Scanstrut ROKK Charge Pro

$61.95; westmarine.com

USB and USB-C connections can be vulnerable to corrosion in moist and salty air if they aren’t protected. Scanstrut makes an entire series of ports with water-resistant covers that keep them dry when not in use. In fact, a new series, the ROKK Charge Pro, is also water-resistant when cords are in place.

The SC-Multi-F2 Flip Pro Duo has plenty of versatility, with USB and USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket. The unit mounts in dual 1-inch-diameter holes and requires a 10-amp fuse. With a 12- or 24-volt supply to the charging socket, power is also jumped to the USB ports. At 12 volts’ input, the Flip Pro can charge two phones at 36 watts each. When not in use, the cover snaps tightly over the ports, forming an IPX4 waterproof seal.

• Overall Dimensions: 0.78″ x 3.15″ x 1.73″
• Footprint Dimensions: 3.15″ x 1.73″
• Cutting Dimensions: Dual 1.25″ holes, 1.5″ on center  
• Waterproof Rating: IPX4 (splashing water)
• Voltage Input: 12/24
• Fuse: 10 amp
• Output 12 Volts: 36 watts x 2
• Output 24 Volts: 60 watts x 2

Mounting Tips: Install using existing 12-volt outlet plug and wire. Mask the second hole to avoid chipping and tear-out, secure template over existing hole, and drill with a 1-inch step drill bit.

Scanstrut Flip Pro Series

$68.95; amazon.com

The ROKK Charge Pro remains waterproof while in use thanks to the cap that closes over the dual parallel USB plugs. The SC-USB-2 is equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports. It can charge two devices at 36 watts on 12 volts with 60 watts’ output. It takes only a single 1 ¹/₈-inch-diameter hole to mount the device, and it requires a 10-amp fuse in the power line. When connected, and with the lid closed, the device is IPX6 waterproof.

• Overall Dimensions: 1.14″ x 1.53″ x 3.7″
• Footprint Dimensions: 1.53″ x 3.7″
• Cutting Dimensions: 1.125″ hole 
• Waterproof Rating: IPX 6 closed (sprayed stream)
• Voltage Input: 12/24
• Fuse: 10 amp
• Output 12 Volts: 36 watts
• Output 24 Volts: 60 watts

Mounting Tips: Be sure of clearance behind the bulkhead. Mask the drill area to reduce chipping. Drill with a 1-inch step drill bit.

Scanstrut Edge

$124.80; amazon.com

Scanstrut spans the Atlantic, with headquarters in America and the UK. They make brackets, mounts, and struts for everything from smartphones and radar to topside chart-plotter pods and iPads/tablets.

The Scanstrut Edge is a waterproof, wireless, inductive charger on a swivel pedestal designed to be mounted to the dash or bulkhead. Mounting it requires two screws and a power-cord hole, all hidden by the device once it is installed. Spring-loaded “jaws” expand to accept the phone and hold it securely while inductive 10-watt charging begins. The pedestal allows the phone to be tilted 60 degrees or swiveled from vertical to landscape mode, enhancing viewing—a particularly useful feature when the phone is used for navigation.

As an alternative, Scanstrut’s Active ($149.99, westmarine.com) wireless charger mounts only the flat clamping portion to any bulkhead. We find them mounted on dashboard bow-seating areas or compartments and cubbies, where phones are less likely to be viewed and used in place but still quickly available. Both mounts are sleek and complement the looks of dash panels and other bulkheads; mounting several avoids the need for crews to swap and share.

• Overall Dimensions: 2.9″ x 8.17″
• Footprint Dimensions: 2.16″ diameter
• Cutting Dimensions: Three ¹/₈” screw holes, one ¹/₄” power-line hole
• Waterproof Rating: IPX6 (sprayed stream)
• Voltage Input: 12/24
• Fuse: 10 amp
• Output 12 Volts: 10 watts
• Output 24 Volts: 10 watts

Mounting Tips: Be sure that the mounting area allows for 60-degree tilt and 90-degree vertical rotation to landscape orientation. Also be sure that the mounting charger and holder won’t block the view of other items on the dash. Attach the template to the surface-mount area, and mark holes with an awl. Operate drill in reverse through the gelcoat to prevent chipping, then drill normally to finish. 

