Like just about every other middle-aged guy in the world, I’ve had back problems. So when Footcush sent me one of its 24'x12'x1 1/2' footpads to try out, I was skeptical. Certainly I was into anything that would take the shock out of pounding across a rousing sea in my boat, the Scrumpy Vixen. But would something like a vinyl-covered pad, comprised of three layers of closed-cell, nonabsorbent Ensolite foam really accomplish anything? Willing to give it a shot, I took the Footcush on a few U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary patrols, and except for one thing, I’m a believer. Indeed, the Footcush seems to soften a long day on the water, reducing fatigue in the lower back and legs. Moreover, fastening the thing to the deck in the Scrump’s wheelhouse was unnecessary—I simply stood upon its textured, deck shoe-friendly surface rug-fashion. My one complaint? While comfort-enhancing, the Footcush is expensive. The version I tested retails for $49.95, and a larger (40'x14'x1 1/2') costs $69.95. But I admit, that’s still cheaper than a couple of sessions with a chiropractor. —Capt. Bill Pike

Footcush Phone: (888) 811-5361. www.footcush.com.