This year has witnessed an impressive wave of innovation in marine electronics. From new products designed to assist anglers in locating more fish, to systems that enhance navigation safety, facilitate on-water communication, and ensure smooth rides, there’s no shortage of exciting advancements. Some of these products also come at surprisingly affordable prices, which is a welcome change in the marine electronics market. We’re hopeful this trend will continue. Let’s dive into a selection of the latest marine electronics and technology to keep an eye on for 2025.
Courtesy FLIR
FLIR Ocean Scout Pro
The FLIR Ocean Scout Pro is a compact handheld thermal imaging scope that elevates nighttime boating safety with a detection range of up to 500 meters and a 32-degree field of view. It’s designed for simplicity, featuring a one-finger button that manages zoom, brightness, and standby modes. Beyond just viewing, it records photos and videos and includes a wireless app for file management and transfer. With an IP67 rating and a six-hour battery life on a single charge, it’s also incredibly user-friendly, offering various viewing palettes like White Hot and Grayscale for clear visibility. Priced at $2,395; for more details, visit flir.com.
Courtesy Lowrance
Lowrance Elite FS 10/12
Introducing Lowrance’s new Elite FS series, featuring impressive 10- and 12-inch touchscreen models. With built-in support for ActiveTarget 2 live sonar, these units deliver high-resolution images of fish and underwater structures. They also come equipped with chirp, SideScan, and DownScan Imaging enhanced by the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar system. Connectivity doesn’t fall short either; enjoy NMEA 2000, wireless, and Ethernet options. Plus, C-Map Discover Onboard’s inland and coastal charts are pre-installed. Prices start at $1,799 for the Elite FS 10 and climb to $2,299 for the Elite FS 12; for more, check lowrance.com.
Courtesy ACR
ACR Bivy Stick Mesh
The innovative Bivy Stick Mesh from ACR Electronics is the first satellite messenger to combine advanced LoRa-enabled mesh networking with the Iridium satellite network. This powerful combination allows seamless communication without the need for cellular connectivity, making it perfect for offshore anglers. Device-to-device messaging is significantly faster compared to traditional satellite methods, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are. Currently awaiting FCC approval, pricing details are yet to be announced; keep an eye on bivystick.com for updates.
Courtesy Furuno
Furuno TZtouchXL Multifunction Displays
The newly launched TZtouchXL series by Furuno offers five different sizes, each packed with exciting features. Anglers can conveniently purchase and download TZ Maps electronic charts directly through the multi-function display (MFD) while connected to the internet. Plus, users can update charted objects as needed. These charts include BathyVision, which offers a bottom-contour resolution three times that of typical bathymetric charts. When paired with a Furuno DRS radar, these MFDs provide a Risk Visualizer feature, giving users a complete 360-degree view of potential collision risks, along with an AI Avoidance Route for safe navigation. The 10-inch TZT10X and the 13-inch TZT13X models integrate multitouch control alongside Furuno’s RotoKey control knob. The all-glass displays—ranging from 16 inches to 24 inches—feature stunning super-wide touchscreens. Prices vary from $2,595 to $11,995; further details can be found at furunousa.com.
Courtesy Siren Marine
Siren 3 Connected Boat System
Introducing Siren Marine’s compact Siren 3 Connected Boat system—a robust solution for security, monitoring, control, and maintenance tailored specifically for small to midsize outboard-powered boats like bay boats and flats skiffs. With the accompanying Siren Connected Boat app, fishermen can monitor and control onboard systems anytime and anywhere. The system accommodates up to six wireless sensors via SirenWave, a unique communication protocol that ensures fast, reliable connections. Moreover, the internal antenna design minimizes space requirements, fitting perfectly in smaller boats. It’s also compatible with the NMEA 2000 network and the Yamaha CommandLink for mechanical engines up to 300 hp. Anticipated release is in spring 2025, starting at just $299; learn more at sirenmarine.com.
Courtesy Seakeeper
Seakeeper Ride 750 and 750 Quad
Seakeeper has unveiled two cutting-edge electronically controlled stabilization systems called the Ride 750 and 750 Quad, designed for boats measuring between 37 and 42 feet in overall length. These systems feature electronic sensors and high-speed actuators that significantly reduce pitch and roll, improving comfort on the water. The Ride 750 utilizes larger controllers, while the 750 Quad offers four smaller controllers for tighter spaces. Both systems utilize aluminum components, showcasing a shift from their earlier composite constructions. Pricing ranges from $17,500 for the Ride 750 to $20,500 for the Ride 750 Quad; details are available at ride.seakeeper.com.
