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Maine Cruising Gear

Here are a few essentials for the Maine-bound boater.

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A cruise along the coast of Maine can be a beautiful thing. But if you are unprepared, your trip will be a little less pleasant and you could miss out on some good times. Here are a few essentials for the Maine-bound boater:

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Stop Bugging Me: Maine is a gorgeous place in the summer time, however the moist spring conditions make the shorelines a haven for insects. Since legends of black flies the size of hummingbirds and almost prehistoric mosquitoes abound, make sure that you have something the keep the bugs away. If you don’t want to spray yourself all day long, try out the new ThermaCELL Mosquito Repelling Lantern. This lantern not only provides lumination, it also keeps away 98 percent of mosquitoes within a 15- by 15-foot area—and there’s no lotion required. _www.mosquitorepellent.com_

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Binoculars: It is always a good idea to have a quality set of binoculars while cruising, but on the shores of Maine it is a must. It’s possible that people of Maine are outnumbered by lobster pots, so a good set of binoculars to spot them goes a long way. Also, when you’ve tied up or dropped the hook, they’ll come in handy for spotting bald eagles. While there are many fine ones out there, you can’t go wrong with the Marine line from Steiner Binoculars. _www.steinerbinoculars.com_

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Sun Block: With its northern latitude and breezy weather, the shores of Maine may feel perfectly pleasant while you’re out for a cruise. But don’t be fooled: that sun is strong, and if you don’t put on some quality sun block you’ll end up redder than your lobster dinner. There are plenty to choose from, but Sun Perfect Uv4 from Bioactive Skincare is a good choice. www.bioactive-skincare.com_._

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A Warm Jacket: You may be regarded as a crazy person when you pack a warm jacket into your bag for a summer cruise, but what do they know? While the days are sunny and warm, the cold temperature of Maine’s water makes the air cool rapidly once the sun goes down, and the evenings can be downright chilly; with a good onshore breeze you’ll be shivering before you know it. Pack a couple of your favorite sweaters and the Warm Up Jacket from Maine’s own L.L. Bean. www.llbean.com

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