PART 2
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. Last time, we rolled out the first batch of MFDs—multifunction displays.
The new SI-TEX Orion 10 is available as a chartplotter and chartplotter/sounder combination. Its dual-frequency digital sounder with powerful output (600W or 1.5kW depending on transducer) make the Orion 10 an excellent choice for recreational and commercial fishing applications. An optional 340kHz downscan transducer enables high-definition side-scanning capabilities up to 328 feet from the vessel. A 10.4-inch Hybrid Touch Screen allows boaters to operate all functions via an intuitive touchscreen display or a heavy-duty silicone keypad. It also has the exclusive ability to be set up in either portrait or landscape display orientation, allowing boaters to adapt its mounting location and display to best suit their vessel and boating/fishing lifestyle. The latest CMAP-4D cartography enables the most advanced features and functions for fishing and navigation.
Zeus S is the next generation of chartplotters in the B&G range, running the new operating system, which has been built from the ground up with ease of use at its core. Zeus S was designed to make sailing easier, displaying information tailored to the sailor’s needs in that moment, and hiding unnecessary clutter. The Zeus S comes with new sailing modes, preset dashboards and data views for a variety of sailing situations, along with many enhanced features for a simpler sailing experience. All of this is backed up by exclusive C-MAP charting options for the safest and easiest navigation. Zeus S is compatible with C-MAP DISCOVER X and REVEAL X charts, delivering perfectly matched next-generation charting and supporting the new Safety Alerts feature.
Compact 5-inch multifunction display engineered for engine data, depth sensor, fluids and battery monitoring. Its exceptionally bright screen, inspired by aviation technology, ensures readability even in direct sunlight. Offers optional portrait orientation and is ideal as a secondary engine monitoring display. Also doubles as a chartplotter, offering compatibility with Navionics via an SD card slot and also compatible with Fusion for music entertainment. The display incorporates the latest NMEA 2000 PGNs for electric propulsion (PGNs are NMEA 2000 data set identifiers). Whether you’re monitoring engine performance, navigating waters or enjoying music, the E500 delivers clarity and efficiency in a compact package.
Onwa KM-12X
The KM-12X is a feature-rich 5-in-1 GPS chartplotter with a 12-inch multifunction display. It offers a built-in fishfinder, AIS capabilities, radar function, and worldwide tide data. With 12,000 user waypoints, 30 routes, and 8,000 track points, it ensures efficient navigation. The GPS receiver provides accurate positioning with 50 parallel channels. The interface supports NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 standards. The echosounder offers customizable ranges, zoom options, and advanced display modes. With compatibility for Onwa radar antennas, the KM-12X is a versatile and reliable marine electronics solution.
Easy to use and quick to install, Lowrance Eagle features newly designed TripleShot HD and SplitShot HD sonar with FishReveal technology and autotuning sonar settings for a quick and optimal setup. A new IPS screen provides higher resolution and visibility from all angles, even with polarized sunglasses, and detailed C-MAP charting allows you to quickly navigate to the best fishing spots. TripleShot HD and SplitShot HD offer improved clarity, depth, and sensitivity, leading to better performance under the surface. And FishReveal on DownScan and CHIRP makes it easier than ever before to tell the fish from the weeds. Autotuning sonar gives you the optimal settings from the start so you don’t have to spend time trying to find them yourself.