Embedded electronics: Navico tests its instruments in real conditions in Alicante
Navico Marine Electronics: A Hands-On Review
Navico, the parent company of B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance, recently showcased its range of marine electronics in real-world scenarios. Instead of a static trade show, they put their equipment to the test in various boating activities, from competitive sailing to deep-sea fishing. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights:
1. Dehler 30 – Connected Racing (B&G)
A ghost regatta, but real decisions.
Imagine a sailboat racing against no visible competitors, relying solely on B&G instruments. The Zeus S chartplotter, using integrated polar data, calculates the ideal route. Sensors feed data to the Triton Edge, which refines the true heading, wind, drift, and VMG. The Nemesis display provides clear, adaptable information, even in bright sunlight. With SailSteer™, every tack becomes a data-driven decision. This setup transforms each leg into a personal regatta, emphasizing precision and responsiveness.
2. Bavaria 42 – Family Cruising (B&G)
Heading offshore, as a family.
Pre-planning is key. Routes are created on a tablet using the B&G app, synchronized with the onboard system. The Reveal X1 cartography module provides detailed charts, 3D imagery, and integrated data. The Zeus SR display shows essential information, while the Nemesis displays and Triton Edge offer quick access to vital parameters like speed, wind, and heading. The interconnected system, using NMEA 2000, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, allows for remote monitoring and control, ensuring a safe and enjoyable family cruise.
3. Axopar 37 – Fast Navigation (Simrad)
Early morning departures are made easier with the Simrad NSS4 UltraWide displays. The Reveal X1 cartography shows detailed underwater terrain, while the vector charts display routes and port entrances. The NSX interface simplifies navigation between charts, sonar, cameras, radar, and AIS. The HALO 20+ radar detects distant targets, and the Navico Connect system monitors navigation parameters, battery levels, and other vital data. A Mastervolt power system ensures autonomy on long coastal voyages.
4. Arctic Luhrs 36 – Offshore Fishing (Simrad)
Venture far offshore with the Simrad NSS 4 providing essential navigation. The active CHIRP sonar scans the water column, identifying forage and pelagic fish. Data from CHIRP, Reveal X1 cartography, and AIS are combined to locate fishing zones. The HALO 3000 radar detects distant vessels and markers. The Active Imaging™ HD 3-in-1 module enhances the clarity of underwater targets. This technology provides a competitive edge in locating fish and optimizing fishing strategies.
5. Robalo R19 – Precision Coastal Fishing (Lowrance)
Precise reading, controlled silence.
Arrive at the fishing spot silently using the RECON SW trolling motor with GPS anchoring. The Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 HD transducer, mounted on a pole, scans the seabed. The HDS PRO 12″ displays the underwater terrain in detail, using Reveal 1 data. FishReveal identifies targets. The Active Target 2 provides live views of fish movements. This combination of technology makes fishing more precise and efficient.
6. Hydra-Sports – Immediate Responsiveness (Lowrance)
Immediate responsiveness, perfect reading.
Quickly locate fishing spots with the HDS PRO 12″ and Active Imaging™ HD, which map the seabed in real-time. The Elite FS 10″ displays a secondary chart with independent zoom. The RECON trolling motor locks the boat’s position silently. The side-scan sonar detects movement. This setup allows anglers to quickly identify and target fish with precision.
7. Pershing 80 – High-End Navigation (Simrad)
The Pershing 80 luxury yacht features a state-of-the-art helm with dual Simrad NSS4 16″ displays, Nemesis displays, and Navico Connect. The Reveal X1 cartography displays detailed charts, while the HALO 200 radar calculates CPA and TCPA. CHIRP, AIS, and environmental data are displayed in real-time. The C-MAP Reveal X bathymetric charts provide precise visualization of underwater terrain. The Navico Connect system centralizes all onboard information, providing seamless and efficient control.
Conclusion
Navico’s hands-on demonstration highlights the practical applications of its marine electronics. Whether sailing, fishing, or cruising, B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance offer powerful and user-friendly tools for safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable boating.
The event showcased the breadth and coherence of Navico’s ecosystem. The systems share a common goal: to make navigation more precise, readable, and responsive. The technology was not a gimmick, but a concrete tool, tested, proven, and integrated into every maneuver. This successful demonstration suggests that marine electronics are becoming increasingly intuitive and indispensable.
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