If you’re looking for new electronics of any sort for your boat, the search can be daunting because of the wide range of choices. Some boaters know exactly which functions and features they want or are loyal to one brand only. Even then though, one company’s lineup likely includes several choices. Other boaters aren’t laser focused on specific features or brands and look for more information to help them select the right device for their needs. That’s where we can help.
Every year at Marine Electronics Journal, we survey electronics manufacturers about products they make for boaters. We ask them to name the one model in a particular category of boating electronics they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases, it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device. We call the results the Best & Brightest Boating Electronics.
On the list are 21 categories of onboard electronics, from radars and fishfinders to autopilots and electronic charts. For the past several weeks, The Mic has reported on the winners in separate categories. Last time we finished our rollout of satellite/GPS compasses that sport the latest features and functions. This week we turn our attention to the wide variety of wireless devices that offer enhanced Wi-Fi, remote vessel control and lots more. Look for another batch of innovative wireless devices next week.
The new Dockmate DPS (Dockmate Positioning System) has two operating modes: one for use on the open water and another for short periods of time in close quarters. In the open-water operating mode, DPS will use only the engines to keep the boat in its target position. It is ideal for short-handed crews, allowing the captain to step away from the helm to tend to mooring lines and fenders before entering a marina. In the close-quarters operating mode, DPS uses both the engines and bow and stern thrusters in concert to keep the vessel in its target position.
Furuno’s award-winning FCV600 and FCV800 are now compatible with the TZ iBoat app from TIMEZERO, available for iOS devices, offering anglers access to and control of their fishfinder from anywhere on the boat. This expansion of the fishfinder’s wireless capabilities helps anglers needing access to their fishfinder while managing the reels, or from anywhere on the boat. It can be connected with a one-time purchase of the dedicated fishfinder module from within the TZ iBoat app, which introduces a host of all-new features, including the new TZ MAPS that deliver top-quality clarity and control over electronic navigational and bathymetric charts. These same charts are used in the new NavNet TZtouchXL series of MFDs. TZ MAPS charts purchased from those MFDs operate across associated iOS devices.
The W2K-1 is a compact, low-power NMEA 2000 to Wi-Fi gateway with a built-in data logger. It now comes with Actisense-i built in, a full suite of diagnostic tools to help identify any issues with voltage, bus load or with other devices on your electronics network. Transfer data using Wi-Fi from an NMEA 2000 backbone to multiple devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone) running an array of apps. With built-in conversion of NMEA 2000 messages into NMEA 0183 sentences, a wide variety of vessel data (position, speed, course, wind speed, depth, AIS messages, etc.) can be shared with NMEA 0183-compatible applications. A connected app can also send data back to the backbone, for example to command an autopilot. NMEA 2000 data is logged to a micro SD card.
This high-performance smartwatch features an eye-catching AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. Explore remote destinations with up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. The bright LED flashlight provides convenient illumination when you need it. Track your favorite watersport activities, and control Force trolling motors from your wrist. Meet any challenge at the helm and beyond with advanced training insight and 24/7 health tracking features, such as advanced sleep tracking, HRV status and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked). Enjoy preloaded TopoActive maps to keep your land-based explorations on track. Navigate from your wrist with optional BlueChart g3 saltwater charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps.
Combining impressive range with inductive charging for flexible communications at and away from the chart table, the compact B&G H50 wireless VHF handset features a powerful speaker, integral AIS vessel display, ergonomic rubber-over-molding and six keys, including a dedicated Channel 16 and MOB (man overboard) button for reliable contact wherever you are onboard. The H50 can also function as an intercom at a range of 656 feet from handset to handset and is waterproof to the IPX-7 standard. The H50 battery typically last eight hours.
