Knot tying isn’t easy, especially if you have small hands. With Nite Ize’s new Figure 9 rope tightener you can easily secure a dinghy to a car-top rack. Simply put the boat on your car, set up the closed-loop end of the Figure 9 (instructions are engraved on the aluminum device), pull tight, and drop the cord’s moving end into the Figure 9’s teeth. Two sizes accommodate rope diameters between 2 and 9 millimeters; it can be purchased with or without cord. From $1.99. Nite Ize Inc., 800-678-6483, www.niteize.com
