Whether you’re outfitting a new boat or refitting an existing vessel, selecting the right electronics can make your head spin because of the dizzying variety of brands and models, each touted as the one to buy. We’re here to help you narrow down the choices.
Every year at Marine Electronics Journal, we ask manufacturers to name the one model or series of electronics that they consider their best based on factors such as innovation, popularity or utility, or maybe it has proved itself over time. There are 20 product categories in all, from AIS to wireless devices. We call the results the Best & Brightest Boating Electronics.
For the next several weeks The Mic will report on the winners. We begin our rollout with the first batch of MFDs—multifunction displays.
GPSMAP 9227 delivers superior design and performance as the industry’s first and largest chartplotter at 27 inches with 4K resolution. Utilizing Garmin’s new BlueNet gigabit network, mariners can link the GPSMAP 9227 with multiple chartplotters, cameras, radars and more at 10 times faster networking speeds than the previous generation. As the command center of the boat, the GPSMAP 9227 offers easy and expansive integration capabilities with onboard systems, and with seven times the processing power, it offers the ultimate connected boating experience. When your hands are full, use spoken commands to operate the chartplotter (compatible headset required; not included); plus, navigate the waters with ease thanks to preloaded Garmin Navionics+ charts or upgrade to premium Garmin Navionics Vision+ charts with high-resolution relief shading.
Furuno NavNet TZtouchXL TZT16X
NavNet TZtouchXL delivers top-quality power and performance in an extra-large, ultra-sharp, full-HD display. TZtouchXL introduces new features, such as TZ MAPS with BathyVision and AI Routing, and safety tools like Risk Visualizer and AI Avoidance Route for early detection and avoidance of hazards. TZtouchXL takes full advantage of award-winning sensors, including solid-state NXT and traditional X-Class radars, a wide array of fishfinder, AIS and VHF options, NavPilot autopilots, satellite compasses, and multiple weather tracking choices. Also available in the 24-inch TZT24X and 22-inch TZT22X, plus two hybrid control models, the 10-inch TZT10X and 13-inch TZT13X, that blend multi-touch capabilities of the TZtouchXL series with Furuno’s RotoKey control knob and dedicated soft-touch keys.
Simrad NSX ULTRAWIDE multifunction displays deliver all the benefits of dual screens in one place, for a more streamlined, more immersive experience. For the first time, see apps as they were meant to be seen—uninterrupted by bezels or dead space. NSX ULTRAWIDE offers the same active area as two smaller displays, but in terms of functionality it offers much more. Experience optimized splits and uninterrupted data flows that are easier to digest, unlocking more data, more controls, more possibilities. Get a unique, eye-catching dashboard and experience C-MAP’s X-Gen charts in more detail than ever. The bundled C-MAP DISCOVER X charts for North America and Canada are optimized specifically for NSX.
The flagship Axiom 2 XL is designed to grace the helms of the most exclusive sport fishing yachts, offshore battle wagons and luxury cruisers. The Axiom 2 XL lineup is available in 16-, 19-, 22- and 24-inch sizes. These displays feature enhanced networking and extended multimedia capabilities like HDMI input and output, and touchscreen pass-through. Axiom 2 XL users can also enjoy RealVision MAX sonar technology with the addition of the new RVM-1600 3D Sonar Module to their network. This black-box sonar processor can be added to the new Axiom 2 XL series, or any other legacy Raymarine Axiom system. Anglers adding RealVision MAX systems can also choose between a transom-mounted RVM100 or the through-hull RVM400-series of transducers.
The APEX 16 MEGA SI+ provides exceptionally clear sonar imaging. MEGA Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar come standard, with added performance from a dedicated sonar channel for accessory 2D CHIRP transducers up to 2kW. See it all clearly with a 15.6-inch full-HD touchscreen that provides a customized display of information from advanced network options like NMEA 2000, HDMI In/Out, WiFi and Bluetooth. Add the power of the One-Boat Network to integrate the accuracy of Humminbird GPS charts, top-quality boat control from Minn Kota, and reach new depths with wireless Cannon Optimum downrigger control. The APEX Series is a new kind of MFD that will take your fishing to a new level.