Boats Electronics News

GPLink Launches Compact Remote Boat Tracker

North Carolina-based GPLink Remote Monitor-ing and Security has added to their innovative tracking technology solutions by shrinking the footprint and simplifying the installation of their devices. BoatWatch by GPLink is a remote tracker designed specifically for smaller vessels. The simple design and integrated battery make for a flexible but powerful tool for tracking assets of all types.The BoatWatch device is suited for either indoor or outdoor use and is equipped with rugged commercial housing.

Raytheon Anschütz Debuts New ECDIS Features

Raytheon Anschütz has released a range of new features for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) to improve specialized mission capabilities such as tactical operation and collaboration.The so-called "Plus Features" include a variety of navigational aids and overlays, which are typically required for coast guard or naval ships, offshore and research ships and megayachts.Raytheon Anschütz , a business of Raytheon Technologies, said other key features include:Search and rescue (SAR) operations based on IMO (International Maritime Organization) IAMSAR Manual Volume III…

Brunswick to Acquire Navico for $1B

Brunswick Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Navico for $1.05 billion, bringing to Brunswick's Advanced Systems Group (ASG) well-known marine electronics brands such as Lowrance, Simrad, B&G and C-MAP."The acquisition of Navico and its award-winning brands will immediately accelerate Brunswick’s ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification and Shared-Access) strategy, and support our vision to deliver distinctive new products and technology-enabled experiences,” said Dave Foulkes, Brunswick Corporation CEO.

Joystick Control System Makes Boating a Breeze

With its intuitive control and dynamic positioning capabilities, the Marex 3D Joystick system offers boaters a truly stress-free experience on the water.Harbor docking and undocking can be a challenge—even for experienced skippers. In narrow or confined spaces, the boater must operate the steering and main and auxiliary drives simultaneously, all while contending with the wind and waves. Now, a new joystick system simplifies this process, enabling boaters to perform these various operations with only one hand.

Customized Hybrid Drives Make Waves in Yachting and Passenger Service

Ecologically friendly, customized hybrid drives and ship control systems are gaining popularity with inland-water vessels.Once mostly found powering mega- and superyachts, hybrid drives are now finding their way onto commercial and private yachts from 33’ to 80’. The attraction is due to the hybrid drive’s sustainability. The combination of diesel and electric motors uses less fuel than a strictly gasoline motor without sacrificing performance. For instance, a megayacht that holds…

'RoboRat' Takes to the Water for 'Intelligent' Autopilot Test

Robosys Automation, developers of Voyager autonomous navigation systems, built in close collaboration with Ring Powercraft, Ambex Marine and DTC, Domo Tactical Communications have put the 'RoboRat' on trial in the Solent area, a trial showcasing Robosys’ latest intelligent autopilot software for commercial and recreational vessels and demonstrations for a multitude of applications are being scheduled throughout the summer. The ‘RoboRat’, designed for inshore reconnaissance/ survey…

JRC/Alphatron Marine Unveils New Autopilot System

JRC/Alphatron Marine announced the launch of a new autopilot system engineered to make vessels safer and more efficient.The adaptable AlphaPilot MFS-VR uses speed and draft information and it is suitable for multiple vessel types, including workboats, fast crew tender vessels, fishing boats, tugs, pleasure craft and more. As a successor to the AlphaSeaPilot MFC and MFA system, this new pilot can be used to retrofit and previous models or any other autopilot.The new MFS-VR is a speed adaptive, type approved and wheelmarked autopilot system.

FarSounder Turns 20

This year marks two decades that FarSounder has been dedicated to developing its unique 3D Forward Looking Sonar technology (3D FLS). Back in 2001, the company's founders saw a need for a solution to answer the question of what is in front of my vessel underwater right now. This real world issue has since been mitigated with the innovative Argos navigation sonar systems.“These 20 years have been a fascinating journey. We started by listening to the marketplace, focusing on delivering a high-quality product and providing superior customer service.

Teledyne Acquires FLIR

Industrial conglomerate Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) said it has completed its acquisition of thermal imaging cameras and sensors company FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLIR). FLIR will now be included in Teledyne’s Digital Imaging segment and operate under the name Teledyne FLIR.Under the terms of the cash-and-stock deal announced in January, FLIR stockholders received $28.00 per share in cash and 0.0718 shares of Teledyne common stock for each FLIR share, which implies a total purchase price of approximately $57.40 per FLIR share based on Teledyne’s closing price on May 13.

