By Roger McAfee

When Raymarine was acquired by FLIR in 2010, many in the marine industry thought FLIR’s only interest in the transaction was the sale of its night vision equipment through Raymarine’s world-wide 1,000 dealer-strong network. It was feared that FLIR would simply allow the other Raymarine businesses to dwindle away. That didn’t happen. In fact, FLIR recognized the value of owning a world-class marine electronics company that started under the Raytheon banner in 1923. Clearly, history had value and since the FLIR acquisition, Raymarine has stayed in the forefront of marine electronic development.

In fact, the manufacturer won two prestigious awards last year: an Innovation Award at the 2011 IBEX in Louisville, Kentucky; and a Best New Product Award at the Newport International Boat Show in Newport, Rhode Island. Raymarine won for its e-7 multi-function display. This new 7-inch display builds on the hybrid touchscreen introduced by Raymarine in 2009. That display enables you to use the screen as a typical touchscreen in good weather but, when the sea gets up, to switch to keypad control.

For 2012, Raymarine has added 9-inch and 12.1-inch displays to the e-Series and has introduced a new c-Series 9-inch and 12.1-inch display, which is basically the e-Series unit with fewer bells and whistles, but also costs about $1,000 less than a comparable e-Series display. The c-Series does not have the hybrid touchscreen.

The new display integrates a number of features into the same unit. It is bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled and can connect easily to Apple IOS. This means connectivity with iPhones and iPads. Depending on the model ordered, built-in GPS and sonar (no black boxes) are incorporated right into the display. Also built into the system is a suite of autopilot functions, as well as support for radar.

The built-in GPS is a highly sensitive 50 channel WAAS and EGNOS-compatible system. The built-in pulse digital sonar is capable of operating at 200, 50 or 83 kHz and ranging down to 3,000 feet. It is fully automatic and has the technology to effectively discriminate between targets. Serious fishermen will appreciate that feature. It is also CHIRP technology-ready, but will require a separate, optional CHIRP sonar module.

The new e-Series 9-inch and 12-inch displays offer two video inputs so the skipper can keep an eye on any part of the vessel, including the engine space, that is equipped with video cameras. The same monitors offer CGA output to connect to other monitors or a large flat screen TV. All the displays of both series can be combined to form a network of up to six displays and needless to say, all displays can handle the FLIR thermal night vision cameras.

Retail pricing for these new units range from $1,799 to $3,499, depending on the features included. For an extra $100 across the board, a suite of Navionics award-winning electronic charts can be added. The micro-SD chart package can be upgraded to Navionics Gold.

Intelligence, style and reliability in an autopilot

By Lawrence Husick

Piloting on long passages or when short-handed often goes from being enjoyable to a boring chore in very short order. In a seaway, it can take every bit of the helmsman’s attention and strength just to maintain course and speed. For these situations, and many more, an autopilot becomes a necessity and a safety improvement, rather than just a luxury. Furuno’s new 700 series NAVpilot system is proving to be among the best-of-class for both power and sail.

One of the first questions often asked about autopilot systems is whether they provide a comfortable voyage in challenging conditions. Early autopilots operated “behind the curve,” constantly overcorrecting for the effects of wind, wave, current and trim. The NAVpilot system, on the other hand, is programmed at installation with factors such as vessel speeds, trim, draught, dead band and others. With use, these parameters are refined by a self-learning adaptive software algorithm, and this ensures that the autopilot reacts to changing conditions, resulting in a safe and comfortable voyage. When connected to a compatible GPS system and wind system (the NAVpilot features both CAN bus and NMEA0183 ports), the system provides five guidance modes from which to select.

In AUTO mode, the system maintains heading only. In ADVANCED mode the system maintains heading but automatically compensates for the set of wind and current. In NAV mode the vessel is steered to a defined waypoint, compensating for wind and current, and even steers through a sequence of waypoints on a course. In WIND mode the system maintains a desired heading based on true or apparent wind direction, compensating for set from wind and current. Finally, in FISHHUNTER mode, patterns of square, zigzag, orbit, figure-eight and spiral are steered based on a target from either a sounder or radar.