Read Next: How To Install a Marine Wireless Cell Phone Booster Aboard Your Boat

Peak Design Phone Cases

Varies; amazon.com

Peak Design’s expertise is in camera cases, packs, tripods and camera slings, plus modular-style phone cases and chargers, all of which barely scratch the surface of their accessorizing prowess. Modular accessories allow the owner to move phones from boat to bike to car to desktop to bedside, securing phones while charging them. Cases are available for most popular phones, and magnetic inductive bases work with or without Peak Design cases.

Peak phone cases (from $40) have a shallow, metal-rimmed socket on the back, which engages with the retractable teeth of various mounts. Buttons on either side of the square-mount base release the phone. While engaged, the case holds the phone firmly, even in sudden stops, unexpected potholes, and rough water. Charging bases (from $40) connect to the boat’s 12- or 24-volt power system with USB-C/USB-A cables for inductive charging. Mounting bases (from $40) with 1-inch balls to connect to clamping mounts from Peak Design or suction-cup mounts by makers such as RAM Mounts. Silicone-rubber pipe straps offer another handy option to mount a phone at the helm on a rail or grab bar.

Adhesive dash mounts are also available. Though Peak Design’s adhesive base is flexible to conform to contoured surfaces, we found them more reliable on flat surfaces. 

• Overall Dimensions: Varies
• Footprint Dimensions: 1″ to 3″
• Cutting Dimensions: NA
• Waterproof Rating: NA
• Voltage Input: 12/24
• Output 12 Volts: 15 watts
• Output 24 Volts: 15 watts

Mounting Tips: Adhesive mounting is tricky. Follow the instructions, and don’t use the mount for 24 hours. Suction-cup mounts need a perfectly clean, flat surface. If possible, use a rubber gasket under the pipe-clamp mounts. Mount devices where they aren’t likely to be brushed against.

The post Phone Charging and Mounting Systems for Boats appeared first on Boating Mag.

In the simplest of terms, an AC generator supplies power directly to a 120-volt circuit to run AC accessories throughout a boat, as well as charge the boat’s batteries (through an AC-to-­DC charger). A DC generator, on the other hand, directly charges the boat’s batteries, which can, in turn, provide 120-volt power via an onboard DC-to-AC electrical inverter system.

One important ­caveat: Inverters are generally more limited in the AC power that they can supply versus a more robust AC generator. Accordingly, this generally limits the primary market for DC ­generators to boats less than about 55 feet in length overall.

That said, a DC generator can eliminate much of the complicated AC shore-power rigging and provide a seamless transition between the DC and AC systems, says Chad Godwin, OEM sales ­director for Fischer Panda, which currently offers two diesel-powered DC generators, as well as a full line of AC generators. The 12-volt AGT5 delivers 12 volts at 272 amps and is rated at 5 kW; the AGT6 produces 24/48 volts at 192/96.5 amps and is rated at 5.5 kW. The company also builds custom DC generators for boatbuilders.

Lending impetus to the development of DC generators is the growing use of marine lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) house batteries, which are lighter in weight, provide greater storage capacity, and recharge faster than traditional lead-acid AGM batteries. “A diesel-powered DC generator represents a near-perfect complement, providing faster, quieter, safer, and more-effective low-rpm charging than most outboard engines can deliver,” Godwin contends.

DC generators also weigh less, require less space, and consume less fuel than AC ­generators. “The AGT generators can weigh 50 percent less than a comparable AC generator and are up to 30 percent smaller in size,” Godwin says. “Because you don’t have to continuously run a DC generator to power AC accessories, it consumes less fuel than an AC generator.”

In many ways, ­Fischer Panda’s DC generators are an answer to ­Navico’s ­Fathom e-Power ­system. Instead of a marine ­generator, Fathom uses high-output alternators in select Mercury outboards to supply DC power to charge a bank of LiFePO4 house batteries. However, outboards need to rev at fairly high rpm to ensure that the battery system can keep up with heavier-­load accessories such as an air conditioner. The Fischer Panda AGT6 8.8 hp generator provides an ­effective alternative when using outboards at low rpm such as when slow-trolling. Of course, the Fischer ­Panda DC generators require that most boats have a separate diesel-fuel system. 

Like the Fathom ­system, Fischer Panda’s AGT generators also have an ­automatic feature that monitors a boat’s battery bank and turns on and off in auto mode to keep ­batteries ­correctly charged. 

These water-cooled ­generators are also ­extremely quiet, ­registering just 66 dB(A) for the AGT6 when measured at a distance of 7 meters, according to Fischer Panda. These lower sound levels, combined with ­intermittent usage, mean you could conceivably run the generator in a mooring or in an anchorage without unduly annoying your ­neighboring boaters.