Dockmate Unveils New Wireless Remote Control Hardware

Dockmate, manufacturer of wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today its next generation of receivers that are built with advanced hardware and communication features.The new Dockmate receiver includes a modernized look and rugged design that is fully compatible with all electronic engine and thruster controls. The receiver is made completely of aluminum, waterproof to IP67 rating and measures a mere 9-inches by 8-inches by 3-inches. Additionally, installation is made easier with four newly-incorporated outside mounting slots…

Intelsat Adds Compact FlexMaritime 45cm Antenna Class

Satellite communications services provider Intelsat on Wednesday released a smaller antenna class for its FlexMaritime high-throughput satellite (HTS) service geared for leisure, fishing and commercial maritime vessels globally.The new maritime mobility solution enabled by the 45cm antenna is designed to bring a new level of broadband connectivity performance and affordability for fishing, leisure, tugs and other workboats, as well as smaller or coastal merchant ships, Intelsat said.Small enough to hand carry aboard vessels…

Caterpillar Marine Launches Gen II Displays

Caterpillar Marine has unveiled its second-generation Cat Marine Displays (CMD) used for monitoring all engine platforms, supporting different vessel applications for professional maritime use.The three CMD variants—Cat CMD5 (5” display), CMD8 (8” display), and CMD13 (13.3” display)—designed to provide operators easy access to current operating data and alarms for engines. The new displays are type-approved and environmentally sealed to be waterproof for a wide range of temperature operations.

C-MAP Launches New High-res Charts

Digital marine cartography and cloud-based mapping cmpany C-MAP announced the launch of new high-detail C-MAP DISCOVER and C-MAP REVEAL charts for Lowrance, Simrad and B&G chartplotters.The DISCOVER and REVEAL charts include new features like Custom Depth Shading, Shaded Relief for inland waters, subscription-free Easy Routing and more. The charts replace Insight PRO, Lake Insight HD, Precision Contour HD, MAX-N and MAX-N+ charts in the C-MAP line-up, greatly simplifying its chart portfolio.C-MAP DISCOVER Whether cruising…

Vesper Marine Announces Cortex Update

Marine electronics manufacturer Vesper Marine announced new features for existing and new Cortex owners with the upcoming release of an automatic software update – version 1.5.Designed to be future-proof, Cortex is built on a feature-rich and extremely powerful platform that will grow with new capabilities. Software updates are installed via the Cortex Onboard app and the latest version includes Directional Voice Alerts, Boat Network, Auto Orientation and an easy-to-use Setup Walkthrough.“When we created Cortex, we didn’t hold back,” said Brady Cox, CEO, Vesper Marine.

NOAA Begins Transition Exclusively to Electronic Navigation Charts

NOAA will begin to implement its sunset plan for paper nautical charts this month, starting with the current paper chart 18665 of Lake Tahoe. After August, NOAA’s electronic navigational chart will be the only NOAA nautical chart of the area.This is the first traditional paper chart to be fully supplanted by an electronic chart as part of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey Raster Sunset Plan, which includes a new process to notify mariners of the transition of individual paper charts to electronic charts.

New Compact VSAT from Intellian

Intellian announced the v45C, the smallest antenna the company has yet developed for the maritime satellite communications market. The C in the product name represents its compact form factor: this new 45cm unit will bring VSAT to new markets where there is limited space available for communications equipment, such as workboats, leisure craft, fishing boats, small commercial and government vessels.Intellian's recent launches have focused on enhancing user experience and capabilities with smaller VSAT solutions; first with the 60cm v60E antenna launched last year, and now the v45C.

Dockmate Upgrades Its Wireless Remote Control System

Dockmate, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today its next generation remote control transmitters and an all-new mounting option with a custom-designed fixed-mount, wireless charging Cradle.Key innovations in the upgraded hardware are an easier-to-use interface for the TWIN+ touch pad remote control and added wireless charging capability. The next generation of Dockmate remotes also gain the advanced functionality of a new vibration response…

Yacht Tech: New Features for Dockmate Wireless Remote Control System

Dockmate announced its next-gen remote control transmitters and an all-new mounting option with a custom-designed fixed-mount, wireless charging Cradle.According to the manufacturere, key advances in the upgraded hardware are an easier-to-use interface for the TWIN+ touch pad remote control and added wireless charging capability. The next generation of Dockmate remotes also gain the advanced functionality of a new vibration response, which means that they now have three types of feedback: visual (LEDs)…

Inmarsat Milestones: 10k Ships with Fleet Express Installed, 'Fleet Data Academy' Launched

Ship data consumption is booming, and as digitalization and data trends increasingly drive the maritime world, Inmarsat celebrated a pair of milestones, hitting the 10,000 vessel mark on Fleet Xpress installations and launching its "Fleet Data Academy."Traffic DoublesAccording to Inmarsat, the growth in Fleet Xpress now includes the world’s leading container ship and tanker owners, such as MOL, K-Line and Hapag-Lloyd, offshore support giants like Bourbon, Tidewater and Maersk Supply, as well as growing numbers of yachts, passenger ships and fishing boats.

