With boatbuilders intent on launching yachts filled with all the comforts of home, it was only a matter of time before they would find a way to put control of those comforts at a skipper’s fingertips—all thanks to the rapid convergence of onboard communications, digital switching, app-based software, and smartphones and tablets. But how does one actually create a smarter boat? This being 2022, let us count the ways, as sailors have several compelling options for everything from new builds to refits.

But first, let’s start with a bit of foundation-laying backstory. So-called smart systems entered the everyday lexicon with the advent of the smartphones—and then devices such as the Nest Learning Thermostat (early 2012), Ring video doorbells (2013) and Amazon’s Alexa (2014). While each fulfilled a different niche—which included delivering remote control over the furnace and air conditioner, remotely viewing front-door solicitors, and dimming the lights and queuing a Barry Manilow track—all three harnessed cellular and Wi-Fi communications, app-based software, and smart screens to give users better control over their domicile. 

Soon, similarly smart technologies began migrating aboard sailboats, especially as satellite ­communications and cellular networks expanded and onboard Wi-Fi networks became more prevalent. The final piece of the puzzle has been the advent of digital-switching systems that replace fuses and analog switches with current-­measuring devices and electronic switches across NMEA 2000 networks that tie everything together.

This evolution of life aboard came about relatively quickly. Less than a decade ago, a cruising boat was fairly sophisticated if its owner could run a chart plotter with a radar overlay. Now, thanks to the advent of what’s known as monitor, track and control technologies, users can track their vessel and turn networked devices or systems on and off—and in some cases, enjoy next-level control of devices such as cameras and security systems—from a ­single screen. Cooler still, thanks to cellular, satellite and Wi-Fi connectivity, that screen can be anywhere.

Here’s a look at some of the market leaders (discussed in alphabetical order) and the strengths and utilities that each system affords.

Now OnDeck

On its surface (and as of this writing), Garmin’s OnDeck system delivers fairly basic tracking and control features because the product is the company’s first foray into this market. But to sense the potential of how things could evolve, it’s helpful to consider the other technologies that are in Garmin’s portfolio and how they could be integrated into OnDeck. 

Hardware-wise, OnDeck currently consists of a ­GPS-enabled black-box ­module that’s NMEA 2000-compatible and comes with three proprietary sensors: security, temperature and shore-­power detection, along with a 12-volt DC relay switch that can be used to turn an onboard device on and off (more on this in a moment). Users can add up to 33 additional sensors, plus an aftermarket LTE cellular antenna. On the software side, OnDeck was added as a virtual button to Garmin’s existing ActiveCaptain app and requires an OnDeck monthly plan for cellular data.

Now you see it: Moving forward, GOST plans to integrate its ­existing video-app feeds with Specter, which will give users near-­real-time views of their ­vessels from almost anywhere.

Once installed, OnDeck allows users to remotely control their choice of five relay switches using the app. Some examples include masthead, saloon lights and courtesy lights, refrigeration, or a host of other onboard devices. OnDeck’s GPS capabilities allow users to set geofences that, if breached, trigger the system to notify the owner; owners also receive notification if the system detects, for example, abnormal bilge-pump activity, if it experiences a loss (or spike) of shoreside power, or if a security sensor is tripped. While these features afford peace of mind, OnDeck isn’t a security system per se because there’s a ballpark 15-minute delay between when a geofence or sensor is tripped and when an owner receives notification. That said, Dave Dunn, Garmin’s director of sales and marketing for marine, was clear that this notification latency will shrink as 5G networks come online, or when satellite connectivity is introduced.

This latter point brings us back to OnDeck’s possible future capabilities. Garmin’s popular InReach devices already serve as dependable two-way satellite communicators. While Dunn declined to comment on future integration between OnDeck and InReach devices, it seems fairly obvious that Garmin might eventually incorporate InReach capabilities with OnDeck systems. Moreover, while OnDeck users can control up to five networked systems or devices, Garmin also owns EmpirBus, which builds full-scale ­digital-­switching equipment, so it’s fairly safe to assume that these systems will see future integration. Once this happens, and once InReach capabilities are drawn into the mix, OnDeck owners should have the ability to monitor, track and control their yacht from anywhere, irrespective of their boat’s cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. 

Sailor-Friendly GOST

When it comes to vessel ­security and monitoring, few companies are as innovative as Global Ocean Security Technologies.
After all, this is the ­company that introduced GOST Cloak, a security feature that, when tripped, vaporizes a formulated glycol solution to create a thick, confusion-­inducing belowdecks fog and triggers ­attention-getting strobes, ­sirens, and proprietary Acoustic Barrier Systems, all of which make robbing or stealing a boat decidedly unpleasant, if not impossible. 

GOST has also long ­leveraged both cellular and satellite technologies to alert customers to onboard situations, from the relatively routine (bilge- and high-­water sensors) to the relatively rare (vessel theft), and to also deliver high-definition-­video imagery from the boat’s ­cameras to an owner’s phone or computer.

More recently, GOST introduced its next-generation satellite-based Specter vessel-­tracking interface. Unlike its legacy systems, Specter takes a mobile-first approach with its software, which is optimized for smartphone use and control. While this software looks and behaves like an app, it’s actually a much more powerful website that works on mobile and desktop browsers and allows owners to control their GOST system from afar. 

An owner can change the ­radius of their vessel’s geofence, from 1,640 feet to 4.32 nautical miles, and change the system’s reporting intervals from once every two minutes to once every eight hours, all with a few taps. Communication between a user’s phone or PC and vessel are facilitated by Inmarsat’s 14-strong network of I-5 geostationary satellites that deliver global coverage (except in high latitudes) and 10 times faster speeds, 100 times more data capacity, and significantly less latency than GOST’s cellular-based products. 

Specter is designed to be backward-compatible with existing GOST systems, so long as an owner adds GOST’s new IDP antenna. In ­addition to delivering two-way satellite communications with the ­vessel and lower power consumption than older-­generation GOST antennas, the IDP ­features an embedded accelerometer, which allows the system to automatically adjust its reporting intervals depending on the vessel’s speed. To take advantage of the variable intervals, the feature needs to be enabled on the Specter website, and it is available only for times when the boat is traveling at speeds greater than 2 knots.

