Latest tech for boaters: Simrad Yachting and ICOM America introduce big ideas for smaller vessels.
Need some help at the helm? No, not with driving. If your dash needs a splash, Simrad Yachting and ICOM America have the latest tech for boaters to consider.
NSX Ultrawide
Like outboard engines and center consoles, multifunction displays (MFD) grow larger and larger, but Simrad Yachting took a different path from the big-screen TV approach—they went wide…ultrawide.
The NSX ULTRAWIDE full-feature display is designed to provide the helmsperson the ability to view information that might take dual screens to see on boats that don’t have a lot of dash space. The new MFD is available in 12-inch and 15-inch screens, and the width of the NSX ULTRAWIDE display allows surf/wake boats, pontoons, and small to mid-size center consoles and cruisers to view all the data they need.
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The new display measures up to 63 percent wider than the NSX 9-inch display. In other words, take the standard NSX 9-inch display that fits comfortably on your low-profile dash. It’s 9.4 inches wide by 5.85 inches tall. Now stretch that display’s width to create a 12-inch diagonal screen that keeps a similar height, but now has a width of 13.3 inches. It’s almost like having two displays in one. With split-screen capabilities, charting, finding fish below, and engine system status are all viewable on the ULTRAWIDE screen.
The NSX ULTRAWIDE is compatible with many companies, including transducers, digital switching, lighting, audio, engine integration, autopilot, and charts. Both the 12- and 15-inch models have a 1920 x 720-pixel resolution that provides sharp details when looking at charts. The latest C-MAP DISCOVER X charts are optimized specifically for NSX, and the NSX ULTRAWIDE lets users appreciate that detail. For anglers and divers, extra detail is available with an upgrade to REVEAL X that features incredible shaded relief and satellite imagery overlays.
C-MAP’s X-Gen charts also unlock a host of groundbreaking new features, such as the C-MAP Safety Alerts which automatically warns users about hazards ahead, such as shallow waters and buoys. C-MAP’s X-Chart Manager lets users manage C-MAP chart updates and upgrades directly from their device with the ability to choose custom areas for a near-instant download—an industry first. NSX ULTRAWIDE is also compatible with CMOR Mapping for bathymetric imagery, Florida Marine Tracks for detailed GPS marine charts designed for fishing, StrikeLines seafloor charts, Standard Mapping for aerial images, and more.
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C-MAP X-Gen charts are always evolving for the most up-to-date features and details. Today’s technology also allows users to plan adventures, look at charts, back up waypoints, and manage updates on a mobile device through the Simrad Companion App.
The screens are viewable from all angles even when wearing polarized sunglasses. The display is cleanest when flush-mounted on the dash, but is also available with an optional bracket mount. The 12-inch NSX ULTRAWIDE with C-MAP Discover X and Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer is priced at $2,899 and the 15-inch at $3,549. simrad-yachting.com
Black Box
ICOM America introduces a few new VHF radios this year, but for those boats that lack a lot of space at the helm, the IC-M510BB and IC-M410BB is the latest in its black box units. What that means is the RF black box is mounted out of sight—say, under the dash—and all the features, controls, and operations are done through the CommandMic.
One CommandMic is included with each model, but the M410BB handles up to two stations and the M510BB up to three—as far as 60 feet away from the box (with optional cables). That means multiple communication points can be setup, such as in the cockpit, the flybridge, up on the tower, or wherever needed.
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All operations, including Digital Selective Calling (DSC), the technology that makes it easier to identify and locate a vessel in distress, are made from the CommandMic. With just a press of the “DISTRESS” button, the built-in DSC system can digitally transmit distress information to the Coast Guard and/or other vessels. The DSC watch function continuously monitors the DSC channel (Ch. 70) for added safety and security.
The radios tap into the NMEA 2000 network and provide plug-and-play data communication to interconnect with other equipment on board, such as an MFD. The radio also can send GNSS (GPS) position, and the integrated AIS receiver notifies you if other ships are headed in your direction to avoid a collision.
The radio has a last call voice recording function that automatically saves up to two minutes of an incoming call, so you won’t miss the message, and an Active Noise Canceling feature digitally removes background noise from both transmit and receive audio to provide clear communication. In addition, a built-in 15W amplifier increases the audio output to an external hailer speaker.
The IPX7 waterproof rated M410BB and M510BB radios have additional functions, including a one-way hailer that can sound foghorn patterns, making a full-function VHF radio. icomamerica.com
-by Jeremy Peters
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