The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is one of the biggest boat shows in the world, and a great place to see the newest marine electronics. Here are 10 of the latest items to check out in the electronics tent this year.
FLIR Thermal Cameras
The new M100 and M200 are FLIR’s most compact pan-and-tilt marine thermal cameras. Both feature the advanced FLIR Boson high-performance thermal core for superior video image quality. These thermal cameras offer the ClearCruise alert system when combined with a Raymarine Axiom multifunction display. ClearCruise thermal analytics visually and audibly warn you when a possible hazard is detected, so you don’t constantly stare at the video while underway. The new FLIR M-series thermal cameras start at $2,499.99; flir.com. Check them out at 321 in the electronics tent.
Fusion’s Big Speakers
Fusion’s new Signature Series 8.8-inch speakers combine Curv Cone composite technology with a silk dome tweeter and fully sealed crossover components to create a smooth upper frequency response and higher output. The 8.8-inch-diameter speakers feature a dual-color diffused LED lighting option that illuminates in either striking blue or sparkling white based on the polarity of the wiring. They carry a three-year warranty, and are available in Sports White or Sports Chrome. $499.99; fusionelectronics.com. See them out at 342 in the electronics tent.
Raymarine’s New Displays
Raymarine has expanded its Axiom series of MFDs with the introduction of the Axiom Pro. Available with 9-, 12- and 16-inch screens, the new line boasts additional features such as Raymarine’s HybridTouch that combining touch-screen controls with a keypad. RealVision 3D sonar is built in to all models. Axiom Pro is available with a 1,000-watt chirp sonar. In-plane switching display technology maximizes viewing angles and reduces blackouts when wearing polarized glasses. A quad-core processor delivers super-fast response times. Starting at $2,299.99, raymarine.com. Check them out at 321 in the electronics tent.
Garmin’s Virb 360 Camera
Garmin’s compact new Virb 360 is a waterproof 360-degree camera that captures video up to 5.7K/30fps. It features 4K Spherical Stabilization and four built-in microphones, and provides owners with customizable data overlays. Garmin’s free downloadable Virb app and desktop software lets you edit, stabilize, share and add data overlays to 360 video content. Voice control options allow for start and stop video. Still photo modes include single capture, burst and time lapse. With the Virb 360’s live-stream capabilities, you can also post to YouTube or Facebook Live. $799.99; garmin.com. You can see it at space 323 in the electronics tent.
Mercury’s New VesselView Display
Mercury Marine’s newest VesselView multifunction display for its marine engines, the VesselView903, features a bright nine-inch display with a 16×9 aspect ratio, and a high-definition glass touchscreen with a glare reducing coating and dimmable lighting. The advanced technology in the 903 is capable of integrating all Simrad accessories as the Simrad GO9 product line, including Simrad radar, transducers, AIS, VHF, SonicHub/Fusion Link/SiriusXM, CZone/Naviop digital switching and more. The Mercury VesselView903 features a built in 10Hz GPS and chart plotter. It also offers auto-notification of software updates through the embedded WiFi. The technology supports 16 languages and multiple units of measure. It also provides information for more than 30 engine parameters, including fuel level and cruising range, oil temperature and pressure, battery voltage, water depth, and more. Price unavailable at press time, mercurymarine.com. Check it out a booth 2012 in the convention center, or at spaces 1011 at the Bahia Mar.
Siren Security System
Siren Marine’s new MTC boat monitoring system offers around-the-clock vessel security via iOS and Android apps. It provides easy-to-install wireless and wired sensors to monitor elements ranging from battery banks, high bilge water and shore power-outages to anchor watch, fridge temperature, burglary and boat theft. It also lets you remotely control lights, air conditioning and battery switches from a smartphone or computer. Hardware packages start at $599, annual service plans start at $180; sirenmarine.com. See at space 509 in the marine equipment tent.
Simrad’s New AIS
Simrad’s new fully integrated NAIS 500 Class-B AIS transponder includes a dedicated GPS-500 receiver and networks with any NSS, NSO or GO series display, as well as the Simrad RS VHF systems. Compatible with NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183 and USB, the black-box module for the NAIS 500 weighs less than 9 ounces, and is simple to install in any configuration. It also meets meets IPX7 waterproof standards. Adding the NSPL 500 VHF Splitter Box with the NAIS 500 enables the sharing of a single VHF antenna for the NAIS 500 and a VHF fixed-mount radio. Starting at $929; simrad-yachting.com. Learn more at space 322 in the electronics tent.
Icom’s Color VHF
Icom’s newest fixed-mount VHF transceiver, M605, features a color display for optimal viewing under any lighting condition. A large 4.3-inch color TFT LCD display provides nearly a 180-degree viewing along with high-resolution characters. The night mode screen provides comfortable operation in the dark. The M605 lets you set up the radio with as many as three stations using the main unit and two remote CommandMics. The NMEA-2000-compatible M605 includes a GPS receiver and is also available with an integrated AIS receiver. Starting at $799.99; icom.com. See it at space 331 in the electronics tent.
Lowrance’s Big Screen
The new HDS Carbon 16 represents the biggest display ever from Lowrance Electronics. The high-definition SolarMAX HD enables a wider viewing angle and up to four panels in split-screen mode. Part of the new Lowrance HDS Carbon series, the 16 smoothly integrates with StructureScan 3D with SideScan and DownScan Imaging, StructureMap, Broadband Radar and SiriusXM Weather Chart Overlay. With Live Network Sonar, the16 allow use of two independent, live sonar sources at different locations — like the front and the back of the boat — from a single display. Starting at $4,999; lowrance.com. See it for yourself at space 322 in the electronics tent.
Furuno’s Newest Doppler Radar
Furuno has expanded its family of solid-state Doppler radar models with the new DRS6A-NXT open-array series. There are with three arrays available, including scanners measuring 40.8, 49.4 and 70.7 inches wide. The DRS6-NXT features Furuno’s Target Analyzer with solid-state pulse compression Doppler technology to identify approaching targets in red and safe targets in green. The Fast Target Tracking and Auto Target Acquire features let you monitor return with a target vector and echo trail. The RezBoost beam sharpening feature allows you to increase resolution. The radar’s Bird Mode helps you identify distant bird activity that can lead to find schools of feeding fish. $5,400 for the DRS6A-NXT module, plus the antenna; furunousa.com. Check it out at space 316 in the electronics tent.
