Issue 01
Almanac is a publication focusing on Marine Innovation, News, Interviews, and the essential must-have tech.
In Issue 01 we explore Design trends for 2025, uncover why Starlink is a must-have on board, and reveal how we reduced our plastic packaging by 92%. Additionally we feature exclusive interviews with pioneers Erik Aanderaa and Monty Halls.
Scanstrut is a global leader in the design and manufacture of outdoor and marine equipment. With a range of over 300 items, Scanstrut products enable and enhance the use of commercial, navigation and personal electronics in the outdoors.
Based in the UK and the USA, the company has a 38-year history of delivering world-first innovations and has received numerous awards for its high-quality products. Their equipment is trusted by customers worldwide for marine, off-road, industrial, and commercial use.
With the addition of new sustainability officer Dominic Keeley, the Scanstrut team took decisive action to reduce the company’s environmental impact.
Understanding what can and cannot be changed:
Scanstrut designs and manufactures products that must perform in the harshest of conditions, which means that quality and material endurance can never be compromised. Understanding where the main possibilities of environmental change can happen was key for Scanstrut to implement the right environmental steps.
Quantifying sustainable choices:
Scanstrut started by looking at the user journeys of their products, and identified the first potential risk of ocean contamination, from the packaging used for their products.
Understanding the right course of action can often be a bit of a mind field, so having a dedicated sustainability team was crucial for Scanstrut to obtain the right outcome.
Research into environmental emissions from PP, PS, and film vs cardboard was the first port of call to make the ‘right’ environmental decision for the change of packaging.
As many of Scanstrut products are fitted in or very near the ocean, changing the materials to be fully recyclable and compostable was the first logical change with the biggest immediate positive impact.
Further outcomes as a by-product:
“As a result of changing our packaging from plastic, we inadvertently helped our OEMs as the simpler card envelope style allows for an easier and quicker opening of the product, and a faster installation of the product, as typically the products now arrive ready for installation.”
- Grant Fox, Head of Marketing, 2024
• Scanstrut has established that newly developed products will not contain any single-use plastic as part of the packaging.
• Scanstrut has transitioned to using translucent glassine paper envelopes, instead of single-use Polybags.
• Scanstrut is systematically identifying where they can improve packaging on legacy products.
• Scanstrut is working to remove all single-use plastic from their packaging, including plastic tape, bubble wrap & polystyrene.
• Scanstrut provides OEM-specific packaging on several products to reduce packaging weight and volumetric space. Scan
If you are thinking about installing Starlink onto your boat then you’ll want to keep reading!
With 2.6 million users, Starlink is fast becoming the go-to internet for remote and alternative living. Starlink is a new method of transferring internet to users, utilizing Low-Earth-Orbiting satellites – situated 550 km from Earth’s atmosphere (LEO).
How does Starlink work?
Starlink works by having a global network of small roaming satellites, near to 5,500 of them moving around the globe at 27,000 Kilometers per hour.
Every four minutes a new roaming satellite will pair up with your Starlink satellite ‘dish’, sending data back and forth between them at hundreds of megabytes per second. This enables global coverage and reduces latency for improved internet connectivity, regardless of location.
Why should you use it?
1 You want fast, low-latency internet, while anchored and when out sailing at sea.
2 You’re fed up buying a different subscription package for different country coverage.
3 You want your satellite ‘dish’ to look like it has been designed to go on a boat. The sleek design of Starlink, along with the subtle colour palette will only add to the aesthetic of your boat.
4 Last, but by no means least, cost-saving. Starlink starts at £206.00 PCM, compared to alternatives costing £1000 + PCM.
Scan the QR code to explore the Scanstrut Starlink range!
This is the first of many within Scanstrut ‘Lost in Design’ series, where they explore what it is to be a designer in the marine industry, why designers design, and some interesting facts you might not have known about before!
Scanstrut starts the series off at home, with a Scanstrut design team exclusive. Covering topics from how AI is being implemented into design, that pivotal moment that makes
2024 We are all critical thinkers, we like to take things apart and ask questions about why and how something works like that. “ “
- Philip Snook, Senior Product Designer
a designer, Sustainability, and future thinking of the marine industry.
