Iris Innovations has launched Photon, a compact 4K night vision CCTV camera designed to make safe nighttime navigation accessible to every boater. The new model promises exceptional visibility, even in near-total darkness, without relying on infrared or thermal imaging.

Whether cruising after dusk, fishing before sunrise, or running coastal patrols, Photon captures detailed full-color video in conditions as dark as starlight. Its ultra-sensitive 0.0003 lux minimum illumination and 4K resolution deliver clarity and situational awareness at a fraction of the cost of traditional thermal cameras.

“Photon is for anyone who wants to navigate with confidence after dark and can be used on any vessel—from leisure and sportfishing boats to yachts, commercial operators and law enforcement patrol craft,” said Carl Hitchcock, CEO of Iris Innovations. “It delivers extraordinary low-light performance at a fraction of the cost of thermal and other night vision cameras, and because it’s 4K, the detail and definition are outstanding.”

Built to marine-grade standards, the Photon is fully EN60945 EMC compliant and rated IP67 for durability in saltwater and harsh conditions. Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation, and each unit includes a rugged waterproof PoE injector.

The system integrates with major marine electronics brands, including Raymarine, Navico (Simrad, B&G, Lowrance), Furuno, and Garmin via Iris’s CMAC management system and IrisControl App for Garmin OneHelm.

“We’ve always focused on designing rugged, purpose-built cameras for demanding marine and commercial applications,” Hitchcock added. “With Photon, we’ve taken that expertise and combined it with cutting-edge low-light and 4K processing technology to deliver a camera that performs brilliantly at a price point that puts it within reach for all boat owners and operators.”

Set to debut at METSTRADE 2025 in Amsterdam, the Photon will retail for $1,295 and be available worldwide through Iris Innovations’ dealer network beginning in late November. Two lens options are offered: a standard 12mm lens for long-distance viewing and a 2.8mm super wide-angle lens for side, rear, or backup applications.For more details, visit boat-cameras.com.

The post Iris Innovations Unveils Affordable 4K Night Vision Camera appeared first on Cruising World.

Nearly two decades ago, Seawind Catamarans walked off with top honors in Cruising World’s 2007 Boat of the Year contest multihulls category. Judges praised the couple-friendly liveaboard layout, sailing performance and bluewater-voyaging safety features of the Seawind 1160, a catamaran they also recognized as being that year’s most ­innovative entry.

Many of those same noteworthy features—refined now over the launch of several subsequent models—are be found aboard the Seawind 1370, which this year’s panel of judges named 2025 Best Midsize Multihull.

Like its predecessor, the 45-foot 1370 is well-suited to be a couple’s liveaboard go-­anywhere cruising boat, with a versatile Solent sail plan that has a full-batten square-top main, a self-tacking jib and a screecher. The two headsails are on furlers, so changing gears to match conditions is manageable for a shorthanded crew.

For sea trials after the Annapolis Boat Show, Seawind’s sales and marketing manager, Mike Rees, brought along a colorful asymmetric chute as well. That, of course, was set as soon as we were aboard. With the mainsail still stowed in its boom pouch, we were off to the races. The 1370 skipped along at close to 9 knots on a broad reach, giving a good hint of what a run in the trades might feel like. Later—with the main raised, the screecher unfurled, and the breeze down to the midteens—our speed while reaching was in the 7-plus-knot range. Beating upwind with the self-tacker, we still managed 6 or so knots at just under 40 degrees off the wind. That ain’t bad for a cruising cat with fixed keels. For the performance, you can thank the collaboration between the Seawind team and Yacht Design Collective, which did computer modeling for hull design and performance. 

I really like the helm setup that all Seawinds have. The twin wheels are to either side of the cockpit on the bridge deck, adjacent to the hulls. Just forward of each wheel, removable windows let the helmsman see through the salon, providing good visibility in all directions. Comfortable seats are shaded and protected from the elements by the Bimini top and cabin house, or the skipper can choose to sit outboard in the breeze, atop the hulls, where visibility is equally as good and where you get a real sense of what monohull sailors like to call “sailing.” The 1370 we tested had engine controls at either wheel—a nice touch for docking.

The cockpit itself is quite spacious, with a bench seat running across the transom (there’s stowage for gear and toys underneath), a sink at the starboard end, and a propane “barbie” grill to port. Seawinds, after all, were first built in Australia, though Aussie owner Richard Ward has since moved the factory to Vietnam and opened a facility in Turkey. 

Overhead, a composite arch supports the after end of the Bimini top and anchors a track for the mainsheet traveler, which can be adjusted with a side-wind winch mounted on the side column.

In good weather, a clever trifold door between the salon and cockpit can be raised and stowed under the Bimini top, truly opening up things to the great outdoors. The 1370 is a galley-up design, with a U-shaped Corian counter (molded GRP counters are standard) just inside the doors. A sink faces aft, and to starboard are an induction cooktop and electric oven. Cooking underway would be a joy.