The system also offers the helmsman a menu of pre-computed turn maneuvers and functions that are useful in man-overboard situations. An equally impressive variety of alarms and displays include alarms for course deviation, cross-track error, arrival, speed, depth, water temperature, trip distance and wind (speed, bearing, heading change). The display units offered for NAVpilot are clear LCD displays with several modes that are user-customizable.

The displays are part of the control units (the larger 700, the smaller 711, and the handheld 720.) In addition, four types of remote controller units are offered: lever, dial, button and dodge.

At a suggested retail price of around $4,000, the NAVpilot system is a good stand-alone value, and when integrated with Furuno’s NavNet3D and related systems, offers a seamless way to control a vessel with precision and safety, while allowing the helmsperson to focus on navigation, traffic, weather and the many other facets of modern vessel operation.

Navico’s New 4G Broadband Radar

By L.J. Wallace, Jr.

I was aboard Simrad’s test boat to get a sneak peek at a new radar system with some other marine journalists on the Wednesday prior to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Simrad guys were literally giddy about this new system… and for good reason. For the next 90 minutes, all of us aboard were shown what promises to be the next generation of radar technology.
“I’ve been involved in the development of all sorts of radars most of my life—marine and avionics. We’ve been working on this for over seven years, and it’ll take a long time for others (radar manufacturers) to catch up. I’ve never seen anything like this radar!” related Navico’s (parent company of Simrad/Lowrance/B&G) Senior Product Manager/Principle Engineer, Don Korte. Nor had I.
Broadband Radar simultaneously receives as it transmits, unlike a pulse radar that pulses loudly then has to switch the internal circuits from transmit to receive. This causes all pulse radars to have an unavoidable “main bang” which appears in the center of the screen as a sunburst. This covers up any close targets, reducing the effectiveness of the pulse radar at short range.
As we idled out of Bahia Mar Marina and headed south down the ICW, Don began the tutorial, and it was somewhat akin to listening to the proud father of a star athlete recounting how his kid made the last minute play to win the big game. It’d be tough to sum up a 90-minute demonstration session within this page, so I’ll simply share the major highlights with you.
- Don’t be confused by the nomenclature associated with this new radar. The word “Broadband” has nothing to do with wireless coverage, nor does the “4G” designation.
-They eliminate a traditional magnetron. Instead, the actual radar signal is produced by a portion of the microwave board contained within the radome. This technology also results in greatly decreased power consumption.
- There’s a 50 percent greater range and detection of targets, plus beam shaping technology for the sharpest possible screen images, according to company literature.
- Simultaneous Dual Range operation from a single dome, allowing 10 MARPA targets on each side of a split screen, facilitating unprecedented independent working ranges from 200 feet right up to 36 nautical miles—no other recreational radar in the world can provide this scaling, as well as the ability to display four separate screens simultaneously, providing the ultimate in navigational awareness on the water.
Product roll-out was slated for early November in the U.S. and Canada. The Lowrance unit has an MSRP of $1,899 while both the Simrad and B&G models are $2,999. navico.com

Southern Boating Editors report on new tech at NMEA Conference.

Staff Report

Technology moves so fast these days, but rather than getting overwhelmed, we should see it for the opportunity it is. Whether you’re looking for that next hot thing on the market such as a better Internet connection out on the water, an advanced entertainment system on your boat or futuristic charting, now you can have it all!
We traveled this past month to the NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) Conference in Fort Myers, Florida to check out all the new products. Here are just a few of the most exciting ones which made their debut.

GeoSat Solution’s New Yacht Router
Shortly after meeting Richard McLaughlin, Vice President of GeoSat Solutions, he introduced us to the soon-to-be-released Wave WiFi Yacht Router. Though almost nothing compares to being out on the water for weeks at a time, it also usually means having shoddy Internet access at least part of the time. Being unable to connect when you need to can quickly become problematic if you’re one of the fortunate types who refer to their boat as their office. But even if you’re one of the many who just wants to have Internet connection for the sake of casual communication with family and friends, it can still be a major hassle not to be able to reliably connect to it.
The Yacht Router allows you to access multiple paths to the Internet. If one of your connections cuts out, the Yacht Router will automatically connect you to the next available source.
There are many more reasons why you need to check out this product:

