Gear

Gear and Goods from the 2014 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS)

This huge, annual trade show is the place to see what's new in the marine industry.

By Jen Brett

Updated: December 3, 2014

For three days every November, the marine industry gathers in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to introduce new products, check out trends, and network with colleagues from around the world. This year the event attracted a record number of exhibitors (1,358) and visitors (21,086), and I was there to represent Cruising World. It was my first time attending, and I was blown away by the size (literally acres) of the show and the innovative ideas showcased by the exhibitors. Check out the photos for some of the products that caught my eye, and be on the lookout for more details about them in future issues of CW.

2014 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS)

An overview of the Italian and French pavilions at the 2014 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam.

Digital Yacht AquaWear

Now you can easily incorporate wireless, handheld devices with your navigation electronics. The Digital Yacht AquaWear WLN20 is a wireless NMEA gateway designed to connect your smartphone with on-board electronics fom any brand. And once you pop your device in the included wrist case, wearable navigation is a reality. It’s interfaced using open NMEA standards and can support multiple phones, iPads, PCs or Macs. Users can choose from an ever-updated range of Digital Yacht or 3rd party apps for navigation, charting, instrument displays, AIS, racing and more. Jen Brett

SnowLizard SLXtreme case

Have a WiFi-only iPad? The new SnowLizard SLXtreme case goes beyond waterproof, rugged protection to embed Bad Elf’s GPS+GLONASS receiver right inside the case, instantly adding worldwide location support to WiFi only iPad (Generation 4) – without an internet connection or monthly subscription. Jen Brett

Furuno 1st Watch Wireless Radar

If the thought of wiring in a radar intimidates you, or you just appreciate simplicity, check out the new Furuno 1st Watch Wireless Radar. All you do is mount the radome and connect it to a 12V power source. All the data is viewed on an iPad or iPhone. Jen Brett

2014 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS)

The massive 2014 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) spanned 11 halls at the Amsterdam RAI convention center. Jen Brett

Standard Horizon HX870 handheld VHF

It floats, it has GPS, Digital Selective Calling (DSC), an emergency strobe light and is waterproof to IPX8 standards. The new Standard Horizon HX870 handheld VHF has it all, and is surprisingly lightweight to boot. (Click on the link for better photos!) Jen Brett

Secumar Lifejackets

Lots of cool kids lifejackets spotted around the show, like these from German company Secumar. The Secumar Mini (red one) is the smallest inflatable lifejacket on the market. Jen Brett

Spinlock Cento Junior lifejacket

Made just for junior sailors, the Spinock Deckvest Cento is lightweight and comfortable. Jen Brett

METS Innovation Lab

Every day, the METS Innovation Lab stage hosted seminars, workshops, debates and presentations. Jen Brett

METS DAME Winners

Near the Innovation Lab was also a place to learn about the winners of the prestigious DAME Awards. Read more about the awards here. Jen Brett

METS Material Xperience

The METS Material Xperience was the place to check out cool materials that you just might see incorporated into new yachts tomorrow. From exotic woods to a leather made out of fish skin and 3D printed materials, there were definitely some cool ideas showcased here. Jen Brett

Glomex WeBoat 4G

The Glomex WeBoat 4G coastal internet antenna system provides internet access up to 10 miles from shore with a powerful WiFi antenna as well as 4G cellular capabilities for when WiFi signal is weak. Jen Brett

DrSails Epoxy

Dr Sails is a 2-part epoxy emergency adhesive that can bond to fiberglass, carbon, metal, wood and neoprene wet or even underwater. The flexible adhesive can even bond sailcloth. Jen Brett