Gear

New Marine Electronics 2019

The latest technology to help you find fish and stay safe.

By Jim Hendricks

Updated: February 14, 2019

Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope live sonar technology streams real-time sonar images of fish. Courtesy Garmin

Who ever imagined a time when sonar could stream live images of fish? Who dreamed you might use your chart plotter to launch miniature unmanned aircraft to film fishing action? And who could foretell the use of augmented reality for safer navigation to and from the fishing grounds? Whether you envisioned these breakthroughs or not, they are already here. For example, Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope live sonar technology, introduced last year, streams real-time sonar images of fish. And the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) flight function on Raymarine’s Axiom series multifunction displays, also introduced last year, automatically deploys, controls and retrieves video drones.

The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) flight function on Raymarine’s Axiom series multifunction displays automatically deploys, controls and retrieves video drones. Courtesy Raymarine

Lowrance HDS Live with LiveSight lets you look laterally, with the optional LiveSight transducer in a bow-facing position, or below the boat. LiveSight images appear in real time, so you see fish and bait moving within the sonar beam. When using LiveSight forward with the Lowrance Point-1 GPS antenna, an on-screen indicator shows the transducer’s direction to line up on a waypoint or to pinpoint the structure you intend to fish. Available in 7-, 9-, 12- and 16-inch models, ranging from $949 to $4,499; LiveSight transducer is $999; lowrance.com. Courtesy Lowrance

FLIR/Raymarine ClearCruise AR, the first augmented-reality system for boaters, integrates with Raymarine’s CAM210 HD marine video camera to detect objects on the water. With the Raymarine AR200 video-stabilization module, it overlays symbols for those objects on a Raymarine Axiom MFD’s chart plotter and uses electronic chart information to identify objects on the video display. Pop-up text boxes describe the objects that correspond to chart content, AIS data and waypoints. CAM210 HD, $699.99; AR200, $499.99; raymarine.com Courtesy FLIR/Raymarine

Simrad’s Halo24 radar now offers solid-state pulse-compression technology in a lightweight, low-profile dome. The 24-inch dome processes multiple ranges and boasts a range of up to 48 nautical miles. The new Halo24 features VelocityTrack Doppler technology that color-codes approaching vessels for greater threat identification, has a fast refresh rate critical in limited-visibility situations, integrates with all current MFDs, and will be available in Simrad’s two sister brands, Lowrance and B&G. $2,699; simrad-yachting.com Courtesy Simrad

Garmin expands its GPSMap 8600/8600xsv chartplotter series to now include 10-, 12- and 16-inch multitouch displays with in-plane switching (IPS) for enhanced viewing, built-in BlueChart g3 coastal cartography with Navionics data and Auto Guidance, support for dual-channel 1 kW traditional chirp, CHIRP ClearVu and CHIRP SideVu scanning sonars, plus Ultra HD scanning sonar and Garmin Panoptix sonar, including Panoptix LiveScope. This series also features built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. $2,499.99 to $5,999.99; garmin.com Courtesy Garmin

Ocean Signal’s ATB 1, a Class B AIS transponder incorporating SOTDMA (self-organized time-division multiple access) technology, boosts visibility and navigational safety, and ensures increased priority for position reports with no loss or delay of transmission. With 99 acquisition channels and 33 tracking channels, the powerful internal multi-GPS receiver continuously updates vessel position, speed, course and heading. The 5-watt output increases transmission range. Availability of the ATB 1 is pending authorization, per FCC. Courtesy Ocean Signal

Siren Marine’s MTC II, the company’s latest boat monitoring, tracking and control system, features enhanced functions and built-in NMEA 2000 integration to keep tabs on local weather and wind data, critical engine data, tank levels and more. Like its predecessor, the MTC, the MTC II works with a wide network of wireless and wired sensors to provide geofence security, position tracking, and alerts for battery level, shore-power status, bilge-pump activity and various other key conditions. Starting at $599, plus service plan; sirenmarine.com Courtesy Siren Marine

Furuno’s FM4800 multitool is a waterproof, all-in-one VHF with AIS and built-in Class D DSC GPS receivers, and a simplified loudhailer with intercom. The AIS function overlays AIS targets with an integrated chart plotter via NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 protocols. DSC calls can be placed directly from a networked Furuno TZtouch2 display by tapping and selecting an AIS/DSC target. When the MOB (man overboard) function on a TZtouch2 MFD is activated, you need only push the rotary knob on the FM4800 to initiate a distress call. $595; furunousa.com Courtesy Furuno

Standard Horizon’s ultra-compact HX40 handheld VHF radio features a waterproof case, 6 watts of transmit power, a speaker with 600 megawatts of volume, presets for 10 favorite channels, and scans multiple channels using its easy-to-operate menu. Boasting a three-year warranty, the HX40 offers NOAA weather channels with weather alerts and has an FM broadcast radio receiver. A built-in, rechargeable lithium-polymer battery pack offers long-lasting power, and an optional floating case is available. $119.99; standardhorizon.com Courtesy Standard Horizon

Globalstar’s Sat-Fi2 Wi-Fi hotspot offers seamless connectivity via the Globalstar satellite network, helping boaters stay in touch anywhere in the world. The first product utilizing Globalstar’s next-generation ground infrastructure, the Sat-Fi2 connects to eight Wi-Fi-enabled mobile devices to send and receive email and text messages, transmit voice calls, access the Web, and post to social media. An integrated SOS button ensures access to emergency responders. The Sat-Fi2 app works on multiple email platforms. $499, plus service plan; globalstar.com Courtesy Globalstar

The Winegard Wavu W1 Marine Amplified Omnidirectional HDTV antenna captures and amplifies VHF, UHF and FM signals from any direction at ranges of up to 35 miles, letting boaters access free, high-definition entertainment that can be shared by multiple onboard TV screens. Crafted from high-impact, weatherproof and UV-protected material, the W1 weighs just over 2 pounds, and includes a wall plate, 12-volt DC power supply, surface-mount box, 5-foot power coaxial cable, and 30-foot RG-59 coaxial cable. $129; winegard.com Courtesy Winegard