Acoustic Tech Used to prep for America's Cup

INEOS TEAM UK needed accurate measurements of speed through water while training for the America’s Cup in waters with complex current flows. How did Nortek’s acoustic Doppler instrumentation meet their stringent demands for high performance?INEOS TEAM UK was formed to challenge for the 36th America’s Cup, to be held in New Zealand in 2021. They will compete in their new AC75 yacht named Britannia, a foiling monohull that flies over water on T-foils at speeds up to or exceeding 50 knots.The team represent the Royal Yacht Squadron…

Raytheon Anschütz Debuts 'Plug and Play' ECDIS

Raytheon Anschütz launched a new ECDIS in January 2021, the ECDIS NX Compact, which is a preconfigured system of a 24-inch panel-pc and the ECDIS NX software that is designed to make installation and operation easier and safer. Optimized for ECDIS retrofits, the panel-pc is equipped with interfaces for Ethernet and IEC 61161-1 (NMEA). With a software installation wizard and selectable standard configurations for newbuilding and retrofit installations, the operating system and the ECDIS software install semi-automatically…

SATCOM: Intellian Antennas get type approval from Telenor

Intellian announed that two of its  antenna systems, the v60Ka 2 and v100NX Ka, have gained type approval from Telenor Satellite for use on their THOR 7 Ka-band GEO satellite network. This means that the systems are now officially certified to take their place in service alongside Intellian’s v85NX, the first 85cm antenna to receive type approval on the network.The Intellian v100NX Ka is "future-proofed" according to the manufacturer, with a specially-tuned radome and reflector in anticipation of forthcoming 2.5GHz wideband Ka network services.

GOST Debuts New Satellite Tracking Antennas

Marine security, tracking, monitoring and video surveillance systems provider GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies) announced new antennas offering greater performance for its line of vessel tracking systems – the GOST IDP Series.Inmarsat Data Pro (IDP) is the next generation of communication satellites that have been fully operational for several years. The new GOST IDP Series supports a wide range of enhanced speed, security and location-based machine-to-machine (M2M) services.

Bandwidth Efficiency will Drive Maritime Digitalization

Gregory Darling and Applied Satellite Technology (AST) works with shipowners to help them use their bandwidth more efficiently for ship business and crew needs.When Gregory Darling, Group MD, AST, worked in the marine industry in the 1980s with a marine survey company, he needed to get word to one of his ships off of West Africa to recalibrate its course and head off to a new job. But the ship had left port, and radio calls to the ship went unanswered, resulting in two days of lost time and revenue.“That was frustrating and costly…

iSea: MAN Debuts New Electric Controls, Displays, for Workboats and Yachts

A new electrics case for yachts and work boats featuring a central electronics unit, bridge displays and a throttle lever is now available from MAN Engines under the iSea name, with all components designed  to simplify processes and operating procedures.An open system, they also provide a high degree of connectivity with other components that are commonly available on the market.The new electrics case records all of the engine data and compares it with pre-determined target values.

AIRMAR Hires Vlad as Marine Product Line Manager

Ultrasonic sonar and Chirp technology company AIRMAR Technology Corporation has hired Brian Vlad as Marine Product Line Manager. Vlad will focus on the direction and evolution of Airmar’s line of marine products, and joins with over 20 years of marine electronics experience, primarily in product development and line management.Vlad comes to Airmar following a lengthy career at Raymarine where he managed over 30 product introductions. In the role of Airmar’s Marine PLM, Vlad will…

KVH Unveils TracVision TV10 Antenna

KVH Industries, Inc. launched the newest marine satellite TV antenna in its TracVision series. A 1-meter ultra-high efficiency marine antenna, the TracVision TV10 provides the biggest coverage footprint in KVH’s TracVision series and is designed to provide boat owners, charter yacht guests and commercial vessel crews with access to live news, local channels and TV and movie programming from leading satellite TV providers worldwide.KVH describes TracVision TV10 as the world’s lightest 1-meter Ku-band marine satellite TV antenna.

Marine Electronics: New Display Aims to Simplify Ship Docking

Raytheon Anschütz is introducing a new “Docking Display” as an optional feature for the Conning NX navigational ship software.The Docking Display provides a navigator an overview of ship data at a glance and a chart window to facilitate docking. It is designed using Conning NX “widgets” that can be adapted and combined, as needed.“Operators will experience a never before possible situational awareness of the ship, its condition and influencing parameters in the docking maneuver,” said Jörg Schütt, Product Manager at Raytheon Anschütz.

Vesper Marine Begins Shipping New VHF Radio

Marine electronics manufacturer Vesper Marine announced its new VHF radio Cortex has completed certification requirements and has started shipping to distributors in late July.Cortex is the world’s first marine VHF radio with wireless touchscreen handsets, built-in Class B SOTDMA smartAIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring and is available through Vesper Marine’s network of distributors and dealers.“With the intention of completely changing the paradigm of on board VHF communications…

Intellian Completes Its Next Gen Global Xpress Portfolio

Intellian launches the latest in its next generation GX range of antennas: the GX60NX, designed specifically and now type approved for use with Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band VSAT network. This 65cm terminal, the smallest in the range, completes Intellian’s GX portfolio. The GX60NX is suited to smaller commercial vessels, and supports customers across all markets, including leisure and fishing.The Below Deck Terminal (BDT), single cable antenna connection and AptusNX control software are identical to those used for the larger GX100NX, which is already approved.