Courtesy Humminbird
Humminbird Xplore With Mega Live 2
Introducing Humminbird’s new Xplore series, showcasing advanced displays that flaunt Cross Touch control, enhanced waypoint management, and user-friendly Lakemaster and Coastmaster mapping. Equipped with a powerful quad-core processor and customizable side buttons, anglers can swiftly access vital features. Available in 9-, 10-, and 12-inch models, Xplore facilitates seamless integration with the One-Boat Network, allowing control over compatible systems, including Minn Kota trolling motors. Not to mention, it also encompasses the latest Humminbird Mega Live 2 forward-facing sonar system, boasting improved clarity and a remarkable 15 color palettes for optimal fish detection. Prices commence at $1,299.99 for Xplore and $1,499.99 for Mega Live; check humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com for more information.
Courtesy Garmin
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Garmin’s latest SOS satellite communicator, the inReach Messenger Plus, empowers boating anglers with the ability to send both photo and voice messages, even when cellular service is unavailable. With an impressive battery life that stretches for weeks, this two-way satellite communicator supports two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS functionalities. Additionally, it is water-rated to IPX7, ensuring resistance to accidental immersion in water up to a meter for 30 minutes. In case of emergencies, the inReach Messenger Plus works in tandem with the Garmin Messenger app to send interactive SOS messages to Garmin Response, a 24/7 internationally staffed emergency coordination center. Priced at $499.99 with an active satellite subscription starting at $14.99 per month; find more details at garmin.com/marine.
Courtesy Skyhawk
Skyhawk Oversea Boat-Monitoring System
The Skyhawk Oversea system is an affordable, easy-to-install solution for any vessel, designed to provide real-time location tracking on demand. It features a compact wireless hub that monitors vessel bearing to detect movement. To enhance your experience, a network of battery-powered RF wireless sensors can be utilized to keep an eye on bilge pump activity, battery voltage, shore power, temperature, humidity, water levels, motion, door access, and even sound detection. Alerts and monitored data are conveniently sent to the Oversea app over the cellular network. Powered by replaceable batteries, both the hub and sensors function long-term without depleting the boat’s batteries. Starting at $299.99 for the hub (with sensors priced at $69.99 each), and a ‘Fisherman’s Bundle’ available for $499.99, which includes the hub and select sensors; please note a cellular subscription is required. For more details, check oversea.boats.
Courtesy Koden
Koden Sirius 12 Stabilized Binoculars
Koden has entered the market of gyrostabilized binoculars with their compact Sirius 12 model, which features electronic stabilization. Crafted in Japan with high-quality optics and robust internal components, these binoculars offer powerful 12x magnification, perfect for spotting boats, hazards, breaking fish, diving birds, and more. The included six-axis electronic gyro-sensor prevents the binoculars from succumbing to the rocking and rolling of the boat. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, textured surfaces for a secure grip, and an oil-repellent coating for the lenses, they are built for practical use. One AA alkaline battery keeps them operating for an impressive 12 hours. Priced at $699; explore further at si-tex.com/koden.
Read Next: AI Tech for Safer Navigation
Courtesy ReLi3On
ReLi3On RB100-HP Dual-Purpose Battery
The RB100-HP lithium-ion phosphate battery from ReLi3On is designed to function as both a starting and deep-cycle battery, with the added benefit of being significantly lighter than traditional AGM batteries while retaining the same size dimensions. Unlike most marine lithium batteries, which are made solely for deep-cycle applications, the RB100-HP is engineered to provide high bursts of energy, crucial for starting marine engines, including powerful outboards. It boasts the capability of delivering 800 marine cranking amps for over eight seconds. Furthermore, it can safely accept conventional 12-volt electrical charging profiles produced by compatible outboard engines. This dual-purpose battery is presently approved by ReLi3On and Mercury Marine for various Mercury outboards ranging from 75 to 600 hp. Retail priced at $999.95; check relionbattery.com for more information.