•  Easy to use, no special skills necessary–control and setup is through your Wave WiFi network select page
•  Works with all newer EC-series or Rogue products
•  Up to two 3G/4G wireless “dongles” for Internet connection via cellular networks
• Manage the Yacht Router via the simple EC (Ethernet Converter) control page

GeoSat Solutions expects the Yacht Router to be available early in 2012 in time for the Miami International Boat Show. geosatsolutions.com

Nobeltec’s TimeZero Trident
Nobeltec released their newest PC-based navigation software: TimeZero Trident. It offers a classy new user interface designed to be intuitive and easy to operate. The chart engine lets you easily zoom, pan, change display modes and perform other chart handling functions quickly, with seamless chart graphics and fast redraw. Trident operates in a full 3D environment and reacts in real time so that the boat moves realistically on the chart at the same pace as it is actually traveling through the water. Yacht owners will especially love this because of the precision and veracity it provides to the navigation system: you’ll navigate over raster and vector charts while viewing high-resolution photography. One huge benefit of this is that you will be able to detect sand, rocks, coral and other obstructions found in shallow water. This is possible because as the depth increases, the satellite photo becomes more transparent, allowing you to see where shallow water ends and deeper water begins. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend relying solely on what you see on the screen. It’s always a good policy to have your paper charts handy, as well as an extra pair of eyes on the water.
MSRP will be $1,250, but Nobeltec offered a special $1,000 introductory price at its launch in May and it is still available. nobeltec.com

Fusion’s 700 Series True
Marine Entertainment System
Fusion, a world-recognized leader in marine and car audio, has introduced a new line of marine-grade stereo units, the 700 series. Featuring a bright daylight-viewable 2.7-inch color TFT LCD display, the fully integrated iPod and DVD/CD models provide signature Fusion sound reproduction, a familiar Apple-approved user interface, modern styling and enhanced features. Among its many capabilities, it can access, control and communicate with multi-function displays, remotes and compatible screens—including the Apple iPad or iPhone and various Android products.
Fusion has addressed a lot of the problems that many boating enthusiasts have faced in the past. For instance, instead of having to live with annoying noise interference on your boat, you can actually hear and enjoy clear audio sound reproduction above engine, wind and ambient noise present on most vessels. Fusion stereos are designed and engineered especially for the marine environment. They also include an AM/FM and VHF tuner, which comes in handy for weather reports (for planning and safety benefits), and of course, for entertainment.
Fusion MS-IP700 iPod and MS-AV700 DVD are priced at $499.99 and $599.99, respectively. fusionelectronics.com

AIS is an affordable and valuable safety system for vessels large and small.

By Lawrence Husick

By now, most yachtsmen have read several long articles about AIS (Automatic Identification System) that is required on SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) vessels and other large or commercial craft. With AIS operational in every major port, efficient and autonomous collision avoidance is now possible and the number of vessel collisions has fallen dramatically. Still, AIS Type A systems remain relatively expensive and complex, keeping them out of reach for most pleasure vessels. The benefits of AIS, however, are available at lower cost in Type B equipment which may be installed voluntarily by any operator. Those who operate in busy traffic lanes and harbors should consider one of these less expensive systems, as they contribute to safety and efficiency in use.
A few years ago, do-it-yourself mariners were discussing modifications to their VHF marine radios to allow reception and decoding of AIS signals. These “cheap” solutions cost about $300, not counting the cost of the VHF transceiver. Time, and Moore’s Law march on, and now such modifications are not necessary for those wanting AIS on board.
Typical of the newest breed of small AIS systems is the Raymarine AIS350 receiver. This small (6.5 in x 4 in x 2 in) device interfaces with computers through USB, Raymarine chart plotters through SeaTalk and other plotters, radars and VHF radios through NMEA0183. With a “street” price of about $430, the AIS350 receiver can chart live signals from up to 10 miles away, using a deck-level antenna. Like all AIS receivers, it shows each transmitting vessel’s speed and course, and its identification based on its registered digital selective calling Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. The full AIS data display includes vessel name, bearing, range, COG, SOG, heading, closest point of approach, time to closest time of approach, bow crossing range, bow crossing time, rate of turn, call sign and MMSI number. For those who may not have seen just how much information is captured by AIS, the chart shown of South Florida on a recent evening illustrates the value of the system. (See AIS-screenshot above.)
A short step up from the AIS350 receiver is the Raymarine AIS650 transceiver. This Type B unit allows your vessel to both send and receive AIS data, making you “live” to other traffic. The AIS650 requires installation of a dedicated GPS receiver, and features the same interfaces as the AIS350. At a street price of around $800, this unit is a relatively low-cost way to be even safer in busy harbors as it allows the “big guys” to see and avoid you, navigation rules permitting. raymarine.com
For more cost-conscious yachtsmen, Digital Yacht’s new uAIS is a self-contained AIS receiver and antenna and system. Powered by 12VDC, the small, rugged antenna system is equipped with a 5m USB cable. Plug it into a compatible PC running chart plotter software or multifunction display system, and for under $300, uAIS provides situational awareness within about a 10-mile range, providing almost any vessel the information and time to avoid collision. digitalyacht.co.uk
The value of AIS extends beyond just collision avoidance. For example, all AIS receivers can receive AIS binary messages related to safety. The Saint Lawrence Seaway transmits information about water levels, lock orders and weather using AIS. For search and rescue operations, aircraft can receive AIS, even the lower powered Type B transmissions, at ranges over 100nm.

