Since we’re a bunch of gear heads at Boat Digest, we try to find products that will improve and/or make your days on the water easier. On the previous page, Brad Roberts reviewed the Brumgee, a piece of equipment he had on board his boat last summer.

Well if you really want to be able to keep that boat spot free, a water filter/softener system is a worthwhile investment. We used the standard size Stain-Less Water Filter for a quick test on the Boat Digest Edgewater 245 last fall. The system is designed to reduce water spots and stains. This makes a big difference for us, since we were crazy enough to order a dark blue hull. (But boy does it look sharp.) The Stain-Less system softens the water, which creates more suds, using less soap. Thus, you’ll have less spots. It was a noticeable difference the first time we washed down the Edgewater.

It also made a difference when cleaning the enclosure and windshield. Any owner that has a bimini or enclosure will see the benefit from the system instantly.

The system contains millions of resin beads which produce an ion exchange, that eliminates hard water elements. Hard water deposits will also dull gelcoat. With a softener, your wax jobs will last longer and the boat will stay shinny. Plus, the system will improve the water going into your tanks, which means better showers. Even the water going into ice makers will taste better. Now that is a key point!

Our Senior Editor Dick Aaroons also spends his days working with Rex Marine in Norwalk, Connecticut. Rex is working with Boat Digest to provide more areas and methods for evaluating products. One of the best outlets Dick has set us up with is the Rex Marine Boat Club. This membership club has several Sea Rays and a Boston Whaler. These boats are washed down at least three times a day in the height of the season, so what better way to really put the system to the test. Look for a more in-depth review in the fall. Stain-Less offers three different sizes ranging from $250 to $700.

Stain-Less Water Filters, (609) 296-2564; www.stainlesswaterfilters.com.