# GoodKit
> Honest reviews of tools, sensors, and gear for RV owners, boaters, and DIYers. Tested by people who actually build and install this stuff.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About GoodKit](https://www.goodkit.io/about.md) - Who We Are GoodKit is an independent field notebook for products and systems used in the real world. The site is run by experienced boat and RV owners who build, install, maintain, and repair much of their own equipment. Everything reviewed here has been used by the writer. When something works bet…
- [Affiliate Disclosure](https://www.goodkit.io/affiliate-disclosure.md) - Affiliate Disclosure GoodKit participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Associates program. When you click on product links in our articles and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission helps support the site and allows us to continu…
- [Guides](https://www.goodkit.io/guides.md) - Practical installation, troubleshooting, and setup guides built from real work on boats and RVs. Choose the system you are working on rather than digging through a chronological list. Power & ElectricalSolar, battery monitoring, shunts, and Victron systems Automation & MonitoringHome Assistant, She…
- [Marine Test Platform](https://www.goodkit.io/the-boat.md) - Marine Test Platform Much of GoodKit's marine testing takes place aboard a cruising sailboat used for extended periods in saltwater. It is a home, workshop, power system, network, and transportation platform in one—an environment that quickly exposes weak hardware and inconvenient design. The exact…
- [RV Test Platform](https://www.goodkit.io/the-rv.md) - RV Test Platform GoodKit's RV testing takes place in an older diesel motorcoach used for extended road trips and long-term ownership. It provides a useful counterpoint to the boat: many of the same electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, connectivity, and storage problems appear in a different environ…
- [Calculators & Resources](https://www.goodkit.io/tools.md) - Free, accurate calculators built around the standards marine surveyors and competent boat builders actually reference — primarily ABYC E-11. We use these on our boat. They don't track you, they don't gate behind email signups, and they don't pretend automotive wire is okay for boats. Electrical Cal…

## Posts
- [rOtring Trio-Pen Review: Three Functions Without the Bulk](https://www.goodkit.io/rotring-trio-pen-review.md) - 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.
- [RovyVon Aurora A5 vs. Nitecore TINI 2: We Would Take the TINI 2 Every Time](https://www.goodkit.io/rovyvon-aurora-a5-vs-nitecore-tini-2-we-would-take-the-tini-2-every-time.md) - 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.
- [Victron Orion-Tr 48/12-30 Review: Three in Parallel for Whole-Boat Power](https://www.goodkit.io/victron-orion-tr-48-12-30-review-three-in-parallel-for-whole-boat-power.md) - 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.
- [Victron GX Tank 140 Review: Put Your Tanks Online](https://www.goodkit.io/victron-gx-tank-140-review-put-your-tanks-online.md) - 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.
- [Maxwell AA710 Review: The Remote That Makes Anchoring Easier](https://www.goodkit.io/maxwell-aa710-review-the-remote-that-makes-anchoring-easier.md) - After three seasons aboard, the AA710 has made anchoring easier with reliable wireless windlass control and an integrated chain counter anywhere on deck.
- [Wera 8100 SB 2 Zyklop Review: Brilliant Until the Ratchet Failed](https://www.goodkit.io/wera-8100-sb-2-zyklop-review-brilliant-until-the-ratchet-failed.md) - One of our favorite boat tools offered superb access and excellent accessories—until its fine-tooth ratchet failed during ordinary small-diesel work.
- [Neiko 03575A Metric Wrench Set Review: No Rust After Two Years Aboard](https://www.goodkit.io/neiko-03575a-metric-wrench-set-review-no-rust-after-two-years-aboard.md) - Stored aboard since 2024 with no oil or special care, these affordable metric wrenches remain rust-free after substantial engine and generator work.
- [Cuisinart SmartNest Review: Good Cookware, Sensible Nesting](https://www.goodkit.io/cuisinart-smartnest-review-good-cookware-sensible-nesting.md) - 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.
- [Gear Aid Aquaseal UV Review: Two Alaska Trips, No Leaks](https://www.goodkit.io/gear-aid-aquaseal-uv-review-two-alaska-trips-no-leaks.md) - A few tiny dabs and minutes of sunlight repaired our leaking waders. Two weeklong Alaska salmon trips later, they are still dry.
- [Manual Bread Slicer Review: Perfect Slices, Awkward Footprint](https://www.goodkit.io/manual-bread-slicer-review-perfect-slices-awkward-footprint.md) - It takes up a surprising amount of space, but secure suction and perfectly consistent adjustable slices make this manual bread slicer worth keeping aboard.
