(Excerpted from Pacific Yacht Systems)
Let’s take a look at some new tech that’s available for your boat. This is the perfect time to shop, plan, buy and install some new toys so that you can make the most of them this summer.
Raymarine Axiom UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
LightHouse 3 for Raymarine Axiom systems now offers fully integrated control of select DJI Mavic drones. Raymarine’s UAV integration offers boaters a birds-eye view of your surroundings directly on your Axiom navigation display. The Axiom UAV app automates many common tasks, including launch, airborne imaging, in-flight navigation, and return-to boat. You can fly to points of interest, waypoints or chart locations. Using GPS navigation, you can fly the drone to a precise location and watch it all on your multifunction display. You can use the “Fish-On” feature to instantly launch the UAV, start video recording, and automatically fly the camera in orbit around your boat. Axiom UAV is a standard part of the LightHouse 3 Operating System for Axiom, Axiom Pro and Axiom XL multifunction displays. Drones starting from $1,500 @ dji.com
Fusion Apollo WB670 Hideaway System
The Fusion Apollo WB670 hideaway system and ERX400 wired remote eliminate the need for a stereo head unit on the dash of your boat. The WB670 can be mounted in various locations like behind the helm or inside a center console, simplifying dash space. It can be controlled through a compatible Garmin multifunction display or with the ERX400 wired remote. With a 2.7-inch color display, its slim profile is ideal for spots where mounting depth is limited. The Apollo WB670 also features more source options, with Wifi Streaming, Bluetooth, UPnP, Optical Audio, advanced SiriusXM features and DAB+ radio available, AM/FM radio, AUX and USB connections ready at your fingertips. $450 for the WB670, $230 for the ERX400 @ westmarine.com or from [email protected]
ROKK Wireless “Edge” Waterproof Wireless Phone Charging Mount
The Edge securely holds and wirelessly charges your phone even in the harshest outdoor conditions. You now have more choice of how and where to install your phone mount and charger combo. Crowded consoles, side-mounting, flat and vertical surfaces are all suitable. Rotate your phone from portrait to landscape to view your favorite navigation app or fine-tune the position for the optimum viewing angle. Featuring Qi-certified wireless technology and a “Smart” LED that indicates when your phone is charging. Throw in foreign object detection and thermal cut-off, and you’re guaranteed safe, reliable charging in all environments. Charging is also possible through non-metallic, waterproof cases. $ 180 @ westmarine.com or from [email protected]
Icom M85 VHF Radio
The smallest, lightest, waterproof handheld on the market. The M85 can withstand hazardous environments at sea and on land, as it is built to MIL-STD 810. The IP67 waterproof rating protects the radio, even if dropped in the water. Its AquaQuake function prevents a water-logged speaker. It also features weather channels, priority scan, and favorite channels function for quick access to often-used channels. The M85 boasts 100 programmable land mobile channels and the easy to use built-in voice scrambler for private communications. The M85 user-friendly display includes icons and indicators like transmit power, VOX ON/OFF, battery status, scan, weather channel and more. For emergency situations, the M85 includes the MOB Alarm, Man Down and lone worker functions. If one of these functions is activated, the radio automatically makes an emergency alarm. In addition to VHF marine channels, the M85 covers 136–174MHz land mobile frequencies. Up to 100 programmable channels are available for land mobile-use at 2W output power, perfect for the cabin. $ 300 @ westmarine.com or from [email protected]
The Em-Trak B954
A small, lightweight Class B AIS Transceiver that offers more AIS information and targets at a maximum range. It is a high power 5W SOTDMA AIS that has a low power draw. The B954 combines WiFi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless connectivity and AIS data streaming to any mobile device or PC. It also includes a high performance integrated VHF antenna splitter, enabling the transceiver to share your existing VHF radio antenna without any loss of performance and fail-safe reliability. The B924 includes built-in intelligent connectivity, an integrated next-generation GPS and a unique FLEXI-FIT® bracket system that makes installation easy. $ 1,000 @ em-trak.com
