March Specials on Boating Gear at SavvyBoater.com

Boat Ladder Sale

If you've been thinking of replacing the ladder on your boat, now is the time with an additional 10% off our already low prices.  Use coupon code MARCHLADDERSAVINGS and take 10% off of any of the boat ladders in our broad ladder selection.  Whether you are looking for a value priced Boater Sports ladder, a reliable standby like the Detmar or Garelick designs, or one of the innovative stainless steel  ladders by DiveNDog, we've got what you need.

Polyform Buoy and Fender Event

We offer the full range of Polyform buoys and fenders, from the popular G fenders and HTM Series boat fenders to the commercial grade F Series fenders.  Find any of the round inflatable A Series buoys from the 11.5" A-1 buoy to the massive 42" A-7 Buoy, or the low drag LD Series buoys at unbeatable prices.
Use Coupon Code SAVEONPOLYFORM to save 5% off any Polyform Fenders or Buoys.

Trolling Plates at Unbeatable Prices in March

We've rolled back prices on the popular Happy Troller Trolling Plate and the EasyTroller Trolling metal trolling plates to $99.95.  Or get the automatic nylon Trol-A-Matic trolling plate for only $79.95.  Compare those prices anywhere and you'll know why we are the savvy angler's choice for trolling plates.

Engel Portable Fridge Freezers

We are currently offering FREE SHIPPING on most of Engel's legendary line of portable electric fridge freezers.  Make sure you check out the MR040 40 qt. Marine Cooler Freezer and the newly redesigned MD14F 14 Quart Electric Travel Cooler.  the new 14 quart cooler now features the latest generation compressor for improved efficiency and quieter operations.

Boat Covers and Bimini Tops by Carver

We are offering a FREE SHIPPING Special on Semi-custom and Custom Boat Covers by Carver.  Made in the USA of US manufactured materials, these covers are the tops in fit and quality.  Order in March for free shipping on any Bimini Top or Custom Boat Cover over $100.

Solas Boat Propellers

In the world of boat propellers, the Solas brand stands out for the depth of their offering and the quality of their props.  SavvyBoater offers over 300 Solas Props in stainless and aluminum, and through our connections with Solas, we can find  you any Solas prop that is currently in stock anywhere in the United States.  Shop our extensive selection of Solas Props and get FREE SHIPPING on any boat prop over $100.

You can View all of our boating gear sales by visiting our Current Specials page.

New Product Review - New HelmsMate T & TE Model Outboard Motor Tiller Extension Handles

If you troll with a kicker or trolling motor, you may have discovered that it is a stretch to steer from the best seat. If you sit clear in the stern, you may throw the boat out of trim, or develop a back kink from twisting and leaning to reach the tiller. If so, an outboard tiller extension handle may be just the ticket. They are designed to attach to your existing outboard tiller giving you the extra reach you need.

We carry the HelmsMate Extension Handles by Ironwood Pacific, and were pleased to evaluate and add two new handles to their line-up. The New Models -dubbed T and TE are much shorter than any of the previous Ironwood handles, measuring in at a fixed 18" for the T model and an adjustable 17" to 23" for the TE model. These are a welcome addition to this line-up as we've talked with a few customers who had purchased the longer versions and sawed them off to get to these kind of lengths.

In addition to the anodized aluminum shaft, the two new HelmsMates share other qualities with their big brothers. They utilize the same universal clamp as the longer models, which is really universal. It consists of a marine grade nylon clamp which you shouldn't mistake this for ordinary plastic because it is really tough. I took one of my samples out, laid it on a cement floor, and stood on it with all my weight (200 lbs.) on one foot, then bounced up and down a few times. It flexed and deformed a bit , but sprang right back and there was zero sign of cracking or distress.

The universal clamp comes with a 1/8" thick heavy rubber sizing sleeve that fits many tiller handles perfectly. If your handle is a little thicker, you can slide the sleeve out and if youn eed even more room, just grab the clamp ears and spread it open wider. for some of the smaller motors with a really thin handle, Ironwood Pacific provides what they call a second sleeve. It is a sheet of rubber that you can wrap around the handle from a partial turn to several turns to get the exact fit you need. It doesn't come included, but they will send yo one for free if you find you need it. As you can see from the picture above, there is a big cut-away that allows easy access to the kill switch.

The Helmsmate T Model is a fixed 18" length, but the Helmsmate TE is extendable from 17" to 23". I like the fact that there is a positive lock system consisting of a spring loaded metal button that locks into one of a series of holes in the outer shaft. It took me a couple tries to get the hang of it, but once I did it was very simple and it stays where you put it. This system means that I have to adjust in abut 2 1/2" increments, but I don't picture ever needing more fine control than that. It is a real contrast to the cam-lock systems used by some of the other tiller extension handles I've tried. On the most recent cam lock version I tried, it didn't take opening and closing the mechanism more than a handful of times before it got a little loose. Imagine twisting the throttle, only to have the cam slip and suddenly you lose throttle control and your length setting is lost. I'll take the positive lock over the cam any time.

In summary, these two new handles have all the features that have made the Ironwood Pacific HelmsMate one of my favorite trolling motor extension handles. They fit well on a variety of gas outboard motors and electric trolling motors, they are made in the USA, and they have a very attractive price. We are able to offer the T model at $14.95 and the TE at $18.95.