Sperry Marine, Telemar Yachting Secure Bridge Contract

A combination of global expertise and local presence enabled Sperry Marine and Telemar Yachting to secure a landmark leisure sector contract despite strict travel restrictions during the Coronavirus lockdown.With co-ordination between headquarters and local offices, the Sperry Marine network was able to support Telemar Yachting with sales support when tendering for a newbuilding to be built at the Crescent Custom Yachts of Richmond, British Columbia.The result of this exceptional…

Sperry Marine, Telemar Yachting Team on Superyacht Nav Systems

Sperry Marine and Telemar Yachting have collaborated on bridge systems for some of the world’s most advanced superyachts. A notable rerference is the 54-metre MLR, which has completed a successful first year of voyages with no downtime to its bridge systems, according to Sperry Marine.Built by Delta Marine Industries Inc. in Seattle, MLR features a complete Sperry Marine VisionMaster integrated bridge system comprising TotalWatch, dual ECDIS, X-band and S Band radar, Sperry Speedlog and Navigat compass systems.The bridge interface is a glass console, designed and installed by Telemar.

Airmar Debuts Bluetooth-Enabled Multi-Sensor

DST810 Transforms How Sailors and Power Boaters Receive Data and Calibrate SpeedAIRMAR Technology Corporation announced its depth/speed/temperature DST810 Smart Multisensor, an upgrade to the TRIDUCER Multisensor, the DST800. This new model builds adds several performance upgrades, including an integrated attitude sensor that adds immediate heel and trim data to its depth, speed through water and temperature offering. The attitude sensor can be easily calibrated once installed, which is especially helpful when the transducer…

Seastema Autopilot Achieves DNV GL Type Approval

Naval automation and navigation systems supplier Seastema said its SEAS-PILOT HCS autopilot system has been certified with the MED/4.16 Type Approval Certificate of Conformity by DNV GL.With this result, Seastema, a Fincantieri company, becomes the only Italian manufacturer, and one of the first worldwide, of a certified autopilot system in conformity with the new European regulation MED (Marine Equipment Directive) 2019/1397, the highest international standard in the marine sector.The…

KVH Elite Adds Mediterranean Region for Yachts

KVH Industries, Inc., announced that beginning June 1, it will add the Mediterranean region, a premier super yacht destination, to its KVH Elite service for unlimited HD-quality streaming onboard yachts. The dedicated service, which includes no overages or data limits, was initially launched last October in the Caribbean, where it was well-received by both private and charter yachts.KVH will continue to offer KVH Elite in the Caribbean—including Florida, the Caribbean, and the islands of the eastern Caribbean—in addition to beginning service in the Mediterranean…

New Dates for The South Coast Boat Show

The South Coast Boat Show, guided by Raymarine, has been rescheduled to the first weekend in July.  Following the escalation of the worldwide pandemic, and UK Government advice to practice social distancing in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the organizers have taken a pragmatic approach.The show will return to Ocean Village Marina in July 2020 featuring global power and sailing brands as well as an extensive land-based exhibition of ancillary services.

AecorLink Granted New Patent

AecorLink has been granted a new patent on its company's communication platform. The patented technology will further enhance the capacity for shore-ship communication via microwave links. The salient advantage with the patent allows the networks to further improve the capability providing high-speed and stable data connections.AecorLink AB a Swedish internet service provider targeting the maritime industry. A leader in providing microwave shore to ship connectivity, the company is operating techniques stretching from Wi-Fi, LTE4G to different satellite solutions.

Intellian Launches Next Gen Tri-band Product

Intellian announced the launch of its next generation tri-band product, the v240MT Gen-II antenna. Developed from the tri-band v240MT,  the new product adds many features, including the ability to operate multiple antennas via its dual data center capability, and enhanced Ku-band performance.The ability to switch between C-, Ku-, and Ka-bands, and between GEO, MEO and LEO orbits, makes the v240MT Gen-II truly vendor agnostic and allows customers to select the best and most economical provider at any time, without hardware modifications. The device is also modem agnostic.

Sperry Marine Launches NAVIGAT 2500 and 3500

Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine has announced the launch of NAVIGAT 2500 and 3500, its next generation high accuracy, maintenance-free Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG) compasses.Suitable for all types of vessels, the NAVIGAT family of compasses provide heading measurement in all kinds of dynamic conditions with compatibility to Sperry Marine CompassNet, the first networked heading management system.NAVIGAT 2500 and NAVIGAT 3500 are based on solid-state technology with no moving parts, offering compact size and low weight.

Furuno Launches Compact Satellite Compasses

Furuno has introduced two new compact Satellite Compasses.The SCX20 and SCX21 have added Baseline Target Architecture for multipath mitigation, accuracy. The four-antenna array of the SCX20 and SCX21 Satellite Compasses are configured in a manner that creates six unique baselines from which to calculate accurate heading information, even in severe environments.Satellite Compasses traditionally utilize a two- or three-antenna configuration that allows for a single baseline of data, which can present performance challenges on some vessels due to multipath interference caused by signal blockage.