Talk, text and email almost everywhere at sea for less than you think

By Lawrence Husick

Ten years ago we set sail from Saint Petersburg, Florida, bound for Portland, Maine. We carried a new communications technology aboard and were intent on testing its capabilities at sea: a handheld (well, almost) portable satellite telephone.  On that voyage, the telephone was the size of a large brick, weighed almost two pounds and had a battery life of about one hour. As they say, “My, how times have changed!”
The Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro is one of the latest generation of fully portable, low-cost satellite telephones. Stylish, easy to use and quite inexpensive to own and operate, it has been on the market for about one year and has earned a sky-high reputation among business and adventure travelers, offshore operators and those looking for an economical global communications tool.  Offshore sailors and fishermen alike would do well to consider adding this device to their navigation stations.
The IsatPhone Pro is as easy to use as any conventional mobile telephone. It uses a SIM card which identifies the user’s account, can store his telephone book, has a long-life rechargeable battery that may be charged either from shore power of 12-volt DC or inexpensive pocket-sized solar panels, and dials just like any mobile telephone (but is always international, meaning that full country code prefixes are required).  The only obvious difference from a typical mobile telephone is the large fold-out antenna on the side of the unit, plus the fact that in most cases the telephone must be used outdoors, away from tall trees and buildings (albeit, not much of an issue for use onboard a yacht).
The Inmarsat system relies on three geostationary communications satellites orbiting at an altitude of  about 22,300 miles. Each of the three satellites remain “parked” over one spot on earth, providing overlapping coverage areas to all but the polar regions.  An advantage of this system is that there are few dropped calls – if your handset can “see” the satellite to connect to, then it will not lose sight of it during the call. This is a major advantage over land-based cellular systems and competing “low earth orbit” satellite systems. The IsatPhone Pro handset also contains a GPS chip so it can transmit your location.

The Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro is a portable, low-cost satellite telephone that should be considered by any cruiser venturing offshore.

 

