Even amidst the ongoing pandemic, electronics manufacturers have kept themselves occupied by unveiling new products and enhancing technology for consumers. From newly designed chartplotters to upgraded steering systems, these innovations simplify a day out on the water and assist in monitoring your center-console boat—even from afar. Our editors selected a few of their preferred new gadgets. For anglers eager for cutting-edge technology, now is an ideal time to invest in a new radar, chartplotter, or enhance your boat’s safety kit.
Garmin’s GMR Fantom Enhancements
Garmin International presents the GMR Fantom 254/256 open-array radars, boasting 250W of pulse compression power, making it the highest-powered solid-state radar available. The Fantom 254/256 series incorporates Garmin’s trademark MotionScope technology to identify and spotlight moving targets in diverse colors, aiding users in avoiding possible collisions, spotting groups of birds, and tracking weather changes.
Now featuring more than double the power of the existing Fantom 124/126, the new Fantom 254/256 solid-state radars merge short- and long-range target detection capabilities for boaters and anglers. Enhanced attributes, such as scan-to-scan averaging and upgraded MARPA with Automatic Acquisition, boost target accuracy and increase visibility of what lies ahead, heightening a user’s situational awareness on the water.
These radars extend a target range from 20 feet up to 96 nautical miles. Using MotionScope technology and adjustable speed thresholds, this series promptly identifies moving targets in real-time—such as fellow vessels, bird flocks, or upcoming weather—with easily discernible colored highlights as targets near or move away from the boat.
The 4-foot Fantom 254 and 6-foot Fantom 256 open-array radars are currently available, retailing at $9,999 and $10,499, respectively. They are compatible with most chartplotters.
www.garmin.com
Standard Horizon Handheld VHF is Comprehensive
The HX890 from Standard Horizon is a high-end floating Class H DSC VHF/GPS that is packed with features in a robust new ergonomic case. Noteworthy new functions include two scrambler systems that ensure secure communications while on the water, an integrated FM broadcast band receiver, IPX8 submersible construction, 6 watts of transmitting power, a Group Monitor Function with Digital Selective Calling, a built-in 66-channel WAAS GPS receiver with waypoint and route navigation, and a man-overboard (MOB) function.
This radio features an oversized full-dot matrix display, is available in black or navy blue casings, comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, an alkaline battery tray, a 110VAC wall charger, a 220VAC adapter, a charging cradle, a 12VDC charger, and a PC programming cable, all supported by Standard Horizon’s 3-year waterproof warranty. Priced at $199.99.
www.standardhorizon.com
Modern Distress Flares for Today’s Era
Swap out traditional pyrotechnic flares for the new ResQFlare by ACR Electronics. This high-intensity LED electronic distress flare, along with the provided distress flag, is certified to meet the U.S. Coast Guard standards as a dependable and efficient alternative to onboard pyrotechnic flares. Both the ResQFlare and Flag are classified as approved Visual Distress Signals for daytime and nighttime use respectively, ensuring that recreational boaters in U.S. waters are well-equipped to signal for rescue in an emergency.
Significantly increasing survival and rescue odds by emitting the distinctive flash for the International Morse Code for S-O-S, the waterproof and buoyant ACR ResQFlare rights itself automatically in water, offering 360-degree visibility for over 6 miles. The distress flare’s high-efficiency electronics guarantee long operational life, with the LED strobe maintaining a 75 cd peak equivalent fixed intensity for over 20 hours, far exceeding USCG requirements. Compact, lightweight, and simple to use, the ResQFlare has a robust design and features a user-replaceable battery, making it a one-time purchase that provides years of service. The ResQFlare kit sells for $79.95.
www.acrartex.com
Simrad Unveils Next-Gen Chartplotter and Fishfinder
Simrad has launched its latest generation of chartplotters and fishfinders, equipped with a completely new operating system.
The Simrad NSX was designed as a midrange offering in the company’s lineup and incorporates many features typically found in higher-end models. A new, user-friendly touchscreen provides clear visuals and comes in 7”, 9”, or 12” display sizes.
The charts include robust C-MAP® navigation features and are compatible with sonar, radar, and autopilot systems. Simple Setup Wizards guide users through each step of device setup, while Simrad® app integration facilitates easy smartphone connectivity.
“Boating navigation electronics have advanced tremendously over the years, but with this product, we have really concentrated on making boating adventures and navigation simpler and more approachable than ever,” shared Mike Fargo, EVP of Simrad Yachting, in a press release. “The NSX redefines what a chartplotter and fishfinder can be, simplifying user experience from the moment it is unboxed to the furthest ocean adventures.”
The NSX aims to provide a wide eco-system for users, enabling the expansion of the multifunction display with additional features, easier integrations, and support for various third-party applications. Anglers can utilize NSX to view high-resolution images underwater and to the sides with Active Imaging and CHIRP sonar, SideScan/DownScan Imaging, and FishReveal, or explore deeper waters using a wide range of compatible transducers. Users can easily integrate with their radar and maximize their AutoPilot capabilities via Autorouting.
The Simrad NSX starts at $1,049, with more details available at www.simrad-yachting.com.
Fusion Apollo Stereo System Concealed
The Apollo WB670 incorporates essential audio advancements and innovative technology from the Apollo RA670, redesigned in a compact, space-efficient form factor made to optimize dashboard space at the helm.
Key highlights include Fusion’s Digital Signal Processing Technology, enhanced PartyBus-Network functionalities, Wi-Fi audio streaming compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, over-the-air software updates, and additional source options like Optical Audio for connecting to TVs. The WB670 features advanced connectivity options providing users convenience and flexibility in managing their entertainment system. You can connect an Apollo ERX400 wired remote via Ethernet for a full Apollo experience or use just a Garmin MFD via NMEA 2000 or Ethernet for a more streamlined setup.
Apollo has simplified the process of customizing your audio entertainment to achieve optimal sound quality throughout your boat. The WB670 costs $449.99, while the ERX400 is priced at $229.99.
www.fusionentertainment.com
VIEW MORE EDITOR’S CHOICE ELECTRONICS