As the description implies, your boat’s control unit is an important component and integral to the performance of handling of your boat. If you are operating your boat using an outdated control unit you could potentially benefit from an upgrade.

When you are searching for boat parts you will notice that there are two main types of control units to choose from. Either a dual-function control that can handle throttle and shift functions together, or a single-lever control unit.

If you are using an older control unit there is a good chance that it is providing a degree of functionality but you are missing out on engineering and technology advancements. These have improved modern control units to such a noticeable level compared to their older counterparts.

Here are some key points to consider when considering whether it is time for an upgrade.

An old control unit means old cables

Your control unit is reliant on a cabling system. If the unit is getting a bit tired and dated it is likely that the cables are in the same state.

Although you might not think that there is much that can go wrong with a cabling system it is worth remembering that hi-tech improvements and better construction methods have vastly improved performance and durability.

Changing your control unit is also the perfect opportunity to upgrade your cabling system for maximum performance.

Benefit from digital technology

When you consider the pace of technological advancements in all types of manufacturing it should be no surprise that the latest control units are a shining example of how things have moved on for the better.

A digitized control unit is able to send both throttle and shift commands through to the back of your boat using a wiring harness system. This system renders the old mechanical controls redundant and is a great improvement in boat technology.

Aesthetics are relevant to the discussion

In addition to the persuasive argument of updating your control unit for mechanical and technological reasons, there is also a relevant point to make about aesthetic appeal.

You want to be able to enjoy the look and feel of your boat every time you take to the water. If you have a clunky and old-fashioned control unit it adds to the feeling that your boat is a bit tired and needs a makeover.

Installing an attractive and modern-looking control unit that is sleek and efficient is a bit of a no-brainer from an aesthetic perspective. You are getting a unit that performs better than your existing one and looks the part too.

Fitting a new boat control unit can make a big difference to every aspect of your boating experience. You can even buy a retro version if you want to benefit from modern engineering and technology advancements but still like the look of a more traditional control unit.

All things considered, it makes sense to consider the idea of changing and updating your boat control unit.

A pop-up outdoor tennis court is coming to Times Square on Thursday, August 24, in celebration of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

Waterdrop, the microdrinks that offer a healthy alternative and are made from real plant and fruit extracts, is bringing the the tennis court coming to Times Square. They will also provide a “hydration station,” which will be filled with an array of complementary “Microdrink” beverages (a flavored cube tablet) from the brand. Everyone who recycles on the court will receive a free waterdrop drink. In total, waterdrop has saved up to 30 million plastic water bottles and can be found in 3000+ stores.

Tennis players of all levels are invited to play and ready for this the game is free. Tennis racquets and balls will be provided, which runs from 1pm to 8pm.

Participation is first come, first served, with no sign-ups required.

Keep your eye open to catch some surprise celebrity athlete appearances.

Hot time summer in the city. What is cool and what is happening is what this column is about. Get ready for the US Open Tennis Championships, Summer Streets, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival and LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells Festival at Forest Hills Stadium.

Until 8/6 Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Until 8/20: Restaurant Week – Summer Enjoy prix-fixe meals at hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs.

Until 8/27 Vincent Van Gogh at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Until 9/15 The Malibu Barbie Café, at 19 Fulton Street at the South Street Seaport. Each reservation includes your choice of entree and side item, full access to the Barbie Cafe experience and a 90-minute table reservation. Early bird pricing ranges from $22-$30 for kids and $39-$49 for adults depending on the date and time. You can buy additional drinks, dessert and food.

Until 10/3 Earth Poetica, for free in the lobby of 3 World Trade Center.

8/5,12 and 29: Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space – our streets, between 7 am and 1 pm. Take a break along the route at one of the rest stops to enjoy free activities.

8/10 – 20: Harlem Week has events ranging from live music performances, Broadway tributes, a 5k run, dance parties, speeches, children’s activities, and tons of food, beverage, and craft vendors.

8/12 -13: The 18th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island into a vintage gala, complete with Prohibition-era cocktails, vintage clothing vendors, a 1920s motor car exhibition and carnival games, including a quaint game of croquet, performances from Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, Queen Esther and other special guest performers.

Madonna

8/23, 24, 26 & 27: Madonna @ MSG

8/25 -27: The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, In its 31st year for a three-day celebration of live jazz in the neighborhoods near where Parker worked and lived, including Harlem’s historic Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Some of the finest jazz musicians in the world are assembled.

8/28- 10/10: The US Open

8/29: Billy Joel – August 29, 2023 @ MSG

We wrote about Ostrostrong and how this new facility has new machines that can biohack to rebuild bones. Another of their machines uses energy to heal and dextox. Then there was OMNIUM PEMF. Today we are talking about Normatec Boots, which increase circulation, reduce soreness and maximize the benefits of your osteogenic loading session.

There are so many individuals who will not let disabilities keep them down. Whether born with their disability or coming to terms with it at some later point in their lives, they found a way to thrive. It is easy to draw inspiration from these triumphs of the human spirit.

If you have a disability, you can always seek out the best adaptive sports center near you and join a league or enter a competition. In the meantime, let us discuss a few of the most inspiring athletes who overcame their disability and became household names around the world.

Melissa Stockwell

Melissa Stockwell lost a limb to a roadside bomb when she was stationed in Iraq in 2004. Later, she took part in the Paralympics.

She did extremely well in the 100-meter butterfly, and she was also in the 400-meter and 100-meter freestyle. Later, she earned three gold medals, one in 2010, one in 2011, and the third in 2012, all at the ITU Triathlon World Championships.

Natalie Du Toit

Natalie Du Toit was hit by a car while riding on her scooter at 17. She then had her left leg amputated at the knee.

She went on to compete in the prestigious Paralympic games in swimming in 2004, ‘08, and 2012. She qualified for the summer Olympics in Beijing, where she competed with a prosthesis and finished 16th.

Tatyana McFadden

Tatyana McFadden is a Russian-born track competitor and basketball player, though she has been in a wheelchair for years. She competed in four Paralympic Games and also in the 2013 World Championships. She received 16 medals there, 9 of them gold.

Though she was born with spina bifida and has been partially paralyzed since birth, she learned to walk on her hands before she ever used a wheelchair.

Bethany Hamilton

Anyone who saw the movie Soul Surfer knows all about Bethany Hamilton. She was the victim of a horrifying shark attack back in 2003. She was 13 at that point. The shark took most of her left arm, and she had lost more than half of her blood by the time she reached the hospital.

Miraculously, she survived. She also continued surfing. She was back in the water in just a few weeks. She used a custom-made board for several years, but now, she has progressed to the point where she is able to use a regular one again. She often takes part in surfing competitions.

Kyle Maynard

Kyle Maynard does not have either of his arms or legs. However, he has a long list of accomplishments as both an amateur and professional athlete.

He’s in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was named to the list of U.S. Jaycees Top 10 Outstanding Young Americans. He even took home the designation of the GNC World’s Strongest Teen at one point.

These athletes are a few of the more extraordinary individuals who did not let their disabilities stop them from achieving their goals, and each one is inspirational.