Several accessories are available that increase IsatPhone Pro’s usefulness onboard. The unit supports conventional BlueTooth audio devices so it’s easy to mount the unit and use either an earpiece or speaker to talk, without having to hold the handset. A cradle unit, the iSatDock Marine, allows the handset to be mounted to a bulkhead and be connected to an antenna above-decks, as well as to conventional telephone equipment including wired and wireless handsets, thus providing full voice service anywhere aboard. Using common DECT6 wireless telephones which are widely available for about $15 each, every space aboard may have telephone service at sea or at dockside.  The dock provides power and all connections and allows the handheld unit to be unmounted at any time for remote use during shore excursions, dive trips and the like.
The IsatPhone Pro also supports a low-speed data service suitable for sending and receiving text only email, SMS to 160 characters, and small-sized file attachments, e.g., pdf files. Plus, there’s free-to-send message service at isatphonelive.com. The phone may be used to reach global rescue coordination centers, but is not a substitute for carrying an approved and registered emergency locator transmitter.
The telephone weighs about 0.6 pounds, including the battery, and a charge lasts for 100 hours on standby or 8 hours of talk-time. It is dust and splash resistant but not fully waterproof, nor does it float.  It is recommended that when used aboard it be kept in a sealed electronics bag large enough to hold the handset with its antenna deployed at a 90-degree angle from the case.  That way, the phone may be set against a bulkhead or coaming, facilitating a noise-cancelling BlueTooth headset used anywhere within 32 feet.
The IsatPhone Pro basic handset is available from a host of global retailers for about $600. Typical of satellite telephones, airtime pricing depends on the plan chosen but you should plan on about $1 per minute unless you are a heavy user of the service.  Accessories like the various mounting cradles, permanent antennas and other components are available worldwide.
Mariners know that terrestrial mobile telephones work only where there is tower coverage (typically less than 15 miles offshore), and that VHF-FM marine radios transmit only line-of-sight so it should not be depended on for ranges over the horizon (although DSC may relay Mayday signals over longer ranges). For anyone venturing offshore, the relatively low cost and high reliability of the IsatPhone Pro makes it worthy of consideration, not only as both a convenience and for the safety and peace of mind it can bring, but also for the sake of our loved ones waiting for us back ashore. isatphonelive.com / beamcomm.net

New services help keep you updated on changes in

the weather by tapping into better forecast data and alerts.

By Doug Thompson

Before electricity, forecasting weather was easy—you looked in all directions, stuck a wet thumb in the air and went with your gut. Trick knees and sinus-pressure headaches counted, too; as did unusual animal movements or a “feeling” Aunt Alice had that it was going to rain.
Then along came weather radios—and a monotone voice on the WX Channel imparting valuable information. And the WX channel still works very well, except now there’s a lot more competition, and it’s become seriously high tech. Sirius Marine Weather and XM WX Satellite Weather offer valuable services and have been integrated to work well with multifunction displays from leading marine electronics manufacturers.
Boat owners benefit from improving technology in two important areas. First, the technology used by the National Weather Service (NWS)  and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is constantly improving as more satellites are put into space and weather-monitoring devices are placed on land and in the sea. Nearly all the data that’s used by Sirius Marine Weather and XM WX Satellite Weather, the WX Channel and your local TV station is supplied by the NWS and NOAA.
Second, how the weather information is delivered is improving rapidly. The various manufacturers of multifunction displays (including Furuno, Garmin, Lowrance, Raymarine, and Simrad) take the weather feeds from Sirius Marine Weather and XM WX Satellite Weather and display it with nuances tailored to your needs. Various features from Sirius Marine Weather and XM WX Satellite Weather include weather radar, lightning reports, storm tracking and buoy reports, including water temperature and wave heights.
It’s important to note that Sirius XM only passes along data; it does not collect it. The NWS and NOAA data is put through a quality control process by Baron Services on the XM side, and by WSI (a Weather Channel company) for Sirius, prior to distribution. Then the individual electronics manufacturers overlay the weather data on their screens to produce information you can use while on the water.
For example, the Lowrance HDS-10 automatically tunes the screen’s color palette to reveal crucial temperature breaks for anglers using the feed from Sirius Marine Weather, as well as eddies in sea-surface temperatures.
Two manufacturers also have improved the receivers that take in the weather-data feeds from Sirius Marine Weather. Second-generation receivers from Furuno and Raymarine combine the receiver with a multi-port hub which serves as a network backbone. The one unit does double duty both as a weather receiver and network hub.
Another company that uses data from the NWS and NOAA is Baron Services (which quality controls the marine-weather data for XM), parent company of marine supplier WxWorx. Baron Services is now offering Baron QuikLink, a subscription-based marine weather data service.
Supplying graphical marine-weather information over virtually any internet connection, QuikLink provides coverage across the continental United States and southern Canada with pricing tiers starting at just $14.99 per month. Information delivered includes high-resolution NEXRAD radar, wave heights, storm tracking, high-resolution sea surface temperatures, buoy observations, surface wind speed, and more. More information is available at baronservices.com/quiklink.
Also, WxWorx is now supplying super-resolution Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data to the XM WX Satellite Weather service. The enhanced SST data is immediately available at no extra charge to subscribers of the Master Mariner data package. Compatible with most PCs, WxWorx on Water is the first XM WX-enabled software capable of displaying the higher resolution SST dataset. Support for the new SST data will be enabled through a free software update now available on wxworx.com.
While other sea temperature data products can have gaps caused by clouds and missed satellite passes, the new dataset is derived from multiple satellite sources, employing advanced mathematical models of the atmosphere and oceans to predict missing temperature values and fill in any gaps.