Want to learn more about the designers behind the Scanstrut products, make sure to scan the QR code and read the full article!
Back in 2022, Scanstrut was approached by an boat brand and given the challenge of designing a 12/24V magnet-compatible waterproof wireless charger that would hold your phone in place, ensuring a constant charge all while being designed for the harsh on-water environment.
The design process:
Scanstrut always tests ideas out in the wild early in the design process, not only does it allow for a great day out on the water, but it is an essential element of their testing process.
“Testing the magnet charger out on the water as early as possible was key, we found that if it was to be suitable for harsh offshore conditions, then additional holding power would be required” (George Bowles - Head of Design).
The addition of a front clamp alongside other design implementations led to the successful creation of Aura 10W, adopted by multiple boat brands. Ensuring long-lasting high-quality durability to hold your phone in place, no matter the weather.
Expanding knowledge:
Designing with magnets was a first for Scanstrut. Having to acquire new knowledge is not a new process for Scanstrut - in fact with every design, there is always new knowledge to attain. Scanstrut uses this as a method to stay up to date with current and future technology and trends.
Outcomes:
• Scanstrut successfully designed Aura 10W, which has been adopted by multiple boat brands.
Scanstrut successfully designed a new mag-safe compatible wireless charger that can withstand harsh offshore weather conditions.
Scanstrut design team grew their knowledge of designing with magnets, making way for a new range of Mag-compatible chargers!
• Aura 10W is now live to order!
Scan the QR code to explore Aura now!
ATMOS has a two-wire 12-volt DC power cord: red (positive) and black (negative). Connect the red wire to a positive bus bar linked to an on/off switch from the boat’s battery, with a fuse or circuit breaker between. Connect the black wire to a negative bus bar connected to a common ground. Use terminals that are soldered or crimped and covered with heat-shrink tubing to prevent moisture and corrosion. Support the wires and install anti-chafe grommets where the wires pass through bulkheads or decks.
Install The Unit
Remove the masking tape and slide the unit into the cutout. If concerned about water intrusion, apply silicone sealant around the perimeter and on each screw. Align the faceplate’s 10 mounting holes with the pilot holes and drive in the No. 4 self-tapping stainless-steel screws. Do not overtighten. Install the upper and lower snap covers to hide the screws and give a seamless look.
a countersink to prevent chipping.
Before going on the water, test ATMOS system by inflating and deflating one of your towable water toys, following the owner’s manual instructions. If issues arise, refer to the troubleshooting guide in the manual. When done, close the door hiding the ports, cover the faceplate with the sun cover, and turn off the power switch to ATMOS. 5
Erik is a Norwegian sailor, who has sailed some of the most treacherous seas, such as the North Atlantic, crossing to the Outer Hebrides, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, he has recovered from running aground and has an affiliation with big waves, and cold weather, and feeling all elements of nature.
Erik advocates for pushing one’s boundaries, seeking the spirit of adventure, and being your own lighthouse.
He sails a Contessa 35ft, called Tessie, designed for racing they make for a fast-maneuvering boat.
Was there a fundamental point in your life that made you want to sail, or have you always had an affiliation towards sailing?
At age 11, my father brought a caravan, parked by the sea. I became restless and wanted to try fishing out on the water, so my father and I put an engine on the small dinghy. Inevitably this engine outweighed the boat. So, begrudgingly I picked up the mast and sails and started to work out how to use it.
I thought sailing was boring and slow.
When I tried it and got a hold of it, I sailed out on the lake – this was the first time sailing for me. It was much cooler than I could have anticipated. Eventually my father lost eyesight of me and had to call his neighbours, who were sailors to come and bring me back to shore. It was an adventurous experience for me.
So, from this initial intro to sailing, how did you learn to sail?
In Norway, there is the tradition of confirmation, the celebration of a boy turning into a man, a girl turning into a woman. From my confirmation, I gained enough money to buy a 5ft dinghy, with a main sail and a head sail. This was a massive step up for me, I thought I was going on an adventure.
I started sailing the dinghy alone, on the west side of the country, in the open ocean. It was dangerous, but I couldn’t be stopped, I stretched my limits with it. I’d capsized many times and had to be rescued. Instead of being put off from sailing, that element of danger fuelled my desire to improve.