Raymarine: Integrated Digital Switching

FLIR Systems, Inc. announced its Raymarine Axiom multifunction display (MFD) line is compatible with CZone digital control and monitoring systems. The collaboration enables boat builders and system integrators to deliver custom CZone digital switching solutions with rich graphical interfaces controlled through Raymarine’s line Axiom MFDs. CZone digital switching aims to simplify the installation of boat electrical systems through the replacement of complicated and often cumbersome traditional switch and fuse panels with networked digital switch interfaces…

B&G Debuts Zeus3S Glass Helm Display

B&G has launched the Zeus3S Glass Helm multifunction display system for large yachts. Available in 24-, 19- and 16-inch models, Zeus3S Glass Helm can be purchased as a standalone display or as a system packs including the display, GPS, keypad and accessories.The new Zeus3S Glass Helm displays allows sailors to have instant access to the sailing and system information due to a new iMX 8 integrated six-core processor. Zeus3S makes it possible to create custom helm layouts to suit any activity and switch seamlessly between layouts in an instant.

Best of 2019: myCharge Portable Charger

With the plethora of electronics carried today – Laptop, Cell Phone, Tablet, TV and Accessories –  portable power on the boat, on the go, is a must. The myCharge AdventureUltra Portable Charger packs a power punch to keep your running, a 13400mAh outdoor external battery pack with four ports (AC, USB-C, USB-A x2). Available for just over $50 on Amazon, the myCharge is recommended by the YachtingJournal.com staff, as tested during the summer and autumn of 2019.With a rugged and rubberized finish…

Alewijnse Tapped for AMELS 60 Superyacht

AMELS contracted Alewijnse Marine to perform the complete electrical systems installation on the first two vessels of its new range of Limited Edition AMELS 60 superyachts.The 60-meter long AMELS combines innovative naval architecture with hybrid propulsion technology.Alewijnse will deliver a total package of electrical installation and systems integration, encompassing an Integrated Bridge System, Audio-Video systems and IT network as well as the hybrid propulsion system.The electrical engineering phase is underway for the first AMELS 60.

Princecraft Launches Innovative Boat Models

Princecraft boats has announced the global launch of the all-new Platinum SE series premium fishing boat and the Vectra/Sportfisher pontoon series for model year 2020. Both categories have helped to redefine and expand the Princecraft brand beyond Quebec, giving the company the opportunity to continue its growth. Both the Vectra/Sportfisher and the Platinum SE have been in high demand with Princecraft dealers and customers as they offer the versatility, world-class quality and…

Intellian Launches v130NX

Intellian released the latest model in its new NX Series VSAT antenna portfolio. The v130NX is reported to be the world’s first Ku-Ka convertible VSAT terminal with a 1.25-m reflector, qualifying it for high-speed global Internet on ships, offshore vessels and superyachts.v130NX is a flexible system supporting Ku-band and Ka-band (2.5 GHz Wide) networks. It is also compatible with GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit), MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellations.

ACR Launches Next-Gen ResQLink PLB

ACR Electronics is launching its next-generation ResQLink Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) – the first and only buoyant PLBs designed using real-life survivor feedback. Providing a trusted and affordable link to rescue in a life-threatening situation, the new ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View PLBs introduce user-friendly design innovations and add enhanced functionality.Introducing ACR’s Optical Display Technology for even more reassurance and peace of mind, the ResQLink View’s screen displays all the beacon’s operational activities…

Simrad's New Pro Instrument Series

Announcing the Simrad I3005 and I3007 Professional Instrument Series. Offering easy touch control, the new 5-inch and 7-inch displays deliver a variety of attractive analog-style gauges and configurable digital data display layouts, as well as the ability to enable up to eight different functions simultaneously.Simrad I3005 and I3007 are IMO approved as a rudder angle indicator, heading repeater, rate-of-turn indicator (I3007 only), propeller pitch indicator and propeller revolution indicator…

Brunswick Sets New Records at FLIBS

Brunswick Corporation has announced that its Sea Ray, Boston Whaler and Mercury Marine brands have set multiple records during the 2019 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. Sea Ray, which launched an all-new 320 Sundancer Coupe at Ft. Lauderdale, saw a massive 80 percent increase in show sales from a year ago, demonstrating the success of its reinvention strategy. Boston Whaler continues to benefit from significant year-over-year sales growth in September and October, leading to a very successful Ft.