New fishfinding systems use Compressed High-Intensity

Radar Pulse (CHIRP) technology to provide a vivid

view of what lies below your boat.

By Doug Thompson

Serious anglers always have an electronic eye on the bottom with a sonar system at the helm. Now, the most advanced type of sonar—Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) technology has been incorporated into recreational applications.
Instead of using a single frequency, CHIRP fishfinders transmit across a wide frequency band, making what are known as “frequency modulation” or “spread spectrum” transmissions. These waveforms are typically of longer duration and may start at 42 kHz and end at 65 kHz. They lead to 10 to 50 times more energy being transmitted into the water than a traditional fishfinder. The waveforms are stored in the system’s memory and compared to receiving echoes using pulse compression to precisely find targets within the noise and to determine their range with great detail.

Garmin and Simrad introduced new CHIRP-enabled depthsounders earlier this year. It’s important to note that in order to use these units on your boat, you’ll need to upgrade your transducers during a haul-out. Furuno and Si-Tex also debuted new fishfinders that, while they do not utilize CHIRP, offer improvements over previous models. Here’s a look at the new offerings from these four major manufacturers.
The GSD 26 Black-Box Sounder from Garmin uses Spread Spectrum technology (Garmin’s CHIRP reference) to sweep each pulse through a range of frequencies, delivering shallow-water-like target separation at extremely deep depths. Sure to be popular with offshore anglers, this remote depthsounder is also capable of the most popular discrete pulsed frequencies. Anglers can manually adjust frequencies on the GSD 26 – from a very low 25 kHz to a high of 210 kHz – making it easy to fine-tune targeting of trophy-sized fish in deep water. Compatible with Airmar’s newest line of broadband transducers, the GSD 26 offers selectable transmit power from 300 to 3,000 watts and can scan as deep as 10,000 feet. In addition, its dual-transceivers allow for simultaneous and independent dual-transducer operation, which allows complete customization for the serious sportfisherman. MSRP: $1,999.99. garmin.com

The BSM-2, next-generation Simrad Broadband Sounder module, coupled with the new Airmar transducer lineup, provides anglers with digitally purified images of individual fish markings and clear separation of fish from other targets, structure, thermoclines and the bottom, both in shallow and ultra-deep water. The BSM-2’s CHIRP function uses longer pulses resulting in improved object discrimination at greater depths, eliminating surface and turbulent water clutter as well as interference within the water column, resulting in an easier-to-interpret image. Simrad’s enhanced CHIRP technology outperforms traditional 3kW sounders, returning highly detailed images of drop-offs, deep-canyon bottoms, other structure and fish while maintaining bottom lock even at high speeds. The BSM-2 features dual transceivers, two depth-transducer ports and supports independent speed and dual-temperature sensors. Its low-frequency transceiver operates at 25-45 kHz and 40-60 kHz; the high-frequency transceiver supports 40-60 kHz, and 130-210 kHz. Housed in a professional, die-cast aluminum waterproof black box, the BSM-2 mounts anywhere and is plug-and-play compatible with the Simrad NSE, NSO and new touch-screen NSS multifunction navigation systems. MSRP: $2,495. simrad-yachting.com