Moving forward, GOST plans to integrate its existing video-app feeds with Specter, which will give users near-real-­time views of their vessels from almost anywhere, and it also plans to integrate Specter with its line of Apparition security systems. 

Beneteau’s Ship Control

While some of the hardware discussed in this article is available as an aftermarket upgrade, Groupe Beneteau takes a ­different tack with its Ship Control system, which is currently standard equipment on the First Yacht 53 and the Oceanis Yacht 54 and Oceanis Yacht 62. 

Ship Control was inspired by the automotive industry and leverages multiplexing, an embedded computer, and a Scheiber-built digital switching system to give users total control over all onboard and networked systems and devices using any of the vessel’s touchscreen-­enabled chart-plotter screens. Alternatively, users can also run Ship Control on a tablet, smartphone or laptop, provided that they’re connected to the yacht’s Wi-Fi network.

Ship Control employs a graphical user interface that presents users with visual representations of the boat rather than text, along with so-called actionable hotspots. For example, a page view might show the boat’s interior and give users the ability to turn lights on or off, or adjust the vessel’s air-conditioning system. In the case of lights, a single tap of the page could turn fixtures on or off, while double-tapping the icon for the interior lights pulls up a dimmer bar that lets you customize your onboard experience (similar dimmer bars also pop up for other functions).

Underway, Ship Control presents users with a display screen that delivers real-time information from the boat’s networked navigation and sailing instruments, while other pages deliver control over things such as the boat’s stereo. Real-time information about the yacht’s battery bank, as well as fuel, water and holding tanks, can also be viewed, as can engine information.

Ship Control was designed to make sailing more intuitive, and as a result, it also incorporates automation. For example, when nighttime running lights are turned on, the system automatically switches the boat from its daytime to nighttime operating modes. The system even includes a remote battery switch to turn batteries on and off with a single tap.

While Ship Control ­delivers a user-friendly way of controlling all onboard systems, it doesn’t provide any security or vessel-tracking capabilities, nor does it allow users to control networked systems and devices from afar; a control tablet or ­smartphone must be connected to the vessel’s Wi-Fi hotspot. That said, multiple wireless devices can be simultaneously networked to Ship Control. This enables, for instance, the captain to let both watch captains have control over the boat for passages, and it can allow multiple DJs have run of the stereo.

Raymarine Hits the Bricks

While Raymarine’s YachtSense system doesn’t offer security or tracking capabilities—as of this writing, anyway—it delivers significant digital-­switching capabilities for boatbuilders and owners. In essence, YachtSense relies on modules—or “bricks,” as Raymarine refers to them—that are designed to control specific types of electrical devices, such as lights, air conditioners, windows and tank monitors. Think of the bricks as Lego pieces that can each control up to four devices, and that can be stacked together to create an onboard network that’s accessed and controlled via a Raymarine Axiom multifunction display. The system can also include Wi-Fi capabilities, meaning the captain can control and monitor all onboard electrical devices from either the helm or remotely via a smartphone or tablet using the RayConnect app.

The basic system includes a master and power module. To that, various other modules are added, as needed. High-power modules are designed for high-consumption devices such as pumps, fans and refrigeration. Low-power bricks run lights and similar loads. There is a reverse-power module to control things such as hydraulic pumps, sunshades and windows. And there is a signal module for tank, battery and temperature monitors, as well as other sensors.

Three layers of redundancy are built into the network, which also includes a keyboard and LCD screen for running system diagnostics. Should a problem arise, devices can be switched on and off using the keyboard. There are manual fuses that can also turn power on and off, should a module fail. 

Siren’s Call

Monitor, track and ­control technologies might be fairly new, but Siren Marine has been developing this technology since 2011. In 2017, the company launched its Siren Marine MTC system, which featured an embedded 56-channel GPS receiver and 3G cellular modem that gave users the ability to monitor critical onboard data such as bilge levels, to create geofences, and to control networked devices and systems via the MTC’s remote-switching capabilities. The system was run using Siren Marine’s app (Android- and iOS-compatible), and required a Siren airtime plan. 

The only real drawback was the system’s dependence on shore-based cellular networks. 

The company’s next-generation Siren 3 Pro replaced MTC and solved the offshore connectivity problem by adding the optional ability to network the system with a third-party satellite antenna. Once installed, Siren 3 Pro owners can track their vessel and control its networked systems from anywhere using their smartphone and the system’s built-in 4G LTE cellular or satellite modems and Siren’s app. As with Siren’s previous-generation offering, users can add additional wired or wireless sensors to monitor movement and other factors affecting a yacht’s security, or they can bolster their convenience factor by adding shore-power sensors or switched sensors that allow them to control networked items from afar. Plus, thanks to Siren 3 Pro’s built-in GPS receiver, the system alerts an owner if a boat breaks its user-specified geofence and provides real-time location information. 

Siren 3 Pro was also designed to deliver remote-­control capabilities by offering higher levels of digital switching, NMEA 2000 compatibility, and compatibility with CZone digital-switching systems. Owners have the ability to control all CZone-connected systems and ­devices rather than just the items that are directly networked to the Siren 3 Pro. Additionally, users can customize their systems’ parameters. For example, a captain could set alerts for maximum or minimum battery voltages. Or the crew could create automated modes, say, for daysailing, night sailing or night motoring, with a single screen tap. 

David Schmidt is CW’s ­electronics editor.

The post How Smart Is Your Boat? appeared first on Cruising World.

Welcome to the inaugural Best Elex Awards, which honors standout marine electronics products that have been reviewed and approved by the editorial team behind the four leading titles in marine media: Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Salt Water Sportsman. Over the course of two months, the nominees were evaluated by our team of eight judges, including the editors-in-chief and electronics editors of the aforementioned brands. In the end, seven products set themselves apart. And the winners are:

• Editors’ Choice: Raymarine Axiom+
• Leading Edge Technology: Furuno NavNet TZTouch3 9F
• Best Integrated System: Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv
• Most Innovative for Sailing: Airmar DST 810
• Best in Entertainment: Rockford Fosgate 12-inch Color Optix M2 Subwoofers
• Most Innovative for Power: Dometic Optimus Outboard Electric Steering Actuator
• Best in Communication: Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix

Editors’ Choice: Raymarine Axiom+

Raymarine’s Axiom+ multifunction displays replace the company’s original Axiom line in 7-, 9-, and 12-inch-display models. The plus units integrate a quad-core processor, multi-channel sonar views (including RealVision 3D), and augmented-reality navigation, and include up to 16 GB of onboard data storage. All displays employ in-plane switching for better, brighter viewing along with the company’s HydroTough treatment to repel water and oils. Axiom+ models start at $749.

