NEWS & NOTES
Stylus Pro
( streamlight.com) to order a new
one, I discovered that a new version
was available. When it arrived, it
exceeded my expectations.
The new Stylus Pro from
Streamlight has several impressive
features, the most important of
which is that, for its size, it is
incredibly bright ( 24 lumens, to be
precise). It uses what’s called a
high-flux LED with a micro-optical
system, along with “battery
booster” electronics that enhance
and concentrate the light emitted
from the LED. The Stylus Pro’s
shockproof case is constructed
from rugged aluminum, and it
features a tail cap switch with both
momentary and permanent “on”
settings. That means it’s nearly
impossible to activate the light
accidentally—it won’t turn on in
your pocket or toolbox and wear
down the batteries.
The estimated battery life of the
Stylus Pro is nearly eight hours, and
unlike its little brother, the standard
Stylus, it uses ordinary AAA
batteries. (The Stylus uses AAAA
batteries, which can be difficult to
find.) Each Stylus Pro is individually
serial-numbered and uses an O-ring
to achieve a waterproof seal.
All Stylus flashlights come with
a lifetime warranty against failure
and breakage.
The Stylus Pro also comes with
batteries and a nylon holster that is
ideal because it makes the flashlight
nearly impossible to lose. (My
original Stylus was forever falling
out of my pocket when I sat down.)
Naturally, I found the Stylus I had
lost as soon as my new Stylus Pro
arrived.—S.D’A.
SWEDISH-STYLE COOKTOPS
Dometic Corporation of
Halmstad, Sweden, has introduced
a new line of ceramic cooktop
stoves for the marine environment
that feature scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surfaces.
Available in one-, two-, and
three-burner models, the Origo
cooktops are flush mounted and
have rounded edges for a polished,
stylish appearance. The “hi-light”
hot plates heat up in about three
seconds and provide even heat
distribution.
Variable settings help to
prevent boil-over and burning.
The controls are located on the
surface so that the cooktop can
be positioned to fit in a variety of
spaces. To ensure safety, a heat
indicator remains lit as long as
the surface stays hot, even after
it’s switched off.
Origo E300
All models (the Origo E100,
E200, and E300) are available in
120VAC and 220–240VAC, and
each burner provides 1, 200 watts of
power. The new Dometic cooktops
are fast, efficient, stain resistant,
tastefully designed, and reasonably
priced, starting at $400. Check
them out at dometic.com/enus/
americas/usa/marine/stoves and
call 954.973.2477 to find the nearest
dealer.—L.R.
LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE?
FUBAR II IS COMING
The first FUBAR Odyssey down
the Baja California coast was such
a success a year ago that a second
has been scheduled for late 2009.
A voyage of adventure for
midsize motoryachts, the Odyssey
fleet will sail from San Diego,
investigate harbors and ports
along the west coast of Mexico,
and then turn north into the Sea
of Cortez to make a final stop at
La Paz.
If you’re wondering about the
name, “FUBAR” stands for “Fleet
Underway to Baja Rally.”
Participating boats must be
capable of traveling at least 450
nautical miles at 8 knots without
refueling. (Several refueling stops
will be scheduled.) A small fleet of
escort vessels will be staffed with
skippers experienced in cruising
the Baja coast, marine technicians,
and physicians.
Ken Ruffner and Val Farrell, of
the sponsoring San Diego Yacht
Club, are co-chairs of the 2009
Odyssey. The Del Rey Yacht Club
sponsored the 2007 event, which
attracted about 50 yachts whose
crews were treated to some very
fine weather.
The first general meeting for
folks interested in joining the
second FUBAR Odyssey was
scheduled for early October.
Log on to sdyc.org/fubar to
find out more.—R.M.L.
QUICK SBC ADVANCED
PLUS BATTERY CHARGERS
When I received a press release
describing a new battery charger
series from Quick, I assumed it was,
