Autopilots The first self-steering gear was introduced in the 1920's to control model yachts but it was not until 1948 that the principle was applied to full scale yachts. Standing at the helm for lengthy periods, monitoring instruments and keeping a good look out can be very tiring. An autopilot relieves the helmsman from steering the correct course leaving him free to maintain a proper watch. The autopilot can be set to either steer a compass course or a course relative to the wind. A fluxgate compass or electronic wind indicator feeds information to a microprocessor which then makes the necessary rudder movements to return the vessel to it's required course. The mechanical power is applied to the rudder by either electric linear activators, hydraulic pumps or rotary drives. GPS/Chart plotters can be used to input navigational instructions to the autopilot.

Battery Chargers will keep batteries fully charged thereby extending their working life.

Chart Plotters Typically a chart plotter consists of an antenna, mounted high on the boat, to track GPS signals and a display unit sited either at the at the navigation station or the helm of the vessel. The vessels position is sent from the antenna to the display unit which in turn shows it graphically on the chart. The Chart itself will look similar to it's paper equivalent and show depth, land mass, navigational aids such as bouys and potential dangers in the form of wrecks and obstructions. The user can add way points to the chart and zoom in and out of the display. Chart plotters can be connected to drive an autopilot and/or send GPS data to a fish finder or radar. They can also interface with a laptop enabling complex passage planning to be done away from the boat and then entered into the chart plotter after arriving at the boat.

Crocs shoes are becoming more and more popular everywhere you go. When I say "Crocs shoes", I don`t mean shoes made of crocodile skin, but rather a new shoe trend that is sweeping the nation

Crocs shoes originally came from Canada. Now, the Crocs company is based in Boulder, Colorado. Crocs are made from a patented closed-cell resin, which makes them comfortable and pliable. They are especially great for people who are on their feet all day, like food service personnel, medical personnel and others.

I`ve heard from doctors and nurses that after wearing Crocs all day, not only do their feet feel great, but any back problems they normally suffered with were gone. This is not to say that Crocs will solve all your medical problems. But you will definitely feel better

One of the benefits of this patented closed-cell resin is that the shoes are unable to absorb odor. It`s amazing, but even after wearing the shoes all day, they will not stink. Another benefit is that the shoes are so light they actually float when dropped in water. Crocs are great for people on boats. Not just for the floating, but because they also have a good grip on the deck

Some people have worn Crocs-like shoes for tasks such as gardening. Crocs are also great for tasks like this. They are super-easy to clean... just hose them off and let them dry.

Crocs come in a variety of models and colors. The most common Crocs have ventilation holes throughout the top of the shoe, others only have ventilation around the sides leaving the top solid for protection from spilled liquids. An older model was fully enclosed, but I think it may have been too hot for normal wear.

The huge variety of fashionable colors available make Crocs an excellent choice to go with any outfit. Having multiple pairs of Crocs makes it easier to mix and match and make the right fashion choice.

What about size? Crocs generally run a little bit large. Some models, like the Beach model, in size groups like small, medium and large others, like the Cayman model, come in full sizes like 8, 9 and 10. Since the sizes are unisex, you need to look at a chart to determine whether you are looking at men`s or women`s sizes. If you normally wear a size 8, and the chart shows a shoe that would be size 8 to 9, you may want to consider the next size down. However, if you normally wear a size 9, you will probably be okay with an 8 to 9.

You owe it to yourself to try a pair of Crocs shoes. They will be the most comfortable shoes you may ever try, and your feet will thank you for the purchase.