At age 18, I got work on a ship, as an able seaman traveling around Europe. I managed to save enough money for a 22ft dinghy and started sailing over to Denmark through Skagerrak.
At age 24, I brought Tessi the boat I sail today. Now this is where the real sailing started, as I could go on longer-distance sailing journeys.
Do you have times of real worry for life when sailing out at sea? If so, how do you bring yourself back to yourself, to make those calm and rational decisions?
Sometimes I am death scared, but I like the feeling, of being afraid, to deal with it, if you overcome your fear, I believe you will live a much better life, be able to push your boundaries, and live more.
Sometimes I am telling myself I should stop now, but then again, life would get boring. Fear is a very annoying thing; it is just in your head. If you overcome your fears, I think you will have an exceptional life.
Another part is having a boat and products you rely on. With sailing it’s 100% you must rely on your boat, and your equipment 100% as much as you are sailing skillset. You can’t turn around if you’re in a bad situation, you must deal with it and be your lighthouse.
How do you go about choosing products onboard? It’s as much as reputation, alongside testing and failing. Now, my boat has all the equipment I could dream of. Jumping back 20 years I had old sails and a very basic set-up, which surprisingly is a great place to learn how to sail, as it teaches you how to sail when not all of it is perfect.
At the moment I am trusting my life with the boat, which is how I dare to do what I do today.
Of all the sailing trips you have done do you have a favourite?
Making the trip across to Shetland. To make the trip and see your coastline behind you, knowing that I’m all alone, looking around me I thought, wow, I’m good!
I’ve managed the process and the challenge of sailing solo for 36 hours. Even better when you start to see Shetland occurring on the horizon It was a big moment it was a very good feeling, I remember it very well.
This first feeling of being alone in the big ocean…I’m going to do a lot of this.
Solo sailing - What are the biggest challenges you must overcome:
Seasickness and fatigue. When you are feeling tired and then realize you still have another 30 hours to go, that’s when the real feeling of tiredness kicks in. You have to overcome it and get on with it.
You mention on your YouTube intro video about inspiring people to sail, to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. This is a super interesting topic, and we could probably go into loads of detail here! I’d be keen to know why you think it is important to advocate this.
Most people in society are seeking comfort, and to have nice things around them. That’s nice, but it’s not going to push your limits. Anyone who’s had a degree of success has not had it easy.
You can compare it to an ocean crossing, from Norway to Shetland. It’s not easy or comfortable, you have to fight your way through, but once you arrive it’s all worth it. Like finding the ‘chest of gold’.
Like people seeing it’s bad weather, and asking me, why do I do this? Asking me why you don’t just stay at home or sail inshore. If people are asking me this, then they have missed the reasons as to why I have my YouTube channel and why I sail.
It’s all about pushing the boundaries of what you are capable of achieving.
How did you hear about Scanstrut and your experience of using Scanstrut onboard:
I have had the backstay self-levelling radar mount for about 6 years now. It’s still going strong, I’ve put it through the test as you can imagine, and it’s a high-quality product for sure!
I have a new camera to go up on my boat, and Scanstrut was the first company I thought about to reliably hold it for my next adventure to Greenland. I know you have a lot of quality products.
Finally, dreamboat and dream sailing team, what would it be?
I’ve had my boat for a long time, and to swap it out could be a bad omen, so I wouldn’t do that. But if I had to, it would be a Halberg-Rassy, a sturdy boat. Dream team, I prefer to sail alone, haha, so just myself. When I’m alone I’m in the right mindset!
Want to read the full article, make sure to scan the QR code!
From paper to digital, the evolution of the way we navigate
Tablets and phones can perform many of the functions of marine chartplotters. So, can you do without a chartplotter?
Many people use a phone or tablet for navigation in various watercraft, from sailing yachts and motorboats to kayaks, RIBs, jet skis, and even paddleboards. We’ll be exploring different setups, but first, let’s examine why you might choose a tablet or phone over a dedicated chartplotter.