What the judges said: “These units have more memory than your mother-in-law. They run a multitude of apps, using an intuitive GUI ripped from a smart TV, and, thanks to WiFi, no pulling radar cable through pipework. What’s not to like?”

Leading Edge Technology: Furuno NavNet TZTouch3 9F

Furuno responded to customer requests for a smaller version of its TZTouch3 technology, introduced last February, by delivering the 9F, a 9-inch IPS display for tighter helms and second stations. The hybrid-control TZT9F features a quad-core processor, 256 GB memory card built into the system, a built-in 1kW, single-channel TruEcho CHIRP Fish Finder, and a traditional 50/200kHz RezBoost Fish Finder. The MFD comes with a PIN-code lock feature and is also compatible with a wide array of Furuno peripherals, including radar, autopilot, VHF, and black-box sonars. The TZT9F costs $2,995.

What the judges said: “This smaller version of the TZTouch3 delivers so many of the best features of its bigger brothers. The edge-swiping interface, in particular, puts all of your most-important functions within quick reach. The built-in 1 kW chirp that’s frequency agile is a big plus for anglers, as is the ability to lock the MFD with a passcode.”

Best Integrated System: Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv

Garmin’s new GPSMAP 1243xsv multifunction display surpasses its predecessor, the 1242, with edge-to-edge glass, an IPS display, higher resolution, better scanning sonar and more. Garmin says it has now brought those premium features—indicative of its 8600 series—to mid-level consumers. The 1kW chirp unit incorporates all of Garmin’s sonar capabilities such as LiveScope, SideVu, and ClearVu. The 1243 can be flush-mounted in the same space as a 1242 with a retrofit kit. The 1243xsv costs $2,899.

What the judges said: “Garmin’s new 1243xsv combines popular, SideVu, ClearVu and chirp sonar all in one device with no black boxes. In addition, they’ve upgraded the screen for brighter, sharper resolution and made the device networkable to integrate with NMEA 2000 connected engines and all other Garmin products.”

Most Innovative for Sailing: Airmar DST 810

Airmar’s DST810 Smart Multisensor makes calibrating accurate speed a simple process. The unit features an integrated attitude sensor, as well, for logging heel and trim data. With the free CAST app, boaters won’t need expensive PC software to provide heel-compensated speed across multiple heel angles and speed ranges. The 5 Hz output delivers unrivaled speed for making quick decisions on the water. The sensor, which also measures depth and water temperature—to a tenth of a degree—accommodates hull angles of up to 22 degrees and costs $399.

What the judges said: “Airmar sensors are used extensively by sailing instruments, which means the new sensor can easily replace older ones. The ability to self-calibrate and ‘see’ down to the bottom when measuring depth is a great benefit, especially for sailboats that often have curved hull forms. The ability to correct for heel and calibrate speed accordingly is of great value to racing sailors, but also to navigation, since speed through the water is used to calculate current, true wind speed and other critical sailing data.”

Best in Entertainment: Rockford Fosgate 12-inch Color Optix M2 Subwoofers

Rockford Fosgate has introduced 12-inch Color Optix Subwoofers for its M2 line of Element Ready sound technology. The subwoofers come in two types — infinite baffle, which provides more strength in the cone — and sealed options for smaller enclosures. Available in black, white, black with stainless insert or white with stainless insert, the subs can be customized by connecting an optional Color Optix Controller and RF Connect App that allows selection of various light colors and patterns. The 12-inch M2s cost $449.

What the judges said: “The M2 subwoofer’s customizable LED colors let users personalize their audio experience. With the ability to pump out up to 1600 watts of power, a lack of volume should never be an issue.”

Most Innovative for Power: Dometic Optimus Outboard Electric Steering Actuator

Dometic’s Optimus Outboard Electric Steering Actuator delivers full power-steering functionality with auto-adjustable parameters to any conventional outboard. The actuator, electronic helm display and harness install quickly without the need for hoses, oil or purging. The system also integrates with joystick control, SeaStation (position hold), SeaWays (Dometic autopilot), and third-party autopilots. This actuator employs a compact brushless DC motor and a unique roller screw that produces enough power to push even the heaviest outboards. Two engines require two actuators; triple- or quad-outboard setups also employ two actuators with additional tie-bars. Price for a single-engine system is $5,700, about 15 percent higher than equivalent electro-hydraulic systems.

What the judges said: “The new Optimus electric steering system brings marine-steering technology into the 21st century.”

Best in Communication: Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix

Standard Horizon’s GX2400 Matrix VHF radio replaces earlier GX220 products; it offers an internal, 66-channel WAAS GPS receiver; NMEA 2000 networkability; a wireless (or wired) full-functioning, second-station RAM mic; and an AIS receiver. Anglers can employ the voice scrambler to send encrypted messages to fishing buddies. The fixed-mount radio costs $449.99.

Read Next: More Top Marine Electronics for Cruising

What the judges said: “Standard Horizon’s GX2400 is a feature-heavy VHF base-station radio that delivers mic expandability and NMEA 2000 compatibility at a budget-conscious price point.”

The post Best Electronics Awards 2021 appeared first on Cruising World.

While good editors never play favorites, it’s tough not to be impressed with Vesper Marine’s Cortex safety and communications platform, which has been turning heads since its introduction this past fall. Somewhat akin to how smartphones revolutionized personal and business communications by creating an all-in-one device for email, SMS, phone calls and apps, Cortex simplifies VHF radio operations and delivers Automatic Identification System, Digital Selective Calling and Wi-Fi communications to a smartphone app or dedicated handset. A base package starts at right around $1,300.

