Today, like never before, marine electronics brands are scrambling to meet the growing demand for multifunction displays, sonar systems, transducers, VHF radios, radars and more. Blame it on COVID-19 because the pandemic spurred a boat-buying spree and, at the same time, hamstrung the supply of microprocessors, LED screens and other key electronics components. As a result, the usually feverish pace of introductions has significantly decelerated as companies shifted new development to the back burner. Yet there are still numerous bright spots on the new-electronics horizon, particularly when it comes to communication, radar, camera systems and wireless integration. Here are some prime examples.
Raymarine Cyclone Radar
Raymarine’s Cyclone chirp, pulse-compression, solid-state radar series offers an aircraft-inspired open-array system with a host of advanced features, including Doppler, bird, navigation and unlimited dual-range modes. RangeFusion technology simultaneously shows short and long ranges. Scanners are only 13.2 inches tall and weigh 51 pounds. Cyclone will be offered with 3-, 4- or 6-foot arrays, with a 55- or 110-watt pedestal and variable rotation speeds. From $6,999.99 for a 3-foot, 55-watt model to $9,749.99 for a 110-watt, 6-foot model; raymarine.com
Garmin Surround View
Garmin’s Surround View is a system of six 1080p cameras that look forward, astern and to both sides to maximize visibility in tight situations. When engaged, Surround View displays a full overhead stitched image with 360-degree, real-time video views on compatible Garmin chart plotters or multifunction displays. Captains can view one or two cameras simultaneously with the bird’s-eye image, or zoom in and pan around with individual camera views. It also provides augmented reality features, like a visual bumper and distance markers. Available as an OEM option on new boats only; garmin.com
Furuno 19-Inch NXT Radar
The Furuno DRS2DNXT features a compact 19-inch radome and is compatible with NavNet TZtouch MFDs. It boasts solid-state Target Analyzer Doppler technology, RezBoost beam sharpening, FTT (Fast Target Tracking), bird mode, rain mode, and dual-range capability. With Target Analyzer, green echoes are stationary targets, land masses, or targets approaching at less than 3 knots. Returns shift to red when an object approaches at 3 knots or faster, independent of your speed. Pricing unavailable at press time; furunousa.com
Icom IC-M510 VHF With WLAN
VHF and mobile-phone technology merge in the Icom IC-M510 fixed-mount radio, offering built-in control using up to three smart devices via Icom’s WLAN function. The RS-M500 app lets you turn your mobile phone into a wireless mic or remote controller. Features include an available integrated AIS receiver to show real-time AIS traffic information on the M510 color TFT LCD screen. With built-in GPS, the new Icom guides you to a designated waypoint and allows you to assign up 100 destinations as waypoints. $599.99; icomamerica.com
Airmar SmartBoat System
The SmartBoat system from Airmar Technology Corp. converts sensor communication protocols to NMEA 2000. It’s designed for a wide range of sensors and functions such as accessory switches, voltmeters, fuel-flow monitors and engine data. It uses Airmar’s SmartFlex View browser tool to configure alerts from a laptop or mobile device via the Airmar CAST app. Designed primarily for OEM installations on new boats. Pricing unavailable at press time; airmar.com
Siren 3 Plus Boat Monitor
Siren Marine’s Siren 3 Plus uses the Siren Marine app and a cellular subscription to remotely monitor and track boat location, battery level, bilge-water level, temperature and other onboard systems, sending instant alerts to the owner in case of a critical event. In addition to hard-wired features, the system is available with optional wireless sensors, including a battery monitor, entry sensor for theft and vandalism protection, and more. Other available features include remote digital-switching control from your phone. $499.99; sirenmarine.com
JBL Wireless Control
Bluetooth-compatible JBL Click is designed for use in tandem with the JBL R3500 Wake source unit to create a wireless marine audio-control system using a paired mobile device. The adjustable silicone strap allows the device to mount virtually anywhere, including the steering wheel. The user screen on a mobile device lets you play, pause, advance tracks and adjust volume. The included CR2032 battery lasts up to 10 months. $269.95 for the R3500, $49.95 for the Click; prospecelectronics.com
Lowrance Premium APP
The new Lowrance app includes premium upgrade features such as custom depth shading of C-Map nautical charts, a key feature for boating anglers, as well as high-resolution bathymetry and global charts, offline maps, AIS reception and tracking, five-day weather overlay, GPS navigation data, auto-routing, line and track records, plus mirroring and control of Lowrance MFDs for free. $14.99 a year for premiums; lowrance.com
Koden Intelligent MFDs
Koden’s KM-1100 (10.4- inch display) and KM-1210 (21.5-inch display) MFDs incorporate Android
operating systems, networking features, and fingertip navigation control. In addition, both of these MFDs include built-in AIS transceivers with target overlay, variable range rings for dynamic tracking, and built-in networking capabilities over the MFD’s interface with Koden sonar, sounder and radar modules. $1,699 for the KM-1100, $3,699 for the KM-1210; si-tex.com
Navionics Connections
The Navionics Boating app now offers an upgraded Connections feature that allows anglers to create a network within the app to share detailed information prior to, during and after a trip. When both the sender and recipient have active Navionics subscriptions, you can share fishing hotspots, saved tracks, routes and markers.
The app also includes dock-to-dock auto-routing, premium-chart overlays, and features such as relief shading, which uses color and shadow to find structure spots on the ocean floor. $14.99 a year; navionics.com