It’s essential to note that if you’re venturing offshore or undertaking long passages, a marine chartplotter (also known as a multi-function display, or MFD) hardwired into your navigation instruments is the optimal solution. These devices are specifically designed and built for marine navigation; they are robust, reliable, and capable of fulfilling all necessary functions. However, they are also expensive, and not everyone requires that level of integration, build quality, or functionality.
While a tablet or phone might not be the ideal tool for navigation, it can offer an affordable and adequate solution for many users.
Before deciding if it’s the best option for you, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Will it be used as a stand-alone device or integrated into an existing navigation system? Where will the device be located and mounted? How will you power it? How will you protect it? Do you need a dongle? What apps will you use?
Addressing these questions will help determine if a tablet or phone can meet your navigation needs. Discover the full artical here.
Autonomy of colour and subtle finishes: A trend that has been around for a while has been colour matching, offering consumers almost full autonomy over the product’s colours. Third-party companies are custom color-matching SEABOB products to showcase alongside other boat brands that match the boat’s hull.
Another color-related insight that seems popular is a subtle, mono-tone colour. There seems to be a strong divide between the finish, either the classic shine or a more modern and cool-looking matt finish.
Rand boats stood out for us, mirroring this minimal design aesthetic, putting detail into a subtle form seen on the ‘indent’ on the outer edges of their boats.
A big area of potential innovation can be seen through the material choices and combinations that are being pushed. Moving away from the classic GRP to mono materials, such as aluminium hulls, cork flooring, and designing in modularity.
X-Shore
Sustainability is integral to X-shore alongside innovation and craftsmanship. From Cork flooring to styrer-free hulls material choice has been given huge consideration.
Flite scooter
with a cross of materials such as: Fibre glass, Aluminium and Carbon fibre, along with a minimal and clean-lined design the Filetscooters seem to be key leaders in this, offering colours that complement the materials in use, alongside colours that sit naturally in the sea.
Like the movement in cars shifting across to electric batteries, we are seeing this becoming more present in the boating industry and more present earlier this year at boot Dusseldorf. Europe is making the biggest change to electric boats, at a projected average annual growth rate of 12.7% to 2028. No engine noise also lends to a fully immersive boating experience, alongside a huge environmental benefit to marine life. Who wants to swim in fuel?
However, talking to a few different electric motor suppliers we saw a common theme of trust in the boat’s continual performance being the biggest factor that often stops people moving across to this electric world – a notable concern for sure!
While exhibiting ATMOS, one of our most popular products, we had a lot of younger customers coming to the stand who were using marine shows for RV equipment inspiration. This cross-over of sailing and RV products isn’t a new trend, instead, we’ve noticed it’s a rapidly growing trend. As marine products are designed for the harshest of environments, the cross-over of use is an easy transition – making for long-lasting RV products.
Colour matching and full autonomy of personalization are being pushed as a new selling point and could help pull in a younger crowd to the market, especially for older style boat brands wanting to reconnect with a younger generation. Sustainability and subtle colour palettes with a clean and minimal design are seemingly going hand in hand. These products offer additional benefits, such as quiet engines, and re-use product loops (offering a cascade circular economy model) which are not typically seen in older-style boat business models. Scan the QR code to read the full article online
Scanstrut commitment to quality and durability is encapsulated in their rigorous testing standard, represented by the acronym SCA: Safe, Certified, and Approved. With over 38 years of expertise in designing products for the most demanding outdoor environments, Scanstrut ensures that each product not only meets but exceeds industry standards before it reaches the market.
Every Scanstrut product undergoes a comprehensive testing program that includes evaluations in electrical, mechanical, UV, corrosion, thermal, and waterproof categories. These tests are performed both internally and by independent ISO-accredited test houses to guarantee the highest level of accuracy and reliability. This meticulous approach ensures that products can withstand the harshest conditions, whether at sea, in the mountains, on trails, in fields, or in urban spaces.
Scanstrut dedication to quality has earned the approval of some of the most respected names in the outdoor industries, including Mercury Marine, Grady White Boats, Boston Whaler, Winnebago, and Air stream, among others. These endorsements underscore the trust and confidence that leading manufacturers place in Scanstrut products.
Scanstrut testing simulates real-world conditions to ensure flawless product performance. Key tests include:
On Water Test: Evaluates performance in rough seas.