KVH Introduces TracVision UHD7

KVH Industries has introduced the TracVision UHD7, a high-performance 60 cm (24 inch) marine satellite TV antenna designed to provide boat owners, charter yacht guests, and commercial vessel crews with access to ultra high-definition (UHD) and 4K programming from DIRECTV as well as regular HD programming from other leading satellite TV providers. The system is on display at the Fort Lauderdale (FL) International Boat Show, October 30-November 3, in Booth 328.Designed for ease of installation and use…

Interview: Martin Kits van Heyningen, CEO, KVH

Connectivity is the backbone of modern maritime operations as ships and boats at sea increasingly become connected. We recently met with Martin Kits van Heyningen, CEO, KVH, to discuss the evolution of communication in the maritime sector and so much more, as KVH is diverse and engaged in a number of markets -- including autonomy for 10 years with work on about 30 different  platforms for self-driving vehicles.To start, give us a “State of KVH” today.We started originally in the leisure market…

AIS Provide Skidmarks on the Ocean

Many years ago, I received a call from an attorney who wanted me to get on the plane to Houston right away to take a look at damage on two ships that had collided in the approaches to Houston.He told me that both vessels had become confused, had started to turn and managed to occupy the same bit of ocean at the same time. His preliminary analysis indicated that, if he could prove the other vessel turned first, his vessel was in the clear.This was in the late eighties or early nineties, the course recorders had not been running, there was no VDR, and no electronic navigation record.

FLIR Introduces Raymarine DockSense Alert

FLIR Systems announced Raymarine DockSense Alert, a new addition to Raymarine’s intelligent docking technology line designed for a broader range of vessels. Raymarine DockSense, unveiled in early 2019, is the recreational marine industry’s first intelligent object recognition and motion-sensing assisted docking solution. Based on this patent pending technology, DockSense Alert can be installed on any boat to help captains safely monitor their surroundings and dock their boats with confidence.Similar to the driver-assist capabilities of today’s modern automobiles…

Dockmate Launches DockControl Software Solution

Dockmate U.S., which offers advanced handheld wireless remote controls for boats, has announced DockControl software for the ultimate in remote control customizability. Dockmate when combined with the DockControl software solution offers customers an off-the-shelf remote control solution that can be tailored to the real-world capabilities of their vessel and their own boating style.DockControl gives the installer the ability to program the remote control by choosing any combination of engine(s) and thruster(s) activation(s).

Vesper Marine Announces Cortex

Vesper Marine, a manufacturer of innovative marine electronics, announced the release of Cortex,  what the company said is the world’s first marine VHF radio with wireless touchscreen handsets, built-in Class B SOTDMA smartAIS transponder and remote vessel monitoring. “Innovation in AIS technology, touchscreen devices and vessel monitoring has skyrocketed in recent years, but marine VHF hasn’t kept pace and remains an anachronism,” said Jeff Robbins, CEO, Vesper Marine. “Cortex fundamentally changes how you interact with safety communication systems.”Cortex provides unparalleled safety by alerting boaters of collision risks…

KVH Named Official Supplier of American Magic

KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) has been named an Official Supplier of New York Yacht Club American Magic, a Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup. KVH has installed advanced satellite-based and cellular-based communications equipment for the team’s chase boats in order to facilitate high-speed data transmissions. In addition, KVH is providing high-performance fiber optic gyro (FOG)-based sensors to aid in performance metrics for the team’s race boats.The connectivity equipment KVH installed on American Magic’s chase boats includes: the TracPhone LTE-1…

YANMAR Introduces New Generation Electronics

YANMAR introduces its latest new-generation electronics with the launch of two new multi-purpose engine switch and instrument display solutions for boat owners. Compact and modern YANMAR display units offer market-leading solutions for a range of yachts, catamarans, motorboats and RIBs.The YANMAR YD42 Multi-Function Color Display and YD25 LCD Switch Panel Display offer innovative functionality and a compact and modern style to suit a range of yachts, catamarans, motorboats and RIBs.Featuring a low-profile glass helm design and a 4.1-inch full color screen…

The Relationship Between Marine Electronics and Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is becoming more prominent throughout marine electronics. Its uses range from allowing the leisure boat user to access internet-based entertainment, through to enabling commercial ship operators to monitor navigational data away from the ship.Wi-Fi itself was invented and released to consumers in 1997 and allowed two megabytes per second of data to be transferred wirelessly between devices. Over its 22-year history, Wi-Fi has developed in many ways. We are now in the age of Wi-Fi 6…

Inmarsat Enhances Superyacht Connectivity

Inmarsat has revealed plans to triple the number of satellites servicing its flagship Ka-band Global Xpress (GX) network, the high-capacity VSAT constellation behind its Fleet Xpress high-speed mobile broadband service, by 2023 to meet rapidly increasing user demand for data across the globe, including the Arctic region.Inmarsat’s GX fleet is currently composed of four satellites (GX1-4). The initial launches, the first of which is scheduled for this year, will see it augmented by three GX payloads (GX5, GX6A and GX6B) by 2021.