Forward in the salon, two ports open wide to let breeze pour through the interior. To starboard, a nav desk/command center offers a well-protected watchkeeping station for cool nights or when the elements are unruly. To port, an L-shaped couch surrounds a table that swivels to allow for various seating arrangements, or that can be lowered to create a lounging area for movie night or a berth where an off-watch crewmember can nap but still be nearby if needed.

The owner’s hull is to port, with a best-in-class head and shower compartment aft. A queen-size raised athwartships berth is amidships, where ­motion underway will be ­minimized. A walk-in closet is in the forepeak behind a ­watertight bulkhead and sail locker.

The starboard hull offers an assortment of crew and stowage possibilities, with a double berth aft, and a head and shower compartment amidships. Forward of that, a fore-and-aft bunk is inboard; space in the forepeak can be used for an additional berth (bringing sleeping accommodations to nine) or as stowage. 

Base price for a 1370 is $820,000. The boat we visited in Annapolis had a $1.15 million price tag, which included options such as twin 57 hp Yanmar diesels with saildrives (40 hp motors are standard). The boat runs on a 24-volt electrical system; four gel-cell batteries are standard, and lithium is an option. They are kept charged by engine alternators and 2.5 kilowatts’ worth of solar panels.

Seawind uses PVC foam coring in its infused hulls, decks and other composite parts, and vinylester resin throughout. Carbon fiber is added in a number of areas to help keep weight down and add strength where needed. Interior woodwork on the 1370 is light-colored ash and bird’s-eye maple. It all looks ­really good. 

Looking around the 1370, I remembered having toured the earlier Seawind 1160 when that year’s Boat of the Year ­judges took note of details such as 30-inch-tall triple lifelines, solid handholds wherever they were needed, and a layout that was practical, comfortable, and safe. This time around, I saw a lot of those elements and more—only better. 

CW Editor-at-Large Mark Pillsbury was a 2025 Boat of the Year judge.

Take the Next Step

Price: $1.15 million (as tested)
Website: seawindcats.com

The post Seawind 1370 Review: A Bluewater Catamaran Built for Cruising Couples appeared first on Cruising World.

Boye Knives

Whether the sailor in your life loves to cook or just would appreciate a good sailing knife, Boye Knives can fill the bill. Their new 6-inch chef’s knife ($600), crafted by master knife maker David Boye, is made of dendritic cobalt, a specialized alloy known for its edge holding and complete rust resistance. The blade is hand ground and the Arizona Desert Ironwood handle is hand shaped.

For years, cruisers have relied on Boye’s popular boat knife. The cobalt alloy boat knife features extreme edge holding, and is permanently rust free. It is also non-magnetic, which means they won’t throw off a compass reading. Available with an as-cast ($189) or polished ($239) finish and either a blunt or pointed tip. www.boyeknives.com

Engel HD-30 soft-sided cooler

Perfect onboard or at the beach, the new Engel HD-30 soft-sided cooler ($200) is completely waterproof and has fully welded seams. The tough exterior is abrasion resistant, and the closed-cell foam insulation should keep items cold for days. www.engelcoolers.com

Mpowerd Outdoor 2.0

The latest inflatable solar-powered light from Mpowerd packs a lot of punch in a small package: the waterproof Outdoor 2.0 model has low, medium, high and strobe modes, and a battery that lasts up to 24 hours. It has straps on the top and bottom for easy attachment to your boom, lifelines, dinghy, or wherever you want to hang it. If you’re looking for mood lighting instead of a bright beacon, the Luci Lux is a frosted version and Luci Color can be set to one of eight colors or rotate through them all. Mpowerd partners with non-profits to distribute lights to areas of the world with limited access to electricity — most recently to victims of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Choose “Give Luci” on the website to contribute. The lights start at $19.95. www.mpowerd.com

Matador Beast28 Backpack

A good backpack really comes in handy on cruising adventures, whether carrying groceries back to the boat or all your gear for a day hike. The Matador Beast28 ($90) holds plenty of gear, yet is lightweight and water resistant. The best part? When not needed, it stuffs down into its own compression sack. www.matadorup.com

Patagonia Puff-Ball Bunting

The Puff-Ball Bunting ($99) from Patagonia has a wind- and water-resistant shell to keep your littlest crewmembers warm. The polyester batting is made from 90% recycled material and, unlike down, will hold its insulation even if it gets wet. Hand and foot openings have fold-over flaps to protect tiny fingers and toes. www.patagonia.com

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Pants

There is nothing worse than being cold on night watch. Once the sun sets, the ocean can be a chilly place, even in warmer latitudes. The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Pants ($140) are the perfect midlayer to put on underneath your foulie bibs. The 40g insulation keeps you warm, yet stretches for easy maneuverability. The 100-percent nylon ripstop shell and plain-weave liner, both have a durable water repellent finish, and offer generous mechanical stretch and breathability. www.patagonia.com