• Shaker Table Test: Assesses product strength up to 30G.
• Corrosion Test: 100-hour salt spray to simulate marine environments.
• FEA Analysis: Optimizes design before physical testing.
IP Test: Water and dust protection up to IP68. Impact and Shock Tests: Ensures durability under impact.
Material and Cable Tests: Verifies quality and durability of materials and cables.
Scanstrut subjects its products to extreme thermal and environmental testing to ensure they can withstand a wide range of conditions.
The Thermal Chamber Test cycles products from -40°C to +85°C, simulating aging. The Accelerated UV Material Test replicates UV exposure effects, and the Temperature and Humidity Chamber Tests assess high temperature and humidity performance.
Scanstrut products meet a variety of global standards, reflecting their commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. Certifications include CE / UKCA, ensuring compliance with safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. The QI certification guarantees wireless charger safety, while FCC compliance is required for US communication devices. ECE R10 confirms adherence to automotive electrical device standards. Additionally, ROHS and PROP65 certifications confirm the absence of harmful substances in products. C Tick and Ignition Protection ensure compliance with EMC standards and suitability for marine engine compartments.
In addition to standard testing, Scanstrut conducts global on-water testing to evaluate product performance in diverse and challenging environmental conditions. This rigorous testing process ensures that Scanstrut products deliver reliable performance, no matter where they are used.
For more details on Scanstrut testing and certifications, interested parties are encouraged to contact the company directly. Scanstrut dedication to excellence ensures their products are safe, certified, and ready for the most demanding outdoor conditions.
This interview explores the ocean conservation projects that Monty Halls has set up, how boating could play a vital part in this, alongside future thinking for the marine industry, and how we interact with the sea.
What were the defining factors were that made you want to change career direction from a Royal Marine, Marine biologist to now working in Ocean Conservation.
There was not a set moment as such. Ever since I was a little kid, everything I have ever done has had a marine element to it.
When I was younger Cousteau was on the telly, seeing him on adventures had a massive influence on me. This combined with spending a lot of time diving had a great impact on me. I felt a calling for marine conservation, in a slightly poetic way.
I remember thinking, unless I go and have a good look at this, its going to bug me forever. So I left the services, did a marine biology degree and then went off and did loads of different projects on my own.
You now run a YouTube channel, Generation Sea Change, we would be keen to hear what the key mission is behind this channel and how it came about.
Generation Sea Change came about last year, there was a moment of realization that there are lots of individuals around the British coast who were setting up amazing conservation projects and getting great results.We thought it would be a great way to see these projects by sailing along the south coast, with a chance to meet some of
these people. The thought then led to, if we do it, we might as well film it, and be able to share these incredible projects and people through our social channels.
Royal Caribbean quickly came in and said they’d back it as a project, from this moment it was a go-ahead! The overarching message and mission of Generation Sea Change is an upbeat, life-affirming, and positive messaging, to make you want to get out and act.
From these excursions and explorations, we created Leaderbox Blue, a hands-on marine conservation kit, to get anyone involved with collecting data on biodiversity and microplastics.
50% of it is about education the other 50% is about getting people involved and connected through doing.
As Scanstrut is an outdoor technology-based company, we would be curious to know how boating could play a part in ocean conservation efforts.
Boating can play a huge role in helping ocean conservation efforts.
What you have with the boating community is a group of engaged people who are passionate about the sea, tens of thousands of them out there covering in quantity a vast amount of space. By linking everyone out there to the Leaderbox Blue, you can create an army of citizen scientists on a global scale.
What are the key areas in Ocean conservation that need awareness and emphasis placed on them?
There are so many areas of marine conservation that need our attention - microplastics, climate change, ocean acidification, invasive species, and overfishing are probably at the top of a very long list.
But the area we certainly do need to address in my opinion is the messaging. I think everyone understands the scale of the problems now, but we must create a narrative where people feel it’s not an inevitable ocean apocalypse.
There are some positive signs amidst the bad news, Marine systems have shown a capacity to recover if given time, so we must mobilize everyone, as global citizens, to get on with this important work. How we do this effectively is another matter entirely!
