electronics whiz either, as it’s easy to
use with friendly menus that even old
muggins here could understand.
GunRunnercan be run efficiently
with a very limited crew thanks to the
electronics package incorporating
the AP44 Auto Pilot controller and
interactive controls. The auto pilot
provides constant speed and direction
for the angler, and you can even
take regular peeks at the radar on
the repeater screen or your mobile
device to ensure the safety of your
course, allowing the skipper to leave
the flybridge to assist in the capture.
In addition, the NAIS-400 hub is
communicating with other vessels
via AIS, leaving you free to fight the
fish. You can even set radar alarms for
complete peace of mind.LET’S ROCK!
The Simrad system is completed by
the interactive connections to other
fixed and mobile devices.GunRunner
has connectivity to the SonicHub
entertainment system so the skipper
can control the music and its outlets,
even from his own phone. There are
digital readouts displaying caller ID
and phone settings as well.
I asked Scott what he thought the
best feature of his new electronics
package. He said: “The menus are so
intuitive – there’s nothing hard. I’ve
been marlin fishing for over 25 years,
starting on the NSW south coast and
now calling Port Stephens my home
port. I have never had such an easily
accessed array of vital information
available previously. It really improvesmy enjoyment and my success rate.”
One thing is for sure – this is a crew
who know their seamanship and their
equipment. The Viking 48GunRunner
is one of the top gameboats in the
country, backed up by a terrific package
of class-leading Simrad electronics and
put into practical use by a leading and
well-informed crew.
Whilst the fishing was a little slow on
this trip, we still managed to tag and
release a small marlin for young Luke
and boated a beast of a mahi mahi
that, at 23kg, gave Andrew a hiding for
an hour on 10kg line. Little wonder it
fought so hard – a very large visitor in a
dark grey suit destroyed its mate from
behind the gills early in the tussle. I’d
be struggling hard too with that beastie
on my tail!TOPThe twin MO19-Ts feel right at home in the standard dash
ABOVESimrad’s Halo Pulse Compression Radar has been a
revelation since its 2015 launch
LEFTA wonderful sight for fishos; a deadly apparition for fish68 tradeaboat.com.auElectronics Feature