Read Next: AGM vs. Lithium Batteries

The diesel-fuel requirement for the AGT system presents both benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, diesel exhaust minimizes those dangerous carbon-monoxide fumes associated with gasoline exhaust. On the downside, as pointed out earlier, a fuel tank dedicated to diesel fuel will be needed aboard almost any outboard-­powered boat equipped with this generator system.

Fischer Panda is currently supplying DC generators to four boatbuilders for outboard-powered models within each of their ­lineups. This includes the new ­Regal 50 SAV, which features the factory-installed DC generator system that it has dubbed “LivePower.”

The post The Benefits of Direct-Current Marine Generators appeared first on Boating Mag.

If you want to boat more safely at night, night-vision technology can help minimize your odds of getting off course or missing a hidden ­aid-to-navigation post or piece of flotsam. There are two basic technologies to open night eyes. Let’s see what those are.

As Far As the Eye Can See

Light is electromagnetic energy measured in nanometers. The human eye can see wavelengths between 380 nm, beginning at violet and bordering on ultraviolet, and 700 nm, which is red and bordering on invisible infrared. The shorter wavelengths of violet and blue range from 380 nm to about 500 nm. They are weaker and are the first to fade from human visibility in low light. From 500 nm to 600 nm—the end of blue to the beginning of red—the waves are longer and stronger, and are last to fade from visibility. Past 700 nm, the waves are long, strong and invisible. But you can feel them—they emit infrared heat.

Feeling the Heat

Optics such as those offered by X Vision and FLIR sense infrared light waves and can detect temperature differences of less than 1 degree. It is the IR devices’ sensitivity to minute temperature changes from one object to another that allows them to project highly detailed images on an IR sensor. 

Modern Night Vision

Newer night-vision technology such as the Sionyx Aurora Pro ($849, amazon.com) captures available light from 380 nm UV to nearly 1,100 nm infrared, amplifies it, and projects it onto a digital sensor rather than the old-school phosphorous-charged sensor that rendered the green imaging we see in war movies. The digital sensor yields an image that is closer to photographic and shockingly detailed with no apparent light, and it fills in a lack of color with infrared imaging. It can transmit near-real-time imaging to external displays via a micro HDMI cable or to a smart device via Wi-Fi. It doubles as a still or video camera in dark or daylight and stores images on a microSD card. Should you want to mount such a device, look for the standard 1/4-by-20-inch threaded tripod socket. 

Infrared Scopes

FLIR is the longest-running brand in marine infrared technology for mariners, but there are other companies in the market too, such as X Vision, which makes scopes and binoculars. I like the TB 300 binocular for its crisp IR image, its ability to change the color gradient for visual preferences, and for its 16x zoom. Image hotspots can be illuminated in contrasting colors for helpful detail at a glance. It can detect temperature differences of 0.05 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a detection range of 1,500 yards, with strong detail to 500 yards, rendering outstanding clarity with a 16x zoom. A laser range ­finder works to 1,500 yards and gives better situational awareness in the dark, when depth ­perception is weakest. ­Wi-FI ­connectivity allows ­displaying ­images on a smart device.

Read Next: Help for Boaters to See in the Dark

 Ship-Mounted Devices

Fixed-mounted devices are valued for their stability and hands-free use on larger vessels. On smaller vessels, chop jostles the camera, and unless it is optically stabilized, the image can jump around on the display. Sionyx’s Nightwave camera ($1,895, westmarine.com) can be mounted upright or upside down and the image flipped with the software. It isn’t stabilized per se, but its method of upsizing the image to a display softens the effect of the chop. In IR devices, be sure to choose one with image ­stabilization—an important but costly upgrade—or stick with the flexibility of handhelds.

Night-vision technology is widely available, and ­growing ­competition makes it more ­affordable every day.

The post Night-Vision Technology for Boaters appeared first on Boating Mag.

As forward-facing sonar, aka live sonar, from brands such as Garmin and Lowrance takes over freshwater bass fishing, some anglers forget that the company that introduced this technology was Humminbird. Now Humminbird has stepped up its game with a new generation of FFS—Mega Live 2—along with a new series of compatible multifunction displays.

Mega Live 2 features enhanced clarity and a more stable view versus the previous Humminbird forward-facing-sonar ­system. It offers improved real-time lure tracking, enhanced target ­separation, and optimized color choices. You can call up any one of 15 vibrant color palettes, each designed to improve visibility in varying water and light conditions.