Out on the water, sailors can simply tap the onscreen icon of nearby AIS-equipped vessels to place VHF or DSC calls, and—much like Vesper’s other AIS products—Cortex employs smart-alarm logic to prioritize AIS targets and deliver anchor-drag and MOB alarms, both on and off the boat.

Likewise, Raymarine is stopping plenty of show-­goers in their tracks with its DockSense Alert technology, which defangs docking operations using sensors, cameras and deep-machine learning to create a real-time 50-square-meter map of a boat’s surroundings. Once installed, DockSense Alert makes docking a matter of carefully threading into a berth using the boat’s networked chart plotter and its steering and throttle controls. DockSense Alert isn’t an automated experience but instead provides a skipper with a highly accurate map to help lower the stress level of the docking process, as well as alerts to anything that might cause the boat to go bump.

DockSense Alert is ­physically comprised of a Raymarine Axiom multifunction display that’s running Raymarine’s DockSense Alert app, a black-box DockSense Alert processor, and a customer’s choice of one ($6,000), three ($10,000) or five ($15,000) marinized stereo cameras that come bundled with built-in attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) sensors, as well as a separate Raymarine AHRS and GPS module. In all cases, the system’s AHRS and GPS sensors are used to remove the vessel’s roll, pitch and yaw from DockSense Alert’s map.

Unlike regular daylight ­cameras, DockSense Alert’s proprietary FLIR-built, dual-lens stereo cameras can accurately count, measure and recognize objects in three ­dimensions. This allows the stereo cameras to create “machine vision,” essentially meaning the system uses optics and software to deliver video-based analysis and inspection. DockSense Alert uses its machine-vision capabilities to scan through the entirety of each camera’s range for nonwater objects, and the system automatically alerts users about anything that could threaten their vessel.

DockSense Alert is a scalable, modular system that users can upgrade by networking additional plug-and-play cameras to the system’s black-box processor, which can accommodate a total of seven cameras. While seven-camera DockSense Alert installations are meant for the big-boat crowd, most cruisers sailing aboard more-modest steeds can get away with a one-, three- or five-camera setup This is because DockSense Alert can build its map and “remember” where nonwater objects are situated. So, provided the docking situation remains static (in other words, no unexpected marine traffic or wildly swinging docks), DockSense Alert doesn’t need to have a camera actively pointing at a particular scene to bolster situational awareness.

Pricing for the system was not yet available.

Garmin is never one to walk into a gunfight with a knife, and this year the technology giant unveiled four GPSMap 86 handheld GPS devices (starting at $400). These handhelds, which have the ability to stream data from a boat’s compatible Garmin-built chart plotter, all feature 1.5-inch-by-2.5-inch screens with 240-by-400-pixel resolution, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and 16 gigabytes of solid-state storage, the latter of which contains the devices’ operating systems and cartography. Cooler still, all four of Garmin’s GPSMap86 models can be used to remotely control the boat’s compatible Garmin autopilot or Fusion stereo.

Now for the differences: The GPSMap 86s ($400) comes with a base map, and users can optionally purchase Garmin’s BlueChart g3 cartography, while the GPSMap 86sc ($450) comes with Garmin’s BlueChart g3 coastal cartography pre-loaded. The GPSMap 86i ($600) doesn’t include BlueChart g3 coastal cartography, but it delivers the ability to send and receive global satellite communications, including emergency alerts, using Iridium’s Short Burst Data Service (this requires a third-party data contract). Finally, Garmin’s flagship GPSMap 86sci ($650) includes the ability to send and receive satellite messages, while also coming pre-loaded with Garmin’s BlueChart g3 coastal cartography.

For readers who are familiar with Garmin’s inReach satellite communicator, the GPSMap 86i and 86sci devices essentially merge inReach’s communications capabilities with a handheld GPS’s ability to display cartography, drop a user’s location pin, and navigate. Additionally, these devices allow sailors, as well as their friends and family, to track and share their onboard adventures. Finally, the GPSMap 86i and 86sci can also deliver satellite weather forecasts, which is especially valuable for longer offshore passages. To be clear, these forecasts are not full GRIB files, which can be used for weather routing, but rather standard marine-­weather forecasts that can help raise situational awareness about upcoming conditions.

Speaking of onscreen navigation, Ugo realizes that many cruisers rely on their tablets as portable chart-plotter repeaters. The trouble, however, is that most consumer devices don’t fare well with salt and spray, which is why Ugo released its tablet case ($160), which delivers IP68 waterproof protection, a battery-life-enhancing airtight seal and positive buoyancy. The Tablet features Ugo’s fully waterproof proprietary technology, RF-welded seams and thermoplastic polyurethane construction. The case gives viewers full access to their device’s screen, while also providing anchors that can be used to secure the Tablet in a heaving seaway.

Wired connectivity was on Quick Spa’s mind when it introduced the Quick Nautical Network, or QNN gateway ($1,950), which allows the company’s range of marine devices to interface with contemporary, third-party chart plotters. This plug-and-play device sits on the network between the plotter and gear such as Quick’s thrusters, windlasses, battery chargers and lights, and converts their data to the HTML5 language that’s used by modern plotters. Additionally, the QNN gateway seamlessly shares any custom calibrations between the chart plotter and the networked devices.

FLIR Systems has long believed that clear imagery enhances any nav station, and the firm’s five new M300-series cameras do just that.

While the payload on each camera differs, all five M300 models use an internal motion sensor to stabilize imagery; all offer pan, tilt and zoom capabilities; and they are compatible with Raymarine’s ClearCruise augmented reality. ClearCruise superimposes AIS and chart data, such as buoys, onto the video imagery to greatly enhance what’s seen on the display screen.

The M300 series starts with the M300C ($6,500), which is a high-definition, low-light daylight camera that delivers a 30x optical zoom plus a 12x digital zoom, for a total zoom of 360x, digital stabilization, and variable fields of view. The M332 ($8,500) is a thermal-­imaging camera that uses a FLIR Boson 320 thermal camera core to deliver 340-by-240-pixel image resolution, and a 24-degree field of view, which provides an ample view of one’s nearby surroundings. Stepping up in the M300 range is the M364 ($14,200), which is a thermal-imaging camera with a more powerful Boson 640 core that yields 640-by-480-pixel resolution and a 24-degree field of view.

