Hard or Soft?
11/29/2006 4:16:26 PM by
The Jaguar XK features an aluminum body shell drawn taut across the chassis. These dramatic sports machines are purposefully trimmed and tuned for heart-pounding performance. A drive down to the beach never looked so good. XK Coupe $75,500; XK Convertible $81,500; jaguarusa.com.
MUST-HAVE MUSCLECRAFT
The new Sea-Doo 2007 RXT is one of the best rough-water, long-distance crafts on the market, featuring a longer hull that penetrates waves for a smoother ride while keeping the jet pump full of water. To flex some aquatic muscle, go to brp.com.
NAUTICAL NAVIGATOR
Navman’s first large-screen multifunction navigation system takes big to the next level. The Navman 8120 comes loaded with chartplotter, sonar, radar and video capabilities, built-in SmartCraft capabilities, and a digital fuel computer for gasoline engines. Don’t let the long list fool you — for being so complex, its handling is made simple with its 12-inch display and large, clear keys for menu navigations. Create your own favorites page or even play your favorite DVD on it. $2,499.95 at navman.com.
WATER WATCH
With water resistance at 39,600 feet, there’s no limit to where you can go with the Abyss 10.900. Available in orange, blue, yellow, white and black, the 42.55 mm stainless steel case is filled with liquid silicone and comes with rubber straps. Get one for $550 at technomarine.com.
SKY VIEW
Gazing at a star-filled sky is always best at sea, away from the city lights. For those nights when you want to know what planets and stars you’re looking at, the SkyScout Personal Planetarium tells you with one click. Aim the viewer at the sky and get informed on up to 6,000 stars, planets and constellations with audio and text descriptions. $399 at brookstone.com.
APPLE JACK
Channel a favorite cereal from childhood into a drink for a quick reminder of why it’s great to be all grown up. Though not exactly the most important meal of the day, this drink will kick-start a party — or at least a conversation or two.
Ingredients
1/2 ounce
Apple Schnapps
1 ounce Jack Daniels
Cranberry Juice
Ice as desired
Instructions
Pour the apple schnapps into a glass half-filled with ice and add Jack. Fill the glass with cranberry juice. Serves one.
SEA STYLE
The Gill Softshell Line
combines stretch fabrics and waterproof finishes with a sleek tailored fit to keep you cool, dry and in style. They feature taped surfaces for water protection, full front zippers with internal and external plackets, internal zipped chest pockets to hold a wallet or keys and water-resistant side pockets with zippers. Trousers, $189, Jacket $199 and Pullover $65.95 at gillna.com.
PRIME PADRON
Cigar Aficionado’s “Cigar of the Year” is also Wave’s recommendation for best cigar. Padron Cigars has been around since 1964 and their age-old recipe seems to be getting better with time. As their slogan says: “When Padron is on the label, quality is a matter of family honor.” Go to padron.com for more information on the family history and cigar offerings.
2007 NAUTICA RIB16 LIMITED JET
The Nautica 16 Limited Jet is as fast as it looks. The 16 Limited is well-balanced and gets onto plane quickly and without the usual bow-rise seen in most inflatables. Powered by the Yamaha 165 HP 4-stroke Jet-drive, it promptly accelerates to speeds of 50+ mph, and has plenty of torque to pull a skier. Find out more at nauticaintl.com.
NAUTICAL WEAR
Hook & Tackle’s 2007 Luau line will keep you looking and feeling cool on and off the boat. To view the entire collection, go to hookandtackle.com.