Boat Fix Announces 24/7/365 Service

Boat Fix, a leading telematics service for boat owners, has announced the launch of its unique vessel monitoring system and Boat Fix Advisors service worldwide.Boat Fix offers the boat owner 24/7/365 customer support. Designed for vessels of all types, ages and sizes, the Boat Fix service offers remote monitoring of all of the vital functions such as battery, bilge pump, shore power and engine hours. The system also enhances vessel security with its anti-theft device for outboard motors and GPS geofencing functionality…

IMOCA Appoints Iridium

Iridium Communications has announced that the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA), has named Iridium as their Official Communications Partner for the 2019-2021 race season. IMOCA has also chosen Thales as its partner and sole provider of Iridium Certus L-band broadband equipment and will equip the IMOCA racing fleet with their VesseLINK connectivity solution. From June 2019 to June 2021, IMOCA race teams will rely upon Iridium Certus as their primary means of satellite communication. Together, Iridium and Thales will provide satcom connectivity for several high-profile yachting events that attract a global audience…

smartAIS Data on Navionics Mobile Apps

Vesper Marine, a leading manufacturer of innovative marine safety products, has announced AIS data from Vesper Marine smartAIS transponders is now available on the Navionics apps Boating Marine  & Lakes  for Apple devices and Boating HD  Marine & Lakes  for Android devices.With this new feature, the app enables boaters to view Class A and Class B vessels and Aids to Navigation (AtoN) directly on the app’s nautical charts. Especially useful during low visibility and in heavy traffic areas…

Simrad Announces BoatConnect

Announcing the latest in remote, real-time vessel monitoring – Simrad BoatConnect provides boat owners with the ultimate peace of mind at an unparalleled value, keeping users informed of their boat’s location, battery level, trip history and more.Delivering important updates on a boat’s status to a compatible smartphone, BoatConnect is comprised of an easy-to-install hub and an easy-to-use app. Once installed, the solution provides at-a-glance information to enhance the boating experience.Perfect for trip planning…

Sperry Marine Delivers Superyacht Solution

Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine service engineers are used to responding to urgent demands for repairs, maintenance and system upgrades. When the crew of 46m superyacht Forwin had no one else to call, they asked the Sperry Marine service team to fix a problem that they didn’t even know they had.Built in Italy and originally operated in the Mediterranean Forwin was en route from its new home port in Hong Kong to the Maldives when the steering system malfunctioned, forcing the boat…

C-MAP: East Coast Charts Now Shipping

C-MAP said its C-MAP Reveal charts for the East Coast are now shipping. C-MAP Reveal cartography offers all the navigation data and capability of a C-MAP MAX-N+ card, plus ultra high-resolution bathymetric (HRB) imagery of the sea floor, including a clear view of structure, wrecks, isolated reefs and ledges in between the contour lines.The C-MAP Reveal imagery replaces shaded-relief data in select areas with more accurate depth variations, allowing it to reveal the best fishing and diving spots.

Navico Names Knut Frostad CEO

Navico, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad, B&G and C-MAP brands, announced on Thursday that its board of directors has appointed Knut Frostad as President and Chief Executive Officer.“Knut Frostad has been on Navico’s board for 14 years and brings solid experience in the industry and understanding of our business as former CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as director and advisor to several international companies,” said Hugo Maurstad, chairman of the board of NavicoFrostad’s day-to-day leadership of Navico will begin immediately…

First VHF Radio with Transmit/Receive AIS

B&G announced the release of the first VHF radio with a fully integrated Class B AIS transceiver, the V60-B VHF radio. For the first time, a VHF radio can transmit your vessel’s position over AIS. The V60-B has a large screen, intuitive interface, built-in AIS Class B transceiver, a front-mountable design for easy installation and optional wireless handsets with inductive charging.The AIS transceiver built into the V60-B can receive position data from other vessels like the original V60 but is also capable of sharing its position with nearby AIS-equipped vessels…

FLIR Introduces Raymarine Element S Nav Displays

FLIR Systems has announced Raymarine Element S, a new series of navigation displays for cruisers and sailors.Building on the success of FLIR’s Raymarine Element HV Series with HyperVision sonar, the Element S models feature a superior all-weather display, best-in-class speed, and straightforward operation, while delivering confidence-inspiring GPS navigation to captains who don’t want or need the capability or extra expense of sophisticated sonar.Element S is available in 7-, 9-…

Simrad Introduces P3007, P2005 GPS Series

Announcing the Simrad P3007 and P2005 GPS series – superior color displays offering intuitive touch control, high-accuracy position data and unmatched reliability. Available in a choice of 5- or 7-inch displays, the easy to operate systems enable distribution of position, course, speed, time and navigation data to other bridge systems such as radar, ECDIS and autopilot.An all-in-one solution designed to replace the MX612, MX610, and GN70, the P3007 GPS is IMO approved for SOLAS vessels.