The higher end of the range includes FLIR’s M364C ($20,500), which uses both a high-definition, low-light daylight camera (with the same 30x optical zoom and 12x digital zoom as the M300C), and a Boson 640 thermal camera core and a 24-degree field of view. In addition, the M364C boasts FLIR’s Color Thermal Vision which, blends the video feeds from the camera’s HD visible-color video and its thermal-imaging camera to yield enhanced definition and identification of targets at night. For example, red or green buoys or running lights appear red or green, respectively, onscreen. The camera also features FLIR’s MSX technology, which borrows edges and borders from the camera’s visible-color video and blends this information with the camera’s thermal-imaging sensor to improve an operator’s ability to identify objects at a distance. Finally, the dual-payload M364C LR ($29,500) offers similar features but with an 18-degree field of view, which gives it better long-range performance.

Even when skippers are equipped with the best electronics, things can happen. ACR Electronics understands the importance of facilitating self-rescues in the case of man-overboard emergencies, which is why the company released its SM-3 automatic buoy marker light. Much like horseshoe life buoys, SM-3 lights ($130) are designed to be thrown into the water if someone goes overboard. These ultrabright LED lights are water-activated and are designed to be self-righting. Once on, SM-3 lights deliver 360-degree visibility from up to 2 miles away, for up to 24 hours of continuous use at 30 degrees F, courtesy of two replaceable lithium batteries.

In the nice-to-have category of new electronics, Fusion Entertainment understands that for many sailors, cruising tunes are equally as important as other kit, and Fusion’s SM Series speakers are designed to deliver ear-pleasing acoustics in environments where mounting depth is at a premium. Fusion achieves great sound in a small package by employing a fully sealed enclosure that eliminates the need for space-­sucking rear-speaker cones. SM Series speakers ($80) are square, 6.5-inch devices that deliver 100 watts of output; the new speakers are available with black or white fabric grilles, and customers also have their choice of two optional mounting spacers that let the speakers be mounted in wall corners or wall and ceiling corners; the latter lets them be angled down for improved acoustics.

For mariners seeking a better view of things, B&G has unveiled two new solid-state, radome-enclosed radars, which they’ve dubbed the Halo20 and the Halo20+. Both feature 20-inch diameter radomes, making them suitable for smaller cruising sailboats. The Halos have dual-range capabilities, and both models deliver strong short-range performance. The sets weigh in at a modest 11 pounds, which doesn’t add much weight aloft. Additionally, both Halo radars offer B&G’s InstantOn technology—hit the switch, and they’re ready to read. They come with four operating modes (bird, harbor, offshore and weather) that automatically tweak the radar’s advanced signal processing to match the surroundings.

The Halo20 ($1,700) gives budget-minded sailors coverage out to 24 nautical miles, while also delivering mini automatic radar plotting aid (MARPA) tracking, which allows the Halo20 to track 10 manually selected radar targets (sailors operating in dual-mode can track 20 targets).

The Halo20+ ($2,200) delivers all of the Halo20’s feature sets but adds B&G’s proprietary VelocityTrack Doppler processing, which provides an instant visual indication as to whether an onscreen radar target is approaching or departing the scene, or if it’s stationary. VelocityTrack automatically color-codes each onscreen target, thus eliminating worries about hard-to-read targets. (While Halo20+ also employs manually set MARPA tracking capabilities, VelocityTrack is automatic; moreover, there’s no limit to the number of targets that VelocityTrack can color- code.) Additionally, Halo20+ performs a full 360-degree sweep at a rate of 1 hertz, or once per second, even at ranges up to 1.5 nautical miles, increasing close-range performance.

David Schmidt is CW’s ­electronics editor.

Resources

ACR Electronics:­ acrartex.com, ­954-981-3333

B&G: bandg.com, ­603-324-2042

FLIR: flir.com, ­877-773-3547

Fusion Entertainment: fusionentertainment.com, 623-580-9000

Garmin: garmin.com, 800-800-1020

Quick Spa: quickitaly.com, 340-075-6422

Raymarine: raymarine.com, 603-324-7900

Ugo: ugowear.com, 952-210-1648

Vesper Marine: ­vespermarine.com, ­609-246-5067

The post New Marine Electronics and Safety Gear for 2020 appeared first on Cruising World.

When Steve Jobs unveiled the Apple iPhone in January 2007, sailors may not have fully appreciated the coming jugger-naut. Thanks to the device’s graphically rich touchscreen interface, cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS receiver, solid-state sensors and onboard storage, smartphones quickly revolutionized navigation. A growing number of apps give navigators access to information that rivals a vessel’s hard-wired instrumentation. Better yet, if you climb aboard a buddy’s boat or head off on a sailing vacation, you can have your go-to e-tools ready in your pocket. Here’s a roundup of today’s best navigation and sailing apps, and a look at their most important features.

When it comes to working with onscreen charts, it’s important to be able to easily create routes and waypoints, and measure ranges and bearings. These tasks are simple with i-Boating: Marine Charts and GPS (for iOS devices) and i-Boating: Marine Navigation Maps & Nautical Charts (Android compatible), created by Bist. Users can choose between “lite” and “professional” versions, the latter of which allows you to download charts for numerous areas; the lite version allows only cartography downloads for a single map quadrant. Once cartography has been imported, users can touch and hold objects on the app’s vector cartography to launch an app-based “object query” to help identify, for example, buoys or lighthouses. I-Boating draws from a library of primarily vector charts that are created by official cartography sources (such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Canadian Hydrographic Office), and backfills any uncovered areas with NOAA raster charts. (A raster chart is essentially a reproduction of a paper chart viewed on a display screen, while a vector chart pulls data from various sources and is compiled electronically.) Route planning is a matter of dragging and dropping the chart, and adding waypoints as needed. Once a route has been created, the app displays the distance and bearing between waypoints, and, critically, the app also supports offline navigation so it continues to allow you to navigate using previously downloaded charts in locations lacking cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

Long a trusted name in electronic cartography, C-Map created its Embark app to deliver user-friendly navigation with an uncluttered screen view. All displayed cartography is smart, meaning it automatically adjusts its coloring and contrast to enable full readability in daytime, nighttime and full-sun settings. Users can further customize their screen views by selecting between the app’s “classic” view and its more-detailed “contour” view, the latter of which is popular with anglers. Route planning is a matter of tapping the screen, naming routes, and letting the software generate distance information; users can input their anticipated velocity made good, or VMG, and the app automatically estimates how long it will take to sail the route. Finally, Android and iOS users can upgrade to the app’s premium version to receive automatic identification ­system and weather information, and to download and access charts for use offline, the latter of which is especially helpful when cruising outside cellular coverage.

