If you want to see this year’s newest marine electronics in person, there’s no better place than the 2019 Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 14-18). The latest technology on display at this huge exhibition will amaze you. Here are some examples of what you’ll find at Miami this year.
What's Up Dock?
You have to check out DockSense from FLIR/Raymarine. It uses artificial intelligence to recognize hazards when docking and augment joystick low-speed control systems to prevent boats from banging into docks, pilings, seawalls or other vessels. In essence, it surrounds the boat with invisible fenders. DockSense uses cameras and sensors that interface with the boat's joystick system to ensure that the vessel enters the dock without drama. No pricing yet, raymarine.com.
Good-Night Vision
Stop by the SiOnyx booth in the electronics tent ask about the Aurora handheld scope. This day/night action camera utilizes "ultra-lowlight technology," which enables color viewing, still photos and video in near total darkness. Aurora also lets you zoom in on objects to get more detail, if necessary, and will geotag and time stamp images and video. $799, sionyx.com
Say Halo
While you're at the show, check out the Halo24 Dome radar. This compact radar features VelocityTrack Doppler technology instant visual feedback on the motion of radar targets. It color codes approaching vessels for greater situational awareness. It offers up to a 48-nautical mile range, and will process multiple ranges.. It will integrate with all current Simrad MFDs. $2,699, simrad-yachting.com
Live for Less
Garmin's new Pantoptix LiveScope LVS12 transducer gives you real-time scanning sonar views without the need for a black box module and for less money than ever before. It works with Garmin GPSMAP 8400/8600xsv multifunction displays. Stop the Garmin display to see a demo of images and movement so clear and precise that it's possible to distinguish between species of fish. $499.99; garmin.com
Electronic Swiss Army Knife
Furuno is calling its FM4800 a marine electronics multi-tool. Check out this VHF than also includes a built-in Class D DSC, GPS receiver, AIS receiver, and simplified loudhailer with intercom. It also allows DSC calling directly from a networked Furuno TZtouch2 display by tapping on and selecting a AIS/DSC target. When MOB (Man Overboard) is activated on a TZtouch2 MFD, the FM4800 lets you initiate a distress call by simply pushing the rotary knob. $595, furunousa.com
Going Live
Lowrance will have its HDS Live multifunction displays at Miami, where can check out the 7-, 9-, 12- and 16-inch models and ask about the HDS Live Sight imaging sonar (with an optional transducer) that shows the underwater world real time. HDS Live also includes Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which combines chirp with SideScan and DownScan imaging. The two largest MFDs can also display information from a smart device using the new LiveCast feature. From $949 to $4,499 for MFDs only, lowrance.com.