Furuno’s FCV295 dual frequency digital fishfinder is a color unit with a 10.4-inch VGA display designed for professional and recreational anglers. Furuno’s Digital Filter technology adapts to your fishing environment by adjusting gain, STC and output power, as well as suppressing main bang (the echoes or clutter just below the transducer). It also makes the picture clearer and easier to decipher between baitfish and larger target species. The FDF filter optimizes the gain to suit the search range. For example, when searching in deep water, the pulse length is made wider and the reception band is made narrower, allowing for better and clearer detection at the deeper range. This is perfect for finding bottom fish, because the digital filter separates the noise from the actual seabed structure, allowing you to see the target fish close to the seabed. The FCV295 features the Furuno Free Synthesizer (FFS) Transceiver, a two-channel configuration that provides multi-frequency selection. Instead of having fixed frequencies, the transceivers can be slewed, meaning they can be adjusted on the fly with a slider control on the display. In boats with a Furuno transducer, you can adjust the frequency. For example, if you are at 50kHz and there is interference, you can slew the frequency to 40kHz for a minute, and then bring it back again. You can actually tune the transducer and the transceiver together for the best resolution. MSRP: $3,295. furunousa.com.

SI-TEX Marine Electronics’ SVS-650 Digital Echo Sounder is a compact color LCD waterproof unit that offers professional-grade features. The SVS-650 is designed to be a replacement for the SI-TEX CVS 106 series of sounders introduced in the early 1990s and drops into their footprint. The CVS 106 featured a CRT display, so the SVS 650’s new LCD display is a big improvement. SI-TEX provides an adapter that enables the new SVS-650 to plug into your boat’s current transducer. The dual-frequency (50/200kHz) SVS-650 features 600W output and a 6.5-inch high-definition color LCD display that is viewable in direct sunlight, for acceptable performance on any type of vessel. The vertically oriented 450 X 750 pixel display provides maximum sonar resolution where it’s most useful — helping anglers find fish between the vessel and the seabed (assuming the seabed is no deeper than 4,800 feet). SI-TEX’s all-Digital technology eliminates unwanted noise and provides a clear image in all conditions. The SVS-650’s digital design delivers fish detection and bottom discrimination in depth ranges from 10 to 4,800 feet. SI-TEX’s new Bottom Discriminator helps separate fish targets from the seabed. MSRP: $749. si-tex.com

Most boats have fully integrated sound systems, which means you can play music from the central entertainment station anywhere in the yacht. That’s fine if you’re all going to get along musically. But if you want to keep things separate and crank your tunes on deck on a summer night, then you might want to consider some of the new outdoor stereo systems from Poly-Planar and Kicker Audio.
The MRD80 system from Poly-Planar is an AM/FM tuner, CD- and MP3-player, and it is ready for SiriusXM Satellite. That means that you still need to have the satellite receiver, but once you have that hooked up, it can be controlled from the MRD80’s screen. Designed specifically for the marine environment, the stereo features an adjustable backlight display with a flip-down face design for access to the SD card and the CD deck. A USB input is available, in the back of the unit, so you also can play music from a USB flash drive. Selectable EQ setup allows the user to tune the desired audio setting for a particular type of speakers. MSRP: $399.95.
Poly-Planar’s MRD80i is the DMD (digital music device) Dock version of the system. It is also an AM/FM/Sirius Satellite-ready stereo, minus the CD-player. Instead, it features an internal docking station for your DMDs, such as an iPod, MP3 or Smartphone. Simply drop the door, insert your digital music device, close the door, and play your music. You can control the device from the screen of the MRD80i. As with the MRD80, a USB input is included that will play your music from a USB flash drive. Additional AUX input is also located at the back of the unit. Wired and wireless remotes are available, though sold separately. A gimbal mount is an option that allows the unit to be mounted at any angle. MSRP for the MRD80i is $349.95.
The MRD80 and 80i each pump out 100 watts total (that’s 50-watts-per-channel).They are manufactured to an IP66 waterproof standard, and are supported with a two-year warranty. poly-planar.com
As music is a game of nuance, you’ll want to get the full range of sound, which includes giving the midrange its due. To that end, consider mounting Kicker Audio’s KM6500 in the speaker chain. The KM6500 features two 6 1/2-inch, high-efficiency midrange speakers with lightweight, dual neo-magnet technology and cast aluminum baskets. These speakers are designed to endure most any weather conditions, in a salt- or fresh-water environment. They are manufactured with UV-resistant treatments and splash- and spray-resisting, sealed midrange motors and cones. Water-resistant, bolt-through grilles offer added speaker protection, and all hardware is made from rustproof, 316L stainless steel. MSRP: $279.95. kicker.com.  Happy weatherproof listening.

