Six New Sunglass Options For Boaters

Costa’s updated Grand Catalina style still has the classic aviator shape, but now with upgrades. Courtesy Costa

Full wrap. Thin temples. Arched brow. Integrated side shields. Vented adjustable nose pads. Bioacetate frames. Recycled fishing-net frames. Upcycled plastic frames. Tri-Pel lens coating. Bio-based polarized lenses. Sports hinges. Spring hinges.

The list could go on for pages when describing all the features and options available these days for buying sunglasses—with styles now also being made not just for use on the water, but in particular for use on fresh or salt water, and during inland or offshore boating and fishing.

Some brands are going so far as to get species-specific when describing new sunglasses options. Bajio, in announcing its Zapata style, told this story: “This frame was named after the Zapata swamp in Cuba. Felipe, a local legend, lives there, teaching kids to fly-fish in the streets. This swamp is infested with permit, bonefish, snook, tarpon, snapper and barracuda. They are keen to eat anything in front of them, so we made a frame you can feed them in.”

Polarized lenses and ultraviolet protection are standard features in performance eyewear these days, as are hydrophobic and oleophobic lens coatings that repel water, sunscreen and more out on the boat and back at the beach. At the same time, there really are differences between, say, needing the best lens and frame shape for spotting fish in the shallows, and needing the best glare protection at high noon on a flybridge slathered in bright-white gelcoat.

It’s the basics plus the nuances that create a great pair of sunglasses for any activity—all the more reason to have multiple pairs on board.

A Pair for Every Activity Hobie Hull Float These floating frames are made from plastic that’s a byproduct of creating kayaks. Courtesy Hobie BUY NOW Costa Diego Available in multiple frame and lens colors, the Diego has a vented spring hinge system for better airflow and fit. Courtesy Costa BUY NOW Bajio Darien This version of available frames for the Darien is called light bluewater matte. Courtesy Bajio BUY NOW Costa Grand Catalina This is a 1980s style that Costa has updated. The new Grand Catalina keeps the removable side shields and adds modern manufacturing elements. Jon Whittle BUY NOW Vallon Revivals The Revivals style comes in freshwater and saltwater versions, with different lens coatings for brighter sunlight out on the ocean. Jon Whittle Skeleton Optics Decoy Coyote tan, shown here, is one of more than a dozen frame colors for the Decoy. Jon Whittle

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