- [FCHO Suction Cup Review: A Game Changer for Cleaning a Boat Hull](https://www.goodkit.io/fcho-suction-cup-review-a-game-changer-for-cleaning-a-boat-hull.md) - 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.
- [Wera Tool-Check Plus Review: Tiny Ratchet, Great Tools, Weak Case](https://www.goodkit.io/wera-tool-check-plus-review-tiny-ratchet-great-tools-weak-case.md) - 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.
- [Treatzall Review: The Holding Tank Treatment Tour Buses Buy by the Case](https://www.goodkit.io/treatzall-review.md) - We used Treatzall for years before we owned Dupree. Small balls, no perfume, no formaldehyde. Entertainer coaches buy it by the case because no touring band wants to smell sewer.
- [NOCO GENIUS10 Review: A Maintainer That Can Actually Charge](https://www.goodkit.io/noco-genius10-review-a-maintainer-that-can-actually-charge.md) - We use the compact NOCO GENIUS10 to maintain our car during long trips and have charged many dead batteries with it. Its 10-amp output, 6V/12V modes, multi-chemistry support, long leads, and Force Mode make it far more useful than a basic trickle charger.
- [FIXCLIP Review: The Boat Clips That Stay Put and Don't Rust](https://www.goodkit.io/fixclip-review-the-boat-clips-that-stay-put-and-dont-rust.md) - FIXCLIP locks securely onto both sizes of round rail on our boat, keeps laundry aboard in strong wind, and has no exposed metal to rust. It costs more than an ordinary clip, but we plan to buy more.
- [Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater Review: Fast, Stable, and No Power Required](https://www.goodkit.io/geedel-rotary-cheese-grater-review-fast-stable-and-no-power-required.md) - The suction base stays planted, it grates hard and soft cheeses quickly, nothing gets trapped inside, and it comes apart for compact storage. A genuinely useful manual alternative to a food processor.
- [CleverMade Laundry Duffel Backpack Review: Great Capacity, Poor Durability](https://www.goodkit.io/clevermade-laundry-duffel-backpack-review-great-capacity-poor-durability.md) - The 62-liter capacity and backpack ergonomics are good, but the handles and fabric cannot reliably support a realistic full load. Using it lightly defeats the reason to buy such a large bag.
- [HITSTER Review: The Music Game Everyone Wants to Play Again](https://www.goodkit.io/hitster-review-the-music-game-everyone-wants-to-play-again.md) - We've played HITSTER with adults, kids, families, and friends in houses, cabins, and late into the night aboard boats. Every group had fun, most wanted another round, and several people bought their own copy.
- [Draw-Tite OML 0127 Outboard Motor Lock Review: Rusted Out and Defeated in 3 Minutes](https://www.goodkit.io/draw-tite-oml-0127-outboard-motor-lock-review-rusted-out-and-defeated-in-3-minutes.md) - Six months in the Caribbean left the Draw-Tite OML 0127 rusted solid. Then its key broke—and a screwdriver defeated the lock in about three minutes.
- [Oyster Tempo Review: The Best-Looking Cooler Ever Made](https://www.goodkit.io/oyster-tempo-cooler-review.md) - Beautiful, genuinely great insulation, and too expensive for what it is. An honest review of the Oyster Tempo — the cooler equivalent of the $40 Yeti tumbler.
- [Home Assistant on a Boat or RV: Setup, First Automations, and the AI Shortcut](https://www.goodkit.io/home-assistant-boat-rv-setup-guide.md) - Home Assistant turns a boat or RV's mix of gear into one dashboard and a set of quiet little robots. The setup, the first automations worth doing, and the AI trick that writes the YAML for you.
- [CRKT Squid Review: Nine Years in My Pocket](https://www.goodkit.io/crkt-squid-review.md) - Nine years of daily carry and it still beats knives three times the price. The CRKT Squid is the everyday-carry knife we recommend.
- [Mantus M3 Chain Hook Review — The Anchor Bridle Hook That Won't Fall Off](https://www.goodkit.io/mantus-m3-chain-hook-review.md) - After two years, the Mantus M3 chain hook is a massive upgrade over a standard chain grabber — beefy, built to last, and it latches to the chain even when slack so your bridle never falls off. Plus the trick for opening it when it gets sticky.
- [SE Sport 200 Hydrofoil: The Fix for a Small Outboard That Won't Plane](https://www.goodkit.io/se-sport-200-hydrofoil-review.md) - We ran this SE Sport 200 hydrofoil on multiple small outboards, with it and without it. The verdict: it planes a loaded boat far faster — at the cost of a little top speed. Here's when that trade is worth it, plus install tips.
