Fun finds highlight
Ocean Expo

There seemed to be quite a few folks checking out the new boats and boating accessories the day I attended, but I wondered at the time if their experience was similar to mine.

Because most of our observations are based on perspective, and attending many large boat shows on the mainland has influenced mine, I'm usually struck by how few boating services and products are available in Hawaii.

But that said, I am also pleased as well by often finding at least a couple of new boats or accessories that seem to be a cut above the rest, and that was true this year.

The boat that stole the show for me this year was the latest design from Gary Brookins and his Brookins' Boatworks. In a departure from his previous electric boat designs for protected waters, he has now brought out a Radon-styled craft that is all about offshore fishing and diving.

This all-fiberglass boat can be ordered with either a flat transom for inboard/ outdrive power, or with a hull extension on the transom for outboard engines.

The hull measures 21 feet, 1 inch, or 23 feet, 4 inches, respectively, and both configurations have a roomy 8-foot beam.

There's little question of the boat's ability to handle Hawaii's offshore conditions with its 44-degree V-bottom, double lifting strakes and 20-degree turndown chine rails.

Whether making a fast run out to Penguin Bank or cruising along at trolling speeds, Brookins' new boat is bound to be comfortable and dry. For more information, give him a call at (808) 841-2525.

My favorite boating accessory at the show was the "tankless" dive system demonstrated and sold by Easydive Hawaii.

This Kapaa, Kauai, company is marketing a wonderful new product that, while it would surely be a helpful tool for boat maintenance, would also be a load of fun for recreational use as well.

In its simplest form, it's called the Deck Snorkel -- a 12-volt battery-powered air compressor that pumps air through a 20-foot hose into a floating plastic accumulator tank. Another 28-foot hose runs from the tank to a diver using a standard scuba regulator.

As the company's brochure says, "Just put on your mask and fins, turn on the switch and jump in!"

The effective range of the Deck Snorkel is to a depth of about 23 feet, which would be plenty for most underwater boat maintenance tasks, like scrubbing the bottom or unfouling a prop.

But it doesn't take much imagination to foresee the Deck Snorkel being used by the whole family for underwater excursions over the reefs to hunt fish or just to explore. And unlike scuba diving, it doesn't require a license or certificate.

More information about Easydive's complete line of products can be found on its Web site at www.easydivehawaii.com or by calling (808) 823-0223.