Helikon Shipping Embraces Voyager Money

Bulk carrier operator Helikon Shipping has adopted Voyager Money, an innovative way to reduce onboard cash holdings, improve operating costs, and increase security.Voyager Money is provided by leading maritime data solutions provider Global Navigation Solutions (GNS) in partnership with international payments solution provider Caxton FX and is being adopted by shipowners who want to take the complexity out of cash management.Voyager Money provides an international payments and…

Raymarine: Unveiling Yamaha Outboard Integration

FLIR has announced the addition of Yamaha Command Link and Command Link Plus integration into Raymarine’s family of Axiom multifunction displays. This new capability is one of many new features introduced with the recent release of the LightHouse Annapolis 3.9 operating system for Axiom.Certified by Yamaha, Raymarine’s Axiom series of multifunction can now display the instrumentation for up to four Yamaha outboard engines on a single display. The Axiom engine data display echoes…

New Wi-Fi Gateway With Data Logging

Actisense launched tits Wi-Fi Gateway, the W2K-1, which also records a variety of marine vessel data.Actisense released the W2K-1, its NMEA 2000 Wi-Fi Gateway with data logging technology that has the ability to record navigational and engine data.The W2K-1 can transmit NMEA 2000 data using TCP and UPD while also offering support for conversion to NMEA 0183. In addition, the device has the ability to log a wide variety of vessel data such as position, speed, course, depth, wind speed and engine data.All data received from the vessel is logged on the W2K-1’s internal micro SD card…

Dockmate at Seawork International

Recently brought to the UK’s shores, Dockmate is a future proof, wireless remote-control boat steering system that can be fitted in less than a day on any boat or yacht across the country from driveway to dry dock. Designed to eliminate all the worry and uncertainty associated with docking, Dockmate has confirmed it will be exhibiting for the first time at this year’s Seawork International - Quayside.The team at Dockmate will demonstrate how its remote boat docking technology…

Tickfaw 200 Powerboat Poker Run

Once more renowned for picking strawberries not royal flushes, Livingston Parish now hosts Louisiana’s largest poker powerboat run, Tickfaw 200, bringing performance powerboaters to the bayou state in springtime. “It’s the Baja 500 and the Iditarod of powerboating,” said Keith Cacioppo, a lifelong boater with a 30-foot cruiser who’s attended The Tickfaw 200 for 11 straight years.Cacioppo has never run the 200, but is one of hundreds of spectator boats charging the event with energy and cheers.“My boat couldn’t handle it,” said Cacioppa. “This is for the big dogs.

NAUTIC-ON Wins 2019 Boating Industry Top Product Award

NAUTIC-ON has been selected as a 2019 Boating Industry Top Product winner for its Smart Boating Platform. The award recognizes the most innovative products introduced to the marine industry over the past year. NAUTIC-ON’s Smart Boating Platform goes beyond boat monitoring, providing a connected platform designed to improve the boating experience by delivering benefits to both boat owners and service providers.NAUTIC-ON will be a standard feature on 2020 Boston Whaler Models 25’ up and on all Sea Ray 2020 Sundancer and SLX models 25’ and above.Last year…

Fusion Launches New Apollo RA670 Stereo

Fusion offers the new Apollo RA670, a marine stereo featuring a brilliant, optically bonded, full-color LCD display, Fusion’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, Fusion-Link integration and control, multi-zone control in up to three audio zones and PartyBus capabilities when connected to a Wi-Fi or Apollo network; the RA670 is a powerful extension of the Apollo Series.The Apollo Series harnesses the power of Fusion’s DSP technology, designed to deliver premium audio  to all speakers in any environment.

B&G Announces WS700 Vertical Wind Sensor

B&G offers a new vertical wind sensor designed for racing and larger cruising yachts – the WS700.Almost 35 years since launching the first version of the 213 Masthead Unit, B&G engineered the WS700 was designed to be the most accurate and reliable sensor of its kind. Providing wind data with unparalleled accuracy, the instrument is mounted on a spar that elevates it above sail-plan disturbances. At the core of the WS700 sensor are new electronics that enable accurate measurements of wind angle and speed.

Broker sells four yachts in three months

Former big boat captain turned superyacht broker, Mark Elliott, sold four brokerage vessels during the first quarter of 2019, closing for $48 million. Three of the boats moved in March.Deals closed on M/Y Bella Una, a 127-foot Burger, as well as Christensen’s 164-foot M/Y Three Forks,124-foot M/Y Carte Blanche by Trinity, and 157-foot M/Y Carolina, a classic Feadship.The strong economy and consumer spending confidence demonstrate the yacht market has definitely bounced back. A veteran 20-year broker with IYC…

Nauti-Tech Launches Satellite Internet Service

FMC GlobalSat 4G/LTSAT is the fastest and most reliable marine wireless and satellite Internet service available. Available through its US-based distributor, Nauti-Tech, the next-generation cellular/VSAT bundles feature the new Kymeta MTenna flat panel antenna. With global satellite access using Ku band, it boasts un-throttled LTE/VSAT connectivity at 150Mbps on 4G/LTE and 5Mbps bandwidth on HTS satellite.Nauti-Tech offers a wide range of monthly plans ranging from 10GB–400GB.