- [Helinox Beach Chair Review — Low, Light, and It Goes Everywhere](https://www.goodkit.io/helinox-beach-chair-review.md) - We've hauled this Helinox Beach Chair onto the boat, across dozens of beaches, and up a trail to go salmon fishing. It sits low but it's comfortable, packs down tiny, sets up in seconds, and the feet don't sink in sand.
- [Cheap Plastic Calipers That Won't Rust — and We Use Constantly](https://www.goodkit.io/cheap-plastic-calipers.md) - We reach for calipers constantly, but rarely for machinist precision. These cheap plastic ones don't rust, cost almost nothing, and are accurate enough for the everyday 'what size is that?' — rope, cable, glass, screws, you name it.
- [Sony XS-MP1611 Marine Speakers: 'Marine Certified' That Didn't Last](https://www.goodkit.io/sony-xs-mp1611-marine-speakers.md) - We bought name-brand Sony XS-MP1611 'marine certified' speakers for the boat in 2023. By this season the cones had completely deteriorated — a cautionary tale about what 'marine' on the box actually guarantees.
- [Hot Water Heater on Battery Power?](https://www.goodkit.io/hot-water-heater-on-battery-power.md) - When the batteries are full and the sun is still working, we dump the surplus into the water heater — free hot showers from power that had nowhere else to go. Here is the automation that runs it.
- [Anchor Light Automation](https://www.goodkit.io/anchor-light-automation.md) - Our anchor light switches itself on at sunset and off at sunrise — legal every night without a second thought. Here is the simple automation behind it.
- [Paddle North Loon's Nest vs. the Sunchill: The Two Differences That Matter](https://www.goodkit.io/paddle-north-loons-nest-vs-sunchill.md) - We compared Paddle North's 10ft Loon's Nest to the Sunchill. Two differences stand out — a ring you can actually sit on, and screw-down mounts for drink holders and GoPros — plus a tough rub rail and an overpressure valve built to last.
- [Splinter Out: The Disposable Splinter Remover You'll Be Glad You Have](https://www.goodkit.io/splinter-out-disposable-splinter-remover.md) - Cheap, disposable, and exactly what you want the moment someone catches a splinter. We keep Splinter Out on the boat, in the RV, and at home.
- [We Built a Boat Tracker — and an Anchor Alarm You Can Set From Shore](https://www.goodkit.io/anchor-alarm-you-can-set-from-shore.md) - The tracking and anchor alarm we built for WhereIsOurBoat have run our own boat from the Dominican Republic to the BVI. The feature we love most: an anchor alarm you can set from your phone on shore.
- [Show Me Your Dinghy Light — A Full Season Aboard (Including a Night on the Seabed)](https://www.goodkit.io/show-me-your-dinghy-light.md) - A full season on our outboard, one accidental night on the seabed in 15 feet of water, and it still works perfectly. Here is our take on the Show Me Your Dinghy light.
- [Marine Solar Sizing Calculator](https://www.goodkit.io/marine-solar-sizing-calculator.md) - Free marine solar sizing calculator. Daily energy need, peak sun hours and realistic loss factors produce a practical recommended panel wattage.
- [Marine Battery Bank Sizing Calculator](https://www.goodkit.io/marine-battery-bank-sizing-calculator.md) - Free marine battery-bank sizing calculator. Enter daily consumption, autonomy, voltage and chemistry to estimate the required capacity in amp-hours.
- [Marine Fuse Sizing Calculator (ABYC E-11)](https://www.goodkit.io/marine-fuse-sizing-calculator-abyc-e-11.md) - Free marine DC fuse size calculator using ABYC E-11 standards. Sizes fuses for continuous, intermittent, motor, and inverter loads — and warns if your wire can't safely handle the fuse.
- [Marine Wire Gauge Calculator (ABYC E-11)](https://www.goodkit.io/marine-wire-gauge-calculator-abyc-e-11.md) - Free marine DC wire-size calculator using ABYC E-11 standards. Enter current, distance, voltage and acceptable drop to calculate the appropriate AWG.
- [Yacht Devices YDNR-02 Review: 3 Years of NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi](https://www.goodkit.io/yacht-devices-ydnr-02-review-3-years-of-nmea-2000-to-wi-fi.md) - Three years with the Yacht Devices YDNR-02 NMEA 2000 Wi-Fi router on our boat. Reliable, simple to configure, zero drift. The only catch: the company is opaque about its origins.