Patagonia Better Sweater Vest

Looks like a sweater but feels like a fleece? Patagonia’s Better Sweater Vest is like the mullet of mid-layers. Polyester fleece is soft and keeps you warm even in damp conditions, and offset shoulder seams won’t pinch under foul-weather bibs. Better yet, Patagonia has upped their social-responsibility game by switching to Fair Trade Certified sewing for all Better Sweater products, which ensures that the factory workers who create Patagonia clothing make a fair wage. $99, available in men’s, women’s and kid’s styles. www.patagonia.com

Seatek polarized glasses

Looking for new sunglasses? Seatek polarized glasses ($139) are designed around life on the water. Made in Italy, they offer 100 percent UV protection with a tough, yet lightweight frame (“Pablo” shown here) and a scratch resistant coating on the Carl Zeiss Vision high-performance lenses. The mirror finish (in blue or green) helps with reflection off the water. www.seatekgear.com

Swing-Lift Motor Hoists

Moving an outboard engine (which can weigh 100 pound or more for a 15hp) between the dinghy and its storage place on your boat’s pushpit can be daunting and potentially dangerous. The Swing-Lift motor hoist system ($315) is designed to solve this problem. Swing-Lift makes use of the boat’s existing winch with a halyard or topping lift and controls the position and orientation of the outboard so that it can be moved effortlessly and single-handedly. For boats where space is an issue, the company has just released the Slim-Lift, which works with outboard motors up to 14 inches wide, and requires only 16 inches of mounting space. Pair either model with a Sure-Grip lifting harness ($22).www.swing-lift.com

Toad&Co Flextime Skinny Pant

We love finding gear with high-tech performance and casual styling. Enter the Flextime ($85) from Toad&Co, a nylon-spandex pant with a slim fit and DWR coating to shed spray. The stretchy material makes them comfortable for climbing around on deck or a sojourn ashore. A zippered back pocket will keep your cash secure in the dinghy. www.toadandco.com

Toad&Co Kennicott Shirt Jac

Nothing beats the warmth of wool on night watch. The Kennicott shirt-jacket hybrid ($129) from Toad&Co is made from a combination of recycled wool for moisture wicking and warmth, polyester for softness and nylon for stretch. It has reinforced elbows and two snap-closure chest pockets. Our tester found the fit to be on the slim side — if you plan to wear it as an outer layer, size up. www.toadandco.com

Weego Portable Jumpers

Don’t be caught stranded! Whether on the road or on the waterway, a dead battery can ruin your day. Weego offers a full line of portable jump starters and rechargeable battery packs for every budget and engine size starting at $69. www.myweego.com

TIWAL Inflatable Sailboat

A sailboat under the tree? Yes! The TIWAL inflatable sailboat ($5,200) packs down into two bags, can be set up in less than 20 minutes and is easily transported in a small car (or cruising boat locker). It’s designed for fun and sporty sailing, and handles surprisingly well (it even won a Sailing World Boat of the Year award). If you’re cruising with teenagers, the TIWAL would be a fun addition to your kit (think of it as their car!). www.tiwal.com

The post The Best Gifts for Cruising Sailors appeared first on Cruising World.

Moody Aft Cockpit 41

On a blustery fall day on Chesapeake Bay after the close of last year’s U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, our Boat of the Year judges had the Moody Aft Cockpit 41 heeling smartly as it took the 15 knots of breeze just off the bow in stride. Compared to many of the sleek new performance cruisers we sailed that week, the Moody’s fit and finish seemed old fashioned — in a good way — with its long, low-slung trunk cabin and slightly overhung transom hinting at a lineage more akin to the classic plastics of yesteryear than its siblings in either the radical-looking Moody DS range or the minimalist Euro-style Hanses, all of which are built at the same yard in Greifswald, Germany.

But in fact, the 41 is a blend of old and new. Thoroughly modern are its nearly plumb bow, below-the-waterline hull form, cast-iron deep fin keel (shoal-draft lead-composite foil is available), and powerful sailing rig and self-tending jib (in-mast furling is optional, and was on the test boat). These all draw heavily from the work of the Hanse design team, which collaborated with longtime Moody designer Bill Dixon on this boat. Still, on deck and below, the look and feel of the 41 harken back to more traditional designs and to the days when the venerable Moody lineup of center-cockpit cruisers was built on England’s south coast.

