52 SEAMAGAZINE.COM MAY 2017
Simrad
Simrad’s NSS 9 evo3 blazes through detailed
charts and includes an integrated echo sounder
that features dual-channel CHIRP with indepen-
dent control, ForwardScan sonar, StructureScan
HD and 3D imaging capabilities. That means
users get wide-angle and deep-view images, so
the fi sh don’t stand a chance, and drivers can
look ahead of the vessel for collision avoidance.
Add Simrad’s Halo or Broadband 4G radar and
autopilot control as well as a host of accessories
including stereo functionality, satellite weather
information and feeds from multiple cameras.
The unit comes with integrated Bluetooth
and Wi-Fi — download charts and software
updates while cruising aboard the boat — and a
phone or tablet may be integrated as a repeater
with basic functionality. Because this MFD has
both full touchscreen capability and Simrad’s
WheelKey, users can switch between multi-
touch and full keypad control for the best of
both worlds without add-ons.Raymarine
Raymarine’s Axiom 9 comes in two versions:
as a basic chartplotter or enabled with the
manufacturer’s RealVision 3D sonar. Buyers can
combine CHIRP DownVision and SideVision into
a single transducer housing, and the gyro-stabi-
lized sonar compensates for boat movement,
delivering more accurate images. Powered by
the LightHouse 3 operating system and a quad
core processor, the system is scary-fast and
moves through the Navionics+ charts like
greased lightning. Raymarine’s other accesso-
ries that can be controlled by the MFD include
its Quantum radar, stereo, wind/speed/depth
instruments, engine room and remote cameras,
and its Evolution autopilot.
A neat feature is ClearCruise, object-recogni-
tion technology found in the new FLIR thermal
cameras that can interface with the Axiom
line. The system actively scans the surrounding
scene and looks for non-water objects such as
other boats, navigation aids, exposed rocks,
fl oating debris and lobster pots. Such objects
are highlighted on the display with a yellow
frame, and if a target is identifi ed, an alert calls
the driver’s attention to it even if he wasn’t
looking at the screen at the time.Garmin
This year, Garmin entered its entry-level
GPSMAP 942xs, which comes preloaded with
premium mapping (BlueChart g2 HD for coastal
charts and LakeVu for inland waters). CHIRP
technology is built in and the transducer is sold
separately. NMEA 0183 and 2000 connectivity
interfaces with autopilots, digital switching
panels, weather, FUSION-Link stereo, VHF
radio, AIS and other sensors. Again, Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth connectivity is built in, and much like
with Simrad’s products, users can draw (and
keep) their own charts. Dan Bartel, Garmin’s
vice president of global consumer sales, said,
“We’ve packed this plotter with industry-lead-
ing features, built-in conveniences and the
nine-inch touchscreen is new to the GPSMAP
lineup.”Comprehensive Capabilities
If the engines are the boat’s brawn, the MFD is the brain. Just about every kind
of functionality may be terminated at, and controlled by, the MFD, and more
is now packed into standalone models than ever. Owners can add sensors,
transducers, cameras and even enhanced radar features via unlockable soft-
ware keys. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are built into most units. Each brand off ers an
eye-crossing menu of options, which would be impossible to parse, but here’s
just a sample of this year’s Innovation Award entrants and the kind of punch
even small units now pack.
To the Web
Find out more about the products mentioned in this
story and products from other manufacturers:
Furunousa.com
Garmin.com
Humminbird.com
Navico.com
Raymarine.comRaymarine AXIOM ClearCruiseHome screen RealVision 3D FrontVu