The 2018 Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 15-19) represents one of the best places in the world to learn the latest marine electronics. Here are some of the hottest items you'll find at manufacturer and dealer exhibits at the show.
FLIR's M100 and M200 are FLIR's are among the most compact pan-and-tilt marine thermal cameras. Each has a Boson high-performance thermal core for superior video image quality. When combined with a Raymarine Axiom or Axiom Pro multifunction display, these thermal cameras offer the ClearCruise alert system, which visually and audibly warns you when a hazard is detected. Starting at $2,499.99; flir.com.
Fusion's 8.8-inch-diameter speakers feature a dual-color diffused LED lighting option that illuminates in either striking blue or sparkling white based on the polarity of the wiring. They also combine Curv Cone composite technology with a silk dome tweeter and fully sealed crossover components to create a smooth upper frequency response and higher output. They are available in Sports White or Sports Chrome. $499.99; fusionentertainment.com
Raymarine's Axiom Pro multifunction displays are available with 9-, 12- and 16-inch screens and boasts Raymarine's HybridTouch that combining touch-screen controls with a keypad. RealVision 3D sonar is built in to all models. Axiom Pro is also available with a 1,000-watt chirp sonar. In-plane switching display technology maximizes viewing angles and reduces blackouts when wearing polarized glasses. A quad-core processor delivers super-fast response times. Starting at $2,299.99, raymarine.com.
Garmin's Virb 360 captures video up to 5.7K/30fps in a 360-degree perspective. It features 4K Spherical Stabilization and four built-in microphones, and offers customizable data overlays. Garmin's free downloadable Virb app and desktop software lets you edit, stabilize, share and add data overlays to 360 video content. Voice control options allow for start and stop video. Still photo modes include single capture, burst and time lapse. $799.99; garmin.com
Mercury Marine's VesselView903 features a bright nine-inch display with a 16x9 aspect ratio, and a high-definition glass touchscreen with a glare reducing coating and dimmable lighting. The 903 is capable of integrating all Simrad accessories as the Simrad GO9 product line, including Simrad radar, transducers, AIS, VHF, SonicHub/Fusion Link/SiriusXM, CZone/NaviOP digital switching and more. It also offers auto-notification of software updates through the embedded Wi-Fi. mercurymarine.com
Siren Marine's MTC boat monitoring system offers around-the-clock vessel security via iOS and Android apps and easy-to-install sensors. It will monitor battery banks, high bilge water and shore power-outages and fridge temperature (to name just a few), as well as alert you to burglary and boat theft. You can also remotely control lights, air conditioning and battery switches from a smartphone or computer. Hardware packages start at $599, annual service plans start at $180; sirenmarine.com.
The NSO evo3 navigation system from Simrad lets you connect with premium network modules and other Simrad accessories to create a vessel-wide system. The high-definition, low-profile glass touchscreen display can be viewed from any angle, even when wearing polarized sunglasses. It supports up to a six-panel split-screen layout. An iMX6 quad-core processor offers fast updates. Available in 16-, 19- and 24-inch screens, the system includes wireless connectivity for updates and notifications. Starting at $7,699; simrad-yachting.com.
Icom's compact new M330 fixed-mount marine VHF radio is perfect for panel- or bracket-mounting on center consoles and bay boats under 25 feet in length. It offers a bright clear-dot matrix LCD display that easy to read day or night. The M330G model features built-in GPS. A speaker on the face plate offers plenty of volume. The microphone offers buttons to quickly switch to channel 16 and toggle from high to low power. Boasting an IPX7 waterproof rating, it is available in two colors, black and white. Optional GNSS/GPS version are also available. icomamerica.com
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The affordable new Hook2 series from Lowrance features Autotuning sonar that actively corrects sonar settings for the clearest underwater view. Available in 12-, 9-, 7-, 5- and 4-inch display sizes, most include full navigational capability and pre-loaded, high-detail mapping with 1-foot contours. Wide-angle Broadband sounder and chirp fishfinder more than double the sonar coverage of most other models. The Hook2 series also offers SideScan and DownScan Imaging. Feature packages include TripleShot (3-in-1 sonar with high chirp, SideScan and DownScan Imaging), SplitShot (2-in-1 sonar with high chirp and DownScan imaging), and Bullet (vertical 4-inch display with Broadband sounder). With the exception of Bullet, models include a built-in chartplotter for saving waypoints and navigations to favorite fishing spots. Prices range from $99 to $1,499; lowrance.com.
Furuno's DFF-3D multi-beam sonar operates on 165 kHz using a phased array transducer (available in through-hull and transom-mount versions) with eight elements. The 120-degree beam angle allows you to see a three-dimensional image of the seabed and fish - not only out 650 feet to each side of the boat, but also 1,000 feet directly under the hull. You can split the sonar into three separate 40-degree beams. DFF3D system can also image in real time. The cross-section display mode continually updates as the sonar beam sweeps from side to side. DFF-3D connects to Furuno's NavNet TZtouch/TZtouch2 multifunction display. $3,995; furunousa.com