Simrad’s NSS Sport Series combines

“Touch Sensible” technology with intuitive graphics.

By Louisa Beckett

Palma de Mallorca, Spain, was the venue for the global unveiling of the new Simrad NSS Sport series of touch-screen multifunction navigation displays. The product launch, held by Navico, Inc., Simrad Yachting’s parent company, at the elegant Real Club Nautico Palma (RCNP) yacht club, drew 48 journalists from around the world for two days of on-water, hands-on testing aboard 10 different vessels.
The new NSS Sport Series displays come in three different sizes: NSS7 (6.4-inch), NSS8 (8-inch), and NSS12 (12-inch), all suitable for bracket- or flush-mounting on a wide range of boats. Positioned as the third tier below Simrad’s high performance NSO Offshore and NSE Expert multifunction displays, I felt that in many ways, NSS Sport offers even more exciting, interactive functionality.
At its core is Simrad’s new “Touch Sensible” technology, which gives users the choice of controlling the display with a fingertip, with Simrad’s signature rotary knob, or with a keypad. Why so many choices when the new touch-screen technology is so cool? Underway in the Mediterranean off Palma, the reason became clear: In rough or wet conditions, when your finger might slip off the glass screen, the rotary knob and “X-wing” buttons that flank it provide added security.
Another one of NSS Sport’s key features is its high-brightness (1200 NIT), LED-backlit display, which is unique in the industry, according to Navico. Viewed both in dim conditions and in strong sunlight, the displays on our test boats were easy to see and to read. “Night mode” changes the screen to a night-vision display.
Each unit incorporates internal GPS, a performance echosounder (NSS7 and NSS8), and is preloaded with Insight or Navionics coastal cartography. NSS Sport is fully compatible with NSO, NSE, and all of Simrad’s Performance Modules including Broadband Radar, StructureScan sonar imaging, the SonicHub marine audio server, and WM-2 Sirius Satellite Weather. (We were able to demo all these functions off Palma, and they never failed to impress.) The NSS system is also NMEA 2000-compatible, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of functions to custom-build a robust, integrated navigation and fishfinding system controlled by the touch of a finger from a single screen at your helm.
NSS Sport is designed to let you “throw away” the manual (of course, you’d get more out of your unit if you read it). The system’s software utilizes an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface) that makes setting and changing the display a real pleasure. In fact, Navico announced in Palma that participants in an independent, blind survey comparing NSS Sport to two other competitors’ multifunction displays rated Simrad’s units “most intuitive” and “easiest to use”.
The home screen, called “Pages”, lets you choose from a series of user-friendly icons symbolizing different functions, such as engine instruments, radar, chartplotter, depthsounder, etc. It’s a one-touch process to select the function you want to view and display it onscreen. All the units feature split-screen views, and the NSS8 and NSS12 give you up to four split-screens simultaneously.
The chartplotter function features exceptionally fast redraw. Entering waypoints and setting a route are also a piece of cake. You simply touch and hold the desired spot onscreen for a few seconds, turn the rotary knob to select “Menu”, hit “new waypoint” or “new route, and type in the name on the keypad.
NSS Sport’s advanced touchscreen technology lets you select, open and drag functions across the screen with a fingertip. However, it is not capable of “multi-touch” functionality, like Apple products. During our seatrials, I saw several habitual iPhone and iPad users try to expand an image onscreen by touching it with two fingers and widening them, with no luck. Expanding an image and zooming in on it are easy with the rotary knob, however.
Simrad’s NSS7, which has a retail price of $1,895; and NSS8, priced at $2,845, will be available in June. The company will roll out the NSS12, which retails at $3,995, in July. You won’t have to go to Palma to get them, either. NSS Sport will be available through authorized Simrad dealers and distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada. Contact 800-628-4487, or visit simrad-yachting.com.