The latest crop of marine electronics includes numerous improvements, new capabilities, and a wealth of user-friendly features. Here’s what to look for in 2021.
Standard Horizon VHF
The GX2400GPS VHF from Standard Horizon integrates a dual-channel AIS receiver and GPS to display AIS-equipped vessels on the radio’s LCD screen, and allows contact with an AIS-equipped vessel directly through DSC. The GX2400GPS features NMEA 2000 connectivity to network with compatible equipment. This VHF features a noise-canceling function during transmission and reception, programmable channel scanning, a 30-watt loudhailer output, and a voice scrambler for private communications. Day and night modes improve readability. You can also control functions wirelessly with the addition of the Ram4X second-station wireless microphone. $449.99; standardhorizon.com
Furuno TZtouch3 MFD
Furuno has added a 9-inch model to its line of NavNet TZtouch3 multifunction displays. The TZT9F is suited for helms where mounting space is limited and includes an IPS multitouch display, as well as RotoKey and buttons. It features a quad-core processor, four-way split-screen capability, 1 kW TruEcho CHIRP fish finder and a 50/200 kHz fish finder. The MFD networks with Furuno DRS and NXT radars, AIS, VHF, NavPilot autopilot, and DFF3D multibeam sonar. The TZT9F includes a library of MapMedia raster and vector cartography. $2,995; furunousa.com
Garmin Striker Vivid
The Striker Vivid fish finders from Garmin offer seven color options and a choice of 16 color palettes to distinguish fish from structure. Featuring chirp, chirp ClearVü and SideVü scanning technology, the fish finders are designed to ensure crystal-clear returns with a high level of target separation. Available with 4-, 5-, 7- or 9-inch displays, this series features a keypad interface, built-in GPS and Quickdraw Contours mapping software. With built-in Wi-Fi, users connect to the free ActiveCaptain app to transfer waypoints and receive notifications. There are two transducer options, with and without SideVü. $179.99 to $599.99; garmin.com
ACR ResQFlare
The ResQFlare from ACR features a high-intensity LED strobe that emits a Morse code SOS upon activation. When combined with the ACR distress flag, it meets United States Coast Guard emergency signaling requirements and eliminates the need for pyrotechnic flares, with their potential for injury and damage from slag. The ResQFlare is waterproof, buoyant and automatically rights itself in the water. It fits in a rod holder, is visible for more than 6 miles, and operates for over 20 hours on two C-cell batteries. The ACR distress flag is included with every ResQFlare. $79.99; acrartex.com
Fusion Signature Series Amplifier
The Signature Series six-channel amplifier from Fusion Entertainment delivers optimum audio aboard boats operating on a 24-volt system. This Class D hi-fi marine amplifier boosts efficiency to listen to -music longer without worrying about battery drain. Plug-and-play setup makes for easy installation and eliminates an additional power adapter. Designed for optimum compatibility with Fusion’s Signature Series 3, XS Series and FM Series speakers and subwoofers, it boasts Fusion’s True-Marine design for years of reliability. $649.99; fusionentertainment.com
Humminbird Solix G3
The third-generation Humminbird Solix MFDs feature dual-core processors for faster response, and touchscreen or keypad operation. Available with 10.1-, 12.1- or 15.4-inch high-definition, sunlight-viewable screens, each provides Mega Imaging with depth and distance capabilities to 250 feet. Dual Spectrum chirp sonar is built in. GPS and Basemap provide depths and navigational aids. The MFDs are also compatible with Navionics charts and optional CoastMaster premium charts. Plus, the Humminbird AutoChart Live function lets anglers easily create their own custom maps in real time. $2,199.99 to $3,499.99; humminbird.com
Icom MA-510TR AIS
The MA-510TR from Icom receives Class A and Class B AIS signals. AIS data can be output from a USB cable connector on the rear panel (via a third-party application and a connection cable). The MA-510TR also has a navigation function that guides you to specified AIS targets or waypoints. The 4.3-inch IPS TFT color display, readable in direct sunlight, provides a wide viewing angle. The Collision Alarm and Anchor Watch functions are always on duty. The Collision Alarm sounds an alarm when an AIS target is closer than the set CPA/TCPA values. Anchor Watch sounds an alarm if your vessel drifts while anchored. It includes an external GPS antenna. $899.99; icomamerica.com/marine
Lowrance ActiveTarget Live
The high-resolution ActiveTarget Live sonar system from Lowrance provides detailed views of fish moving in and around structure in real time. Compatible with Lowrance HDS Live, HDS Carbon and Elite FS displays, the system offers three viewing options: Forward, Down and Scout. The first two track fish in front of and below the boat. Scout mode provides an ultra-wide overhead view of structure and fish in front of the boat, effective for finding bait or targeting fish. All three modes are designed to provide considerable advantages to anglers pursuing inshore species such as redfish, snook, striped bass and tarpon. $1,499.99; lowrance.com
Kicker Media Center
The new Premium Marine Media Center from Kicker Marine Audio, a 240-watt source unit, features a color, nonglare LCD screen, RCA output for front and rear subwoofers and a second zone, Bluetooth connectivity, four sets of RCA outputs for expansion, an aux RCA input, USB charging, thumb-drive playback, and camera/video input with a trigger wire or push button. The video comes in handy as a backup camera, or for keeping tabs of the bilge compartment or engine room. It is NMEA 2000- and SiriusXM-compatible, and offers an AM/FM/weather-band radio. $549; kicker.com
Simrad Modular VHF
Simrad’s premium multistation black-box marine radios—the RS100 and RS100-B—are expandable for up to eight handsets (four wired and four wireless), ideal for onboard -intercoms on larger boats. Features include channel scan and favorites, an alphanumeric keypad, and 60-second audio rewind. The RS100-B system features a Class B AIS receiver and transmitter, as well as GPS. The radio includes DSC capability and one external speaker, with additional outputs for up to four speakers and an optional loudhailer. $899 to $1,599; simrad-yachting.com
