
After a year carrying the RovyVon Aurora A5, we would choose our smaller, simpler Nitecore TINI 2 every time. The A5 works, but its extra modes do not earn their complexity.
Worth it
Marine · Electrical · RV
Victron Orion-Tr 48/12-30 Review: Three in Parallel for Whole-Boat Power
Three Orion-Tr converters have powered our entire 12V boat from a 48V bank since 2023. They deliver the rated current reliably—but run hot and report nothing.
Worth it
Marine · Electrical · Sensors
Victron GX Tank 140 Review: Put Your Tanks Online
As our costly resistive float senders fail, the GX Tank 140 lets us replace them with easier pressure sensors while keeping every tank in Cerbo, VRM and Home Assistant.
Goodkit approved
Marine · Electrical · Reviews
Maxwell AA710 Review: The Remote That Makes Anchoring Easier
After three seasons aboard, the AA710 has made anchoring easier with reliable wireless windlass control and an integrated chain counter anywhere on deck.
Goodkit approved
Tools · Marine · RV
Wera 8100 SB 2 Zyklop Review: Brilliant Until the Ratchet Failed
One of our favorite boat tools offered superb access and excellent accessories—until its fine-tooth ratchet failed during ordinary small-diesel work.
Mixed verdict
Tools · Marine · RV
Neiko 03575A Metric Wrench Set Review: No Rust After Two Years Aboard
Stored aboard since 2024 with no oil or special care, these affordable metric wrenches remain rust-free after substantial engine and generator work.
Goodkit approved
Kitchen · Marine · RV
Cuisinart SmartNest Review: Good Cookware, Sensible Nesting
After several years as our primary boat cookware, the Cuisinart SmartNest N91-11 remains a useful compromise between ordinary pans and ultra-compact removable-handle sets.
Worth it
Fishing · Outdoor · Reviews
Gear Aid Aquaseal UV Review: Two Alaska Trips, No Leaks
A few tiny dabs and minutes of sunlight repaired our leaking waders. Two weeklong Alaska salmon trips later, they are still dry.
Goodkit approved
Kitchen · Marine · Reviews
Manual Bread Slicer Review: Perfect Slices, Awkward Footprint
It takes up a surprising amount of space, but secure suction and perfectly consistent adjustable slices make this manual bread slicer worth keeping aboard.
Worth it
Marine · Tools · Reviews
FCHO Suction Cup Review: A Game Changer for Cleaning a Boat Hull
These glass-lifting suction cups grip submerged gelcoat and Coppercoat, giving us a secure, movable handhold while cleaning the hull in current or light swell.
Worth it
Tools · Reviews
Wera Tool-Check Plus Review: Tiny Ratchet, Great Tools, Weak Case
The tiny ratchet earns its space. The original holder does not. Our hands-on verdict, plus what to check before choosing the newer PLUS 1.
Worth it