- [The Best Portable Fan for Boats and RVs: Koonie Review](https://www.goodkit.io/the-best-portable-fan-for-boats-and-rvs-koonie-review.md) - The best portable fan for a boat or RV: the Koonie rechargeable clip-on runs all night on one charge, clamps anywhere, and never touches your house bank. Two years aboard.
- [Wera 6004 Joker Review: Clever, but It Slips in Tight Spaces](https://www.goodkit.io/wera-joker-wrench-set-review-great-idea-disappointing-in-practice.md) - The self-setting 6004 is clever on accessible fasteners. In awkward engine work it lost our trust. This is not a verdict on every wrench in the Joker range.
- [Victron Cerbo GX Setup Guide: From Install to Remote Monitoring](https://www.goodkit.io/victron-cerbo-gx-setup-guide-from-install-to-remote-monitoring.md) - The Cerbo GX ties your entire Victron system together. Here is how to install it, connect your devices, and set up remote monitoring via VRM.
- [Best Handheld Marine VHF Radio: Standard Horizon HX210 vs Icom IC-M25](https://www.goodkit.io/best-handheld-marine-vhf-radio-standard-horizon-hx210-vs-icom-ic-m25.md) - We carry the Standard Horizon HX210 aboard. Here is how its practical features compare with the original Icom IC-M25—and what to check when buying today.
- [RV Winterization Checklist: Every Step to Protect Your Rig](https://www.goodkit.io/rv-winterization-checklist-every-step-to-protect-your-rig.md) - Frozen pipes and dead batteries are preventable. A complete winterization checklist covering water systems, waste, batteries, exterior, and interior.
- [Best 12V Fridge for RVs and Boats: Engel vs Dometic and the Rest](https://www.goodkit.io/best-12v-fridge-for-rvs-and-boats-compressor-fridges-compared.md) - We run Engel drawers in the RV, an Engel MT45 portable on the boat and road, and a Dometic CFX3 dual-zone aboard. Each wins for different reasons.
- [Victron SmartShunt Wiring: 500A Installation & Checks](https://www.goodkit.io/how-to-wire-a-victron-smartshunt-step-by-step-install-guide.md) - Start with Victron’s official diagrams. Then use this 500A guide to understand the terminals, optional GX connection and checks that catch misleading readings.
- [Shelly on a Boat: Cheap Smart Automation for 12V Marine Systems](https://www.goodkit.io/shelly-on-a-boat-cheap-smart-automation-for-12v-marine-systems.md) - Shelly smart relays cost and run on DC. We use them to automate lights, fans, and monitoring on our sailboat with Home Assistant.
- [Best Marine Battery Monitor: Victron SmartShunt 500A Review](https://www.goodkit.io/best-marine-battery-monitor-victron-smartshunt-500a-review.md) - The Victron SmartShunt 500A is the battery monitor we run on our boat. Here is why it beats the cheap alternatives and how it fits into a full monitoring system.
- [Caframo Sirocco II vs Sirocco II Elite — Which Fan Do You Actually Need?](https://www.goodkit.io/caframo-sirocco-ii-vs-sirocco-ii-elite-which-fan-do-you-actually-need.md) - We have run both Sirocco fans for years on our boat. Here is when the Elite is worth it and when the standard is the smarter buy.
- [Best Mail Forwarding Services for Full-Time RVers and Cruisers (2026)](https://www.goodkit.io/best-mail-forwarding-services-for-full-time-rvers-and-cruisers-2026.md) - Our firsthand pick is St. Brendan’s Isle. Compare five services by base cost, scanning charges and travel needs—with prices checked September 17, 2026.
- [Dometic CFX3 Dual-Zone Review: 3 Years on a Boat](https://www.goodkit.io/dometic-cfx5-75dz-review-3-years-on-a-boat.md) - Three years of reliable cooling aboard, with one replacement latch. Our large Dometic CFX3 dual-zone fridge/freezer is heavy, useful, and rarely needs its app.
- [TimeZero Review: The Best Integrated Marine Navigation Software (With Some Frustrating Gaps)](https://www.goodkit.io/timezero-review-the-best-integrated-marine-navigation-software-with-some-frustrating-gaps.md) - TimeZero is the best integrated navigation platform I've used — Furuno sync, iPad integration, weather routing, all in one. But the Windows-only limitation and missing ECMWF models keep it from being perfect.