Considered the gold standard for electronic cartography, Navionics recently compressed its suite of apps into a universal Boating Marine and Lakes app, which includes access to the ActiveCaptain Community (sailor-sourced information on a variety topics), and works on all Android and iOS devices. Sailors can enjoy a two-week trial before hitting the app’s subscription paywall, but once signed up, they can access features including Navionics’ Dock-to-Dock Autorouting, which creates bespoke routes based on user-specified conditions and vessel parameters; Community Edits, which provides localized information such as fuel prices; Plotter Sync, which allows B&G and Raymarine customers to update their plotters’ cartography libraries, and exchange waypoints and routes with their mobile devices. Anyone who cruises with a sounder can create high-definition bathymetric data using the app’s Sonarchart Live feature. Additionally, the app features a clever crosshair feature that helps users identify objects, soundings and navigational concerns on its vector cartography.

Historically, NavX Studios’ iNavX app worked only with iOS devices, but this changed with the company’s latest version, which now also runs on Android devices. In all cases, users download the app and high-resolution NOAA raster navigational charts for U.S. waters, and in-app purchases allow users to buy cartography from third-party vendors including Blue Latitude, Explorer and Navionics. In addition to port-A-to-port-B navigation and route planning, users can view GRIB weather overlays, subscribe to Theyr Premium mobile weather, and display real-time NMEA instrumentation data using their mobile device’s Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. The app also works with third-party AIS receivers and transceivers and GPS receivers, and it allows users to create anchor and AIS alarms. Additionally, sailors can measure the bearing and distance between any two points on iNavX’s displayed cartography, and the app allows users to import and export data in KML or GPX formats, both of which are popular for exporting routes and waypoints to third-party viewers such as Google Earth.

When it comes to ­incorporating cutting-edge technologies, Pocket Mariner’s SeaNav US deserves attention for its use of augmented reality. SeaNav US works on iOS platforms, and provides access to proprietary charts online as well as offline, if they’ve been previously downloaded. The charts are derived from NOAA’s official Electronic Navigational Charts, available for all U.S. waters. Setting waypoints and planning routes is straightforward, but it’s the app’s ability to increase users’ situational awareness via augmented reality that’s most interesting. Using the device’s camera, the app delivers a real-time video feed that’s overlaid with informational tags denoting, for example, nearby AIS targets (courtesy of the Boat Beacon app) or aids to navigation. Additionally, users can tap objects, such as a buoy or bridge, in the app’s chart-plotter mode to access higher-level information, or, if the goal is to declutter the screen, they can deactivate graphical layers such as contour lines.

TZ iBoat from TimeZero is available only in the Apple App Store for iPads—not iPhones—but this powerful navigation tool comes from one of the leaders in computer-based navigation software, and gives sailors the ability to navigate on their choice of raster or C-Map vector cartography. Navigators can enhance their chart views by photo-fusing them with high-resolution coastline satellite imagery, and the app allows users to navigate in either 2D or 3D perspectives. In addition to drawing on the iPad’s internal sensors, TZ iBoat can be networked with a vessel’s external GPS and AIS receivers and transceivers to bolster accuracy and display nearby AIS targets atop the displayed cartography. Finally, for sailors who cruise with a Furuno DRS4W wireless radar, the app interfaces with this sensor’s wireless, real-time radar feed, and data can be displayed atop vector cartography.

Safe and Aware

To be clear, Marine Traffic ship positions for Android devices and Marine Traffic–Ship Tracking for Apple devices do not deliver the same level of real-time information as an AIS receiver or transceiver. Instead, these apps deliver updated information from the privately operated MarineTraffic AIS service to users’ smart devices. While this information should not be trusted for navigation, it’s useful for accessing information about nearby AIS-equipped traffic, including each vessel’s name and 16-digit maritime mobile service identity number, which enables direct helm-to-helm communications using digital select calling-enabled VHF radios. Both apps provide global real-time and forecasted wind information, and users can unlock next-level functionality, including an augmented-reality feature that helps identify AIS-equipped vessels.

When it comes to ensuring full compliance with the law while also keeping a protective eye on your surrounding wa-ters, the United States Coast Guard‘s self-titled app bills itself as both a mobile resource and a tool. Android and iOS users can read up on boating laws and regulations in different states, brush up on rules of the road, determine mandatory and recommended safety gear, and even request a vessel safety check from the USCG Auxiliary service. Additionally, sailors can access up-to-date weather information from NOAA weather buoys, file search-and-rescue-friendly float plans, and even report out-of-place aids to navigation, spills or suspicious behavior directly to the USCG. Finally, the app includes a bright-red emergency-assistance feature to request help. However, this isn’t a substitute for an EPIRB, or personal locator beacon.

How’s the Weather?

While sailors of yore likely spent significant parcels of time looking for mare’s tails and other cloud formations to forecast approaching storms, modern sailors are typically better served by consulting a real-time, high-definition Doppler radar feed, such as the one offered by MyRadar NOAA Weather Radar, developed by Aviation Data Systems. This app—which is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play store—gets its raw data from NOAA and the National Weather Service, and then crunches this information using the company’s proprietary software. Users can explore macro- and micro-level forecasts, and they can opt to display cloud, wind and forecast levels. Sailors choose between free and professional versions of the app, with the latter providing an advertisement-free experience, detailed hurricane tracking, and access to unedited Nexrad Level LL radar information for more than 150 U.S.-based Doppler radar installations, including Alaska, Hawaii and, when it’s available, Puerto Rico.

