The Marine Electronics Hub
Part 1 of my radar comparison generated a good discussion about the results and highlighted some opportunities to get back out on the water and complete some additional testing. I’m back with part 2 and the results of that additional testing. I’ve been able to test some additional scenarios, different settings, and more features of all three radars.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries are a major upgrade to the lead-acid batteries we’ve been using as house batteries. But, typically, they’re not well suited to starting engines, which has limited their...
I often shy away from recommending one manufacturer’s products over another. I feel the comparison is usually highly subjective and what works for me may not work for others. But, an on-the-water comparison of Garmin, Raymarine, and Simrad’s current radar units allows all of us to see the results and decide for ourselves what we like best.
Lowrance, a world-leader in fishing electronics since 1957, has rolled out its next generation of fishing electronics this week. The new HDS PRO chartplotter/fishfinder, highest resolution ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar and, ultra high-definition Active Imaging HD provide anglers the complete package of the latest fishfinding technology that has helped them find and catch more fish for over half a century…
For many years Yacht Controller was just about the only game in wireless docking remotes for boats. But, starting roughly four years ago, Dockmate brought their products to the United States. Dockmate’s software configurable, two-way remotes offered more configurability than Yacht Controller’s. But now, Yacht Controller has introduced Maixmo with several features not available from Dockmate and Dockmate has introduced Red, a full remote system at a previously untouchable price point.
Gizmo needs a new anchor rode and windlass, and in my experience replacing boat gear is a lot more satisfying if it’s also an improvement. That’s how I got interested in the somewhat new plaited 8-strand rodes that seem to offer multiple advantages over the 3-strand nylon line I’ve used all of my boating life. But, wait, does plait have its own problems…
This morning, Mercury unveiled their new 350 and 400 horsepower, Verado V10 engines. These engines follow the introduction of the highly successful, judging from transoms at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Verado 600 horsepower, V12 engine. I’ve just spent the day at Mercury’s Lake X facility and I can tell you these are really impressive engines, but for many Panbo readers, that’s not the story. The story is the dual voltage, 12 and 48-volt, alternator!
Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, today introduced the industry’s first ever V10 outboard with the official launch of its all-new 5.7L 350 and 400hp Verado outboard engines. Consistent with the award-winning Verado brand, the new V10 engines are the quietest and smoothest in their class running 45 percent quieter than a leading competitor at cruise. In addition to NVH, the new Verado’s are not only compatible with the latest Mercury SmartCraft technologies but will also be offered with an optional dual-mode 48V/12V alternator to seamlessly pair with Navico Group’s Fathom e-power system…
Iris Innovations, leader in affordable on-board camera security and situational awareness systems, announced today the release of a new line of ultra-affordable dual-spectrum IP thermal PTZ cameras – ATOM. The cameras feature a high definition two mega-pixel visual spectrum camera with 10x optical and 10x digital zoom, and two options of high-resolution 12-micron thermal cores (400×300 and 640×512 resolutions). Both options boast an ultra-sensitive detection range of <40mK. The cameras can interface over IP directly to Iris CMAC camera management systems and leading chart plotters, and...
Things in Fort Myers are starting to get back to normal after hurricane Ian. For me, that means getting back out on the water and testing marine electronics. One of my first post-hurricane on-the-water tests will be comparing the current crop of solid-state, enclosed dome radar units. I’ve planned this comparison test for an embarrassingly long time. But I haven’t been able to figure out how to mount all three units on my 22-foot test boat.
