GLEN JUSTICE

Getting into the dinghy from boat or dock can be, shall we say, less than dignified — and the Ding-ez attaching bar is designed to make it easier, providing a huge and stable bar to use as a hand hold.

The bar and fittings come as a kit, which can be attached to any tender (the manufacturer recommends professional installation). The stainless bar shown here is $389, and an aluminum version that folds up is expected to be released at the Miami International Boat Show in February for about $100 less.

Ding-ez also makes a separate handhold for $199 that attaches to the bow and facilitates boarding when the dinghy is tied bow-forward.

We asked the rep if the Ding-ez bar is good for anything else besides boarding , perhaps mounting lights or a GPS puck? 

"Yes," he said. "Getting off."