While the BOTY team toiled on deck to size up the performance of what later in the week they’d deem to be the Best Midsize Cruiser, 40 to 44 feet, I stood below in the saloon, thoroughly enjoying the trappings of tradition: furniture situated in just the right places to provide handholds when and where needed; gleaming varnished mahogany woodwork set off by white panels and upholstery; light pouring in from overhead hatches and 10 inward-opening ports; fresh air from full-size dorades overhead; and devilish little details, such as the woven rattan insets on cupboard doors to keep storage areas well ventilated.

| |_Belowdecks, the saloon is quite traditional in both its layout and looks. The small table to port doubles as a nav station. _|

Later, when it was my turn to take command of the twin wheels, I found the Jefa steering to be silky smooth and the boat simple to handle as we tacked our way upwind with just a turn of the wheel. And as BOTY judge Tim Murphy noted, though the 41 has a fold-down swim platform and walk-through transom, when the platform’s raised, there’s a very secure feeling from having an actual coaming behind you; when steering, you don’t feel like you’re perched at the very aft end of the boat.

Forward of the helm stations, 55-inch benches to either side of the cockpit will let the crew lounge, though probably not stretch out and nap. Still, the seat backs are comfortable. In place of a cockpit table on the boat we sailed, a stainless-steel grab rail provided a solid brace when heeling or moving about.

The Moody 41 was described to us as “a passagemaker for couples,” and in that respect the builder hit the design brief spot on. The boat we sailed had a generously sized owner’s stateroom forward with a roomy V-berth and en suite head. There was just one double cabin aft to starboard and a portside head with separate shower at the foot of the companionway, behind which was an enormous storage locker. Twin aft cabins are an option, as are split berths in the forward cabin. Throughout, there were multiple storage lockers for stowing gear on extended voyages. The L-shaped galley, with fridge, freezer, and propane stove and oven, was equipped and sized with the serious chef in mind.

At its yard in Germany, Hanse builds boats in two ways. The majority of Hanses and Dehler yachts are laid up on a production line where boats advance from workstation to workstation at set times during the day.

| |Full-size dorade vents are fit with protective stainless-steel rails that also work as strong handholds forward of the mast. The vents, a rarity on new sailboats these days, bring in welcome fresh air both at anchor and under way.|

In a nearby custom shop, Moodys, the largest Hanses and Fjord powerboats are built in single stations, with work teams assigned as required. The result, said a Moody representative, is that about 25 percent more man-hours are required to build the AC 41, compared to a similar-size Hanse. This increase is reflected in both the finish and the price, which for the boat we sailed was $360,000 (a similar-size Hanse would be closer to $260,000).

The 41’s hull is composed of a cored fiberglass laminate sandwich, with an outer layer of gelcoat backed up by a layer of vinylester resin; Corecell foam is used below the waterline and balsa above. Decks are also cored with balsa, and solid aluminum plates are inserted in the laminate wherever hardware is to be mounted. Lewmar winches and a Furlex headsail furler come standard. In addition to the self-tacking jib, the 41 also sports inboard stays and outboard genoa tracks designed to handle up to about a 140 percent genoa on an optional second furler.

The Moody AC 41 is driven by a 40-horsepower Volvo engine and saildrive, which the judges felt was slightly underpowered. That said, they found the boat quite maneuverable when motoring and stable in even the sharpest turns. An optional 55-horsepower engine is available.

Said judge Alvah Simon in summarizing his view of the AC 41: “Bill Dixon designed a nice liquid hull, which made for a very nice sail today.” I’d eagerly second that statement. The Moody 41 was pretty to look at and quite comfortable under way.

This article first appeared in the December 2013 issue of Cruising World.

The post Moody Aft Cockpit 41 appeared first on Cruising World.

Odyssey Paddle Craft Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)

Odyssey Paddle Craft Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)

NorthStar Thin Plate Pure Lead AGM Batteries

NorthStar Thin Plate Pure Lead AGM Batteries

Fraser Optics’ Stedi-Eye 14 x 40mm Monolite Monocular

Fraser Optics’ Stedi-Eye 14 x 40mm Monolite Monocular

Cayman 11.5 Sit-On-Top Angler Kayak

Cayman 11.5 Sit-On-Top Angler Kayak

Third Reef Jacket and Bibs

Third Reef Jacket and Bibs

Garmin Virb Elite, Action Camera with Wi-Fi & GPS and the Quatix Watch

Garmin Virb Elite, Action Camera with Wi-Fi & GPS and the Quatix Watch

Simrad NSS9 evo2 Series

The post West Marine’s Top Product Picks for 2014 appeared first on Cruising World.

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Seminar

Jimmy Spithill and Gary Jobson

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The post Annapolis Boat Show 2013 appeared first on Cruising World.

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The post Classic Yachts Challenge appeared first on Cruising World.

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The post Annapolis 2012 appeared first on Cruising World.

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West Marine Tech Tee

Henri Lloyd Atmosphere T

Harken hat

The post Protect Yourself From the Sun appeared first on Cruising World.

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The post New Boats Abound at the U.S. Sailboat Show appeared first on Cruising World.