New Zealand-based PredictWind‘s two products, PredictWind app and PredictWind Offshore app, deliver a huge amount of utility. Coastal cruisers using the PredictWind app get access to weather information from NOAA’s Global Forecast System (GFS) and from the European Union’s European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF); additionally, they can access PredictWind’s proprietary, high-resolution forecast models (PWG and PWE), which are based on GFS and ECMWF data (respectively), using either the device’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Alternatively, the PredictWind Offshore app works with satellite or single-sideband connections to deliver compressed data files that can be viewed in its built-in GRIB viewer, as well as satellite imagery. Additionally, these apps can access Predict Wind’s departure-planning and weather-routing tools, and they can also access Global Maritime Distress and Safety System weather forecasts.

David Schmidt is CW’s electronics editor.

A Portable Nav Station

Smartphone GPS receivers and solid-state sensors do an impressive job of dropping location pins onto charts, but sailors can increase their accuracy, situational awareness and safety margins by downloading Garmin’s Earthmate app (and the corresponding NOAA charts), and pairing it with a Garmin inReach Mini satellite communicator. The 3.5-ounce, water-­resistant (IPX7-rated) inReach Mini operates on Iridium’s Short Burst Data network to give users global access to email and SMS communications, and—in the event of an emergency—the ability to contact the privately operated GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, which operates around the clock. InReach Mini devices share GPS information with paired ­smartphones via a Bluetooth connection. Navigators can plan and track their trips using the Earthmate app, set waypoints, and get critical data including their real-time latitude and longitude, speed over ground and compass information. And, for cruisers who like to take the dink ashore and climb the tallest hill, inReach Mini devices ­generate distance, ­elevation and maximum-speed information.

Vendor Information

• Aviation Data Systems: myradar.com; free, in-app purchases available
• Bist: free, in-app purchases ­available
• C-Map: ­800-424-2627; free, in-app purchases available
• Garmin: 800-800-1020; $380, plus airtime costs
• Pocket Mariner: $20
• PredictWind: ­970-470-8694; free, ­in-app purchases available
• Navionics: free, in-app purchases available
• NavX Studios: $5, in-app purchases ­available
• TimeZero: subscriptions from $40-$120 per year
• United States Coast Guard: free

The post Navigation Apps for Sailing appeared first on Cruising World.

Ask six manufacturers where marine electronics are headed, and you’ll usually get six different answers. That wasn’t the case last fall, ­however, at the 2015 National ­Marine Electronics Association Conference and Expo, where the industry buzzword was straightforward: “integration.”

Not so long ago, the “wired” sailboat might have sported a GPS; instruments displaying wind, speed, depth and engine data; a stereo; possibly an AIS monitor; and maybe additional gear at the nav station down below, all with their own screens and knobs.

Today those stand-alone devices are quickly disappearing, and in their place, manufacturers are rolling out networked instrumentation packages that can increasingly combine ­data feeds and display the results on a variety of screens, both on your boat and in your pocket.

Typically these systems ­employ sensors that talk to dedicated black-box modules, which are in turn networked to share information with a multifunction display that now sits at the heart of the network, disseminating that information to other devices as needed.

Examples of this integration include performance-sailing packages, cameras and other video devices, and a growing array of sounders. Together, they can tell you where you’re going and what the route ahead and below looks like, as well as keep you company in the cockpit on a long night’s watch.

The biggest development, aside from information-­sharing protocols like NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000, has taken place within the world of MFDs, with both dramatically improved user interfaces and greater processing ­power. In each case, MFDs have directly benefited from the rise of high-end smartphones and tablets in the consumer-­electronics market, which use touch-screen interfaces and demand lightning-fast processor chips. Moreover, smartphones and tablets have helped everyone quickly learn about and feel at home with touch-screen and app-based software. The net result is that today’s MFDs are far more capable than chart plotters and displays from even five years ago. “We’re seeing more features that are built into MFDs as standard equipment,” says Jim McGowan, the U.S. marketing manager for FLIR and Raymarine. “Years ago, this all required individual modules, which added to the costs.” Now, he adds, this functionality is integrated into the MFD. “All the core features are there, but they’re less expensive for the customer.”

McGowan says this cost-savings is the result of higher manufacturing volume; the influx of high-end, off-the-shelf tablet and smartphone processors; and the standardization of MFD hardware. In other words, the components in various product lines are identical, with different levels of software providing increased levels of functionality.

“MFDs are getting more development than anything else,” says McGowan. “They are the key focal point for navigation — and sometimes ­entertainment — so we want to make a user’s experience as simple as possible.” Other experts agree. “Everything connects back to the MFD,” says Marc Jourlait, deputy CEO at Navico, which is the parent company of B&G, Go Free, Lowrance and Simrad. He believes today’s marine electronics have to be easy to use, and pushing information to the cloud has to be a simple task. “There are so many opportunities to make [electronics] better and more seamless,” he says, describing the challenges manufacturers are tackling. While pushing data to the cloud depends on Internet connectivity (more on this in a minute), one way contemporary MFDs simplify the user experience is through customizable screen views. Depending on the display, these views can often be created by dragging and dropping app icons onto one of several screen-­layout templates. With a swipe of a finger, a user has the ability to control and monitor networked fixed and handheld cameras, determine the content viewed in split screens, display television and video imagery, and even control the stereo.

As MFDs become increasingly important to a boat’s ­operations, some manufacturers have begun building smaller, fully marinized smart displays to augment them, including B&G’s Vulcan sailing chart plotter, Garmin’s GNX 120 and 130 large-­format ­marine instruments, and Sailmon’s line of performance-­oriented smart displays. In the case of B&G and Garmin, these new screens complement the boat’s main MFD, allowing sailors to spec a full MFD at the nav station (and possibly a second MFD at the helm) while installing a few of the smaller displays on deck for specific purposes.

Sailmon takes a different tack with its Model X and Model VII smart displays, which replace an MFD with a networked PC that’s running Expedition software (as well as a networked black-box module that interfaces with various onboard sensors, instruments and networks).

In all cases, these new ­devices eliminate the need for dedicated instrument displays such as outmoded depth sounders or anemometers, and provide a huge amount of flexibility when it comes to displaying germane information both in graphical and numerical formats. They also offer ­robust system redundancy.

