The Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 14-18) stands as the best place to see the latest in boats, motors and marine accessories all in one amazing venue. I really love marine electronics, and you'll find me in the electronics tent, checking out the cutting-edge advancements from a wide range of brands. Here is my list of 10 must-see items this year in Miami.
Swing by the Garmin booth and ask about the new Pantoptix LiveScope LVS12 transducer. It offers both 30-degree forward and down real-time scanning sonar views with Garmin GPSMAP 8400/8600xsv multifunction displays without the need for a black box module. Panoptix LiveScope delivers sonar images in real-time –allowing anglers can see images and movement so clear and precise that it's possible to distinguish between species of fish. You can view both modes simultaneously or individually. The LVS12 includes a trolling motor mounting kit, as well as a transom mount kit. $499.99; garmin.com
You'll want to stop at the Furuno booth and check out the FM4800 an all-in-one marine VHF with built-in Class D DSC, GPS receiver, AIS receiver, and simplified loudhailer with intercom. Furuno calls it a multi-tool. The FM4800 can be bracket or flush mounted. The AIS function of the 25-watt VHF can be used to overlay AIS targets with an integrated chart plotter via NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 protocols. DSC calling can be placed directly from a networked Furuno TZtouch2 display by tapping on and selecting a AIS/DSC target. In addition, when MOB (Man Overboard) is activated on a TZtouch2 MFD, the FM4800 lets you initiate a distress call by simply pushing the rotary knob. $595, furunousa.com
Raymarine has debuted the Element series of combo sonar/GPS displays featuring the RealVision 3D and new HyperVision technology. The HyperVision utilizes ultra-high 1.2 MHz chirp sonar frequency to enhance DownVision, SideVision, and RealVision 3D, according to Raymarine. Designed for simplified use, Element's new LightHouse Sport operating system and intuitive keypad controls let anglers quickly mark their favorite fishing spots and create their own high-definition bathymetric maps using the new Raymarine RealBathy realtime sonar map generator. The Element series includes 7-, 9- and 12-inch display models. $799.99 to $2,249.99; raymarine.com
The Aurora handheld scope from SiOnyx is a day/night action camera utilizing "ultra-lowlight technology." This enables color images and video during the day and twilight, combined with high-resolution viewing (and the ability to shoot stills and video) in near total darkness. Bright light will not damage the Aurora's photo receptors. The Aurora also lets you zoom in on objects to get more detail, if necessary. The Aurora includes a GPS, an accelerometer, a compass and a clock to accurately guide your way, day or night. The GPS will geotag and time stamp images and video. $799, sionyx.com
Icom has announced a partnership with Iridium Communications, Inc. to develop a new satellite push-to-talk handheld radio that uses the Iridium satellite network. The compact Icom Sat 100 will enable communications anywhere on earth using Iriduim's interconnected satellite constellation. In addition to a vastly expanding the communications range for all kinds of customers, Iridium's satellite system will ensure stable communications, even in the face of large-scale disasters that might disrupt terrestrial networks. Shipment time and price of the product were not available as of this writing, icomamerica.com.
Check out C-Map's Max-N+, now with more detailed depth contour data thanks to the new Coastal High Resolution Bathy (HRB) feature. Combined with the custom depth shading available in all Lowrance and Simrad chartplotters, HRB can be especially helpful to fisherman who are looking to highlight those areas where fish gravitate. It also allows users to turn off the layer for a cleaner look while navigating. The new HRB is available in Max-N+ charts for virtually all U.S. coastal regions, as well as the Bahamas. $199 for local charts, $399 for wide-area coverage, c-map.com
Stop by the Fusion marine audio booth and take a gander at the new ARX70 ANT wireless stereo remote. It is easy-to-install and gives users the freedom to control their compatible Fusion marine entertainment system from anywhere on the boat. Featuring a compact design, IPX7 water-resistant remote can be installed without cutting holes or running wires. The peel-and-stick adhesive lets you put it virtually anywhere. Multiple ARX remotes can be installed across the boat with one or more in each zone. The ARX70 is powered by a CR2032 battery, with a typical 1-year battery life. Available in black or white. $59.99, fusionentertainment.com.
Stop by the Lowrance booth to see the new HDS Live multifunction displays. Available with 7-, 9-, 12- and 16-inch screens, the HDS units include Live Sight imaging sonar (with an optional transducer) that shows the underwater world real time. HDS Live also includes Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which combines chirp with SideScan and DownScan imaging and enhances FishReveal with higher-level clarity. Genesis Live charting uses digital depth data to create depth-contour overlays on charts in ½-foot intervals. On entertainment side, the two largest MFDs can display information from a smart devices using the new LiveCast feature. From $949 to $4,499 (excluding Active Imaging and LiveSight), lowrance.com.
Swing by the Simrad display and take a look at the Halo24 dome radar. With a 60-rpm rotation at distances up to two nautical miles, Halo24 offers up to a 48-nautical mile range, and will process multiple ranges. In addition, this radar features VelocityTrack Doppler technology instant visual feedback on the motion of radar targets. It color codes approaching vessels for greater situational awareness. The Halo24 will also be available in Simrad two sister brands – B&G (for the sailing market) and Lowrance. It will integrate with all current MFDs. $2,699, simrad-yachting.com
While you're at the show, check out the HX40 handheld VHF from Standard Horizon features an ultra-compact, waterproof case and packs 6 watts of transmit power. You can select presets of your 10 favorite channels, and scan multiple channels using the easy to operate menu system. Boasting a three-year warranty, the HX40 offers NOAA weather channels with weather alert. It also has an FM broadcast radio receiver. $119.99, standardhorizon.com
