Simrad’s RemoteCommander is a wireless, waterproof VHF handset that also lets the user control an autopilot, chart plotter and echosounder from the cockpit or anywhere else within 300 feet of the helm. The RemoteCommander combines Bluetooth technology with a backlit display menu, a few keys and a circular NavPad to allow anglers to use and adjust an entire suite of Simrad electronics from anywhere onboard-a great tool when all the rods go down at once. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the RemoteCommander sells for $950. Simrad; (425) 778-8821; www.simradusa.com
Package Deal
The Navman 8120 is a large-screen multifunction system that places chart plotter, sonar and fuel-management functions in one unit. Best of all, anglers can move around the boat and still watch the bright 12-inch display, thanks to a 170-degree viewing field. A four-way split screen allows the user to customize each function’s window size and position. The dual-frequency fishfinder is available in 600-watt or one-kilowatt RMS power to reach 3,000-foot depths. The full-function chart plotter uses C-Map NT MAX and stores up to 3,000 waypoints-great for marking hot spots. The 8120 also has a digital fuel computer, can connect to other electronics and display video from cameras or a DVD player. Radar function will be available later this year, and the 8120 sells for $2,500. Navman; (866) 628-6261; www.navman.com
Save a Tree
C-Map MAX Pro electronic charts mix aerial photographs, a video-game-like three-dimensional ‘virtual earth¿¿ display and overlaid satellite photographs with a familiar paper-chart appearance onscreen. Anglers cruising from one hot bite to the next will appreciate the software’s embedded marina photos and information, while animated current predictions can give clues to where the fish are about to go off. Available in Wide ($259) and MegaWide ($389) titles, MAX Pro includes a one-year subscription to downloadable ten-day weather forecasts and updated navigation information. C-Map; (800) 424-2627; www.c-map.com