While powerboaters continue to represent the bulk of the marine-electronics market, several MFD manufacturers are now bundling their systems with sailing-­specific features and functionality (see “Meet Your Electronic Tactician,” January 2016). This trend, which B&G pioneered in 2012 with its SailSteer wind-rose icon, is now gathering considerable momentum, with Garmin and Raymarine ­also offering similar capabilities. All three ­manufacturers boast advanced, graphically rich sailing features that include starting-line assistants, laylines and wind roses. And while the starting-line software is of little use to the pure cruising sailor, laylines and graphical wind roses are great examples of performance-­sailing software that can directly help any helmsman sail more efficient courses and increase big-­picture situational awareness. For example, B&G’s software calculates its estimated arrival times based on how long it will take the boat to sail to a given waypoint, layline or destination tack by tack, as opposed to a straight-line time-over-distance calculation.

While these sailing-­specific features are fairly new, users can expect more development in this field. “We’ll have more sailing-specific features coming in 2016,” says Dave Dunn, Garmin’s senior manager of marine sales and marketing. “We’re going really hard at the sailing market.”

Garmin acquired ­Nexus ­Marine AB in 2012 and is rolling out Garmin-­branded products that are heavily influenced by Nexus’ line of racing electronics, including the GNX 120 and 130 large-­format marine instruments. Dunn says consumers should look for more sailing instrumentation packs and separate sail kits that are designed to make things easier for the navigator-­helmsman.

Depending on the ­manufacturer and model, ­added sailing-specific functionality and other features often come in the form of software updates as opposed to hardware upgrades, thus adding value for MFD owners and eliminating the need to constantly buy new devices.

As in the broader consumer-­electronics market, marine-­electronics manufacturers are also adopting wireless technology, albeit at a slower clip than land-based electronics manufacturers. Given the amount of trust that sailors place in their onboard electronics, it’s ­understandable that manufacturers have historically ­embraced hardwired connections for critical instruments such as radar, autopilots and GPS, but this attitude is starting to change as ­manufacturers (and customers) gain confidence in onboard Wi-Fi.

A prime example is ­Furuno’s DRS4W 1st Watch Wireless Radar, which debuted last winter, and which wirelessly shares its imagery with Apple iOS devices rather than a dedicated display. “Wireless is of interest to all, but so are safety concerns,” says Matt Wood, ­Furuno’s national sales manager, who suggests that more Wi-Fi radars are on the not-so-distant horizon. “There’s a fear about how far Wi-Fi should go. It’s important to embrace Wi-Fi, but also to remember its limitations and ensure safety.”

Other experts see ­wireless instrumentation and sensors as a natural evolution. “I foresee that everything will go wireless, but it’s a ­personal opinion,” says Dunn, who’s careful to exclude radar and sounder transducers, which he deems to be mission-critical, from the list of wireless candidates. “Telematics will take over, allowing owners to call in and check their bilge levels. That’s the future.”

Navico’s Jourlait says the “smart boat” is the future, ­especially as people get comfortable with smart household systems that are digitally controlled by apps, smartphones and tablets — the so-called ­Internet of Things.

Meanwhile, across the ­marine space, traditional boundaries that defined what sort of mariner used a particular piece of gear are ­breaking down. Sonar, for instance, was traditionally found on powerboats, not sailboats, but this is changing with forward-­looking sonar technology — including B&G’s ForwardScan and Garmin’s Panoptix Forward Transducer. This gear hit the market in mid-2015 and now gives sailors the ability to see what lies ahead in a coral pass or harbor entrance. While the technologies behind these products are different, both aim to increase a sailor’s situational awareness and are reportedly already being used by sailors to wend through ice and tight, rocky passages.

Digital-switching systems — already entrenched on the powerboat side — have ­also emerged as a fast-­moving trend on new sailboats. These systems are often ­significantly lighter and easier to install than their hardwired rivals. “Digital switching is growing all around,” says McGowan. “Builders can save ­several grand by installing digital switching, as copper wire is ­expensive.”

Some manufacturers ­believe modern MFDs can serve as the user interface for a digital-s­witching system that controls all a vessel’s functions, but not all are sold on the concept.

Wood says Furuno is looking at digital switching, but so far the company remains skeptical of the ability of an MFD to control such a system. “There are a lot of traditional sailors who don’t want navigation and switching combined,” he says. While integrating digital-­switching systems and wireless instrumentation and sensors is contentious to some, everyone can agree that having ­access to up-to-date information allows sailors to make better, more informed choices. To further this goal, most MFDs are now equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, both to facilitate information-­rich Wireless Local Area Networks and to allow the MFD to go online when connectivity exists — say, at a marina — to do myriad tasks, including chart updates and sharing crowdsourced information.

The bottom line:

Cruisers are already benefiting from faster, more capable and less expensive MFDs that come loaded with sailing-specific features, especially as manufacturers compete with one another over this market share. Thanks to current market trends such as wireless connectivity, smart devices and digital switching, odds are good that sailors can look forward to increasingly ­sophisticated interfaces that will be easier to use, but will also help ensure the safety of their vessel both at the dock and ­underway.

David Schmidt is Cruising World’s electronics editor.

The post Marine Electronics Bring it Together appeared first on Cruising World.

Magellan eXplorist 510

Trailer-sailors and others who live on inland lakes or enjoy exploring them—as well as coastal cruisers who want a state-of-the-art handheld navigation device at their fingertips—will appreciate the eXplorist 510 Marine Edition handheld GPS unit from Magellan. The Marine Edition combines Magellan’s rugged, waterproof eXplorist 510 Outdoor GPS navigator with exclusive Navionics marine charts and content for 12,000 U.S. lakes and coastal coverage up to two miles offshore. The coastal data includes information on depths, tides, currents, wrecks, marsh areas, and marine services. The unit itself features a user-friendly menu, a built-in camera, and a 3-inch sunlight-readable color touch screen. All Navionics charts and marine info are pre-loaded on a MicroSD card that’s included with the device.
$480, http://www.magellangps.com

The post An Inland and Coastal Companion: Magellan eXplorist 510 appeared first on Cruising World.