- [Best Instant-Read Thermometers: ThermoWorks Thermapen, Sizzle, and ThermoPop Compared](https://www.goodkit.io/thermoworks-thermapen-one-the-only-thermometer-you-need.md) - At $105 it's expensive. It's also the fastest, most accurate instant-read thermometer made. Here's why it's worth it — especially if you cook on a boat or RV.
- [Victron vs Renogy: Which Solar Setup Is Right for Your RV?](https://www.goodkit.io/victron-vs-renogy-which-solar-setup-is-right-for-your-rv.md) - Victron is better. Renogy is cheaper. Both work. Here's when each one makes sense — and the best combo that gives you both.
- [Home Assistant + Shelly on 12V DC: Smart Automation for RVs and Boats](https://www.goodkit.io/home-assistant-shelly-on-12v-dc-smart-automation-for-rvs-and-boats.md) - Most smart home gear is AC-only. Shelly devices work natively on 12V DC — wire them directly to your RV or boat system and control everything through Home Assistant.
- [AI Tools for Marine Navigation and Boat Monitoring](https://www.goodkit.io/ai-tools-for-marine-navigation-and-boat-monitoring.md) - From weather routing to engine health prediction, AI is showing up on boats in practical ways. Here's what actually works for cruisers and liveaboards.
- [How AI is Changing RV Maintenance and Monitoring](https://www.goodkit.io/how-ai-is-changing-rv-maintenance-and-monitoring.md) - AI is quietly making RVs smarter — from predictive maintenance to voice-controlled systems. Here's what's real, what's hype, and what you can use today.
- [RV Solar System Sizing: How to Calculate What You Need](https://www.goodkit.io/rv-solar-system-sizing-how-to-calculate-what-you-need.md) - Stop guessing. Here's how to calculate exactly what solar panels, batteries, and charge controller you need.
- [Best RV Tank Monitoring Sensors (2026)](https://www.goodkit.io/best-rv-tank-monitoring-sensors-2026.md) - We tested the top tank monitoring sensors for RVs. Here are our picks for propane, water, and waste.
- [RV Battery Monitoring: What Actually Works](https://www.goodkit.io/rv-battery-monitoring-what-actually-works.md) - CAN bus, BLE sensors, and the current state of RV monitoring — from someone who built their own system.
- [How to Replace Your RV Waste Valve](https://www.goodkit.io/how-to-replace-your-rv-waste-valve.md) - Step-by-step guide to replacing your RV waste valve without dropping the tank.
- [RV Waste Valves: Why the Twis-Loc Outlasts Everything Else](https://www.goodkit.io/rv-waste-valves-why-the-twis-loc-outlasts-everything-else.md) - Most RV waste valves are disposable. The Twis-Loc is the exception — 50-year-old motorhomes are still running the same valve body.
- [Torin 581T Magna Caddy Hex Bit Organizer](https://www.goodkit.io/torin-581t-magna-caddy-hex-bit-organizer.md) - Magnetic hex bit organizer with a great concept but some execution concerns.
- [General Tools 14 Piece Quad Saw/Driver](https://www.goodkit.io/general-tools-14-piece-quad-saw-driver.md) - A hacksaw replacement that fits in a holster and doubles as a right-angle driver.
- [High Speed Screwdrivers](https://www.goodkit.io/high-speed-screwdrivers.md) - Comparing three ratcheting screwdrivers: the Overdriver, Stanley, and Craftsman.
- [Estwing E3-16C Claw Hammer](https://www.goodkit.io/estwing-e3-16c-claw-hammer.md) - The $20 one-piece hammer that'll outlast everything else in your kit.
- [Knipex High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (8")](https://www.goodkit.io/knipex-high-leverage-diagonal-cutters-8.md) - At $35, these Knipex cutters handle hardened nails and piano wire without flinching.
- [Damaged Screw Extractor / Remover](https://www.goodkit.io/damaged-screw-extractor-remover.md) - Every pencil needs an eraser, and every kit needs an extractor.
- [Cost Effective VETO Killer?](https://www.goodkit.io/cost-effective-veto-killer.md) - Can budget tool bags compete with the $220 VETO PRO PAC? We tested three options.
- [Self Adjusting Wire Stripper](https://www.goodkit.io/self-adjusting-wire-stripper.md) - Every kit needs a good stripper. Here's what to look for in the $15-20 range.
- [Premium P80 Tool List](https://www.goodkit.io/premium-p80-tool-list.md) - The curated $800 tool kit that covers 80% of what you'll ever need.
- [The P80 Socket Rail](https://www.goodkit.io/the-p80-socket-rail.md) - Why socket sets with organizational rails belong in every portable tool kit.

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