“With Mega Live 2, Humminbird’s ­live-imaging technology now exceeds angler expectations, delivering the ­clarity, detail, bait tracking, and target separation needed to make the most of every cast,” says Braeden Harris, Humminbird brand manager.  

Mega Live 2 offers three viewing modes—Down, Forward, and Landscape—to allow anglers to scan different areas around the boat. The TargetBoost function in Mega Live 2 boosts brightness and contrast, making suspended fish and bait stand out more clearly in open water. Mega Live 2 sonar operates on a single frequency in the 1 MHz range, and is compatible with Humminbird’s Apex, Solis G3 and the latest series, Xplore.

Read Next: Humminbird Mega Live Hand Control

Boasting the best features of Humminbird’s Helix series, the new Xplore series of MFDs integrates seamlessly with Mega Live 2. Xplore displays feature a simpler user interface, Cross Touch control, improved waypoint management, and built-in Lakemaster and Coastmaster with mapping of 13,000 US and ­Canadian lakes, 170 million acres of coastal waters, and SmartStrike for real-time fish ­activity predictions.

A powerful quad-core processor and customizable side buttons allow anglers to quickly access critical features. Available in 9-, 10- and 12-inch ­models, Xplore integrates with the ­One-Boat Network for control of systems such as compatible Minn Kota trolling motors, as well as Mega Live 2. Xplore starts at $1,299.99; Mega Live 2 sonar starts at $1,499.99; humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com.

The post Humminbird Mega Live 2 and Xplore MFDs appeared first on Boating Mag.

Humminbird Mega Live 2 and Xplore MFDs

Humminbird’s new Xplore displays feature Cross Touch control, improved waypoint management, Lakemaster and Coastmaster mapping, and a simpler user interface. A powerful quad-core processor and customizable side buttons allow anglers to quickly access critical features. Available in 9-, 10- and 12-inch models, Xplore offers seamless integration with the One-Boat Network for control of systems such as compatible Minn Kota trolling motors, as well as the new Humminbird Mega Live 2 forward-facing sonar system featuring improved clarity, target separation, stability and lure tracking. Mega Live 2 also features 15 color palettes to enhance fish detection. Xplore starts at $1,299.99; Mega Live starts at $1,499.99; humminbird​.johnsonoutdoors.com

Shakespeare Comm-Light VHF Antenna

Here’s something truly new in VHF antennas—the Comm-Light illuminated CL-6 antenna from Shakespeare Marine. Lighting includes the full RGB spectrum and pulsating modes with adjustable patterns and speeds to give your boat a colorful flair and enhance the visibility of your vessel at night. It also includes multiple presets. Easy to install, the 6.5-foot, 6-decible antenna mounts on a standard ratchet mount (1-inch diameter—14 threads per inch) and includes a 15-foot RG-58 coax cable with a PL-259 connector. There’s also 25-foot 12-volt power cable for the lighting system, which is controlled via the Shakespeare Comm-Light mobile app. $269.99; shakespeare-marine.com

Koden Sirius 12 Stabilized Binoculars

Koden has entered the gyrostabilized binoculars market with the new Sirius 12 featuring electronic stabilization. These compact yet ruggedly built binoculars are manufactured in Japan using quality optics and internal electronic components. Powerful 12x magnification is ideal for spotting boats, dangerous obstacles, breaking fish, diving birds, weed lines and more. The Sirius 12’s built-in six-axis electronic gyro-sensor isolates the binoculars from the rocking and rolling motion of the boat. The IPX7-waterproof binoculars feature an easy-to-grip textured surface and an oil-repellent coating to protect the eyepiece and objective ­lenses. One AA alkaline battery provides 12 hours of operation. $699; si-tex.com/koden  

FLIR Ocean Scout Pro Scope

The Scout Pro handheld thermal-imaging scope provides a 500-meter detection range and a 32-degree field of view to enhance nighttime boating ­safety. A one-finger button controls zoom, brightness, standby and more. It records photos and videos, and integrates a wireless app to manage and transfer files. It sports an IP67 rating, and the battery lasts for six hours on a single charge. Viewing palettes include White Hot that displays warmer objects in white and cooler objects in black. A Grayscale palette creates images with realistic details. The Black Hot palette displays warmer objects as black and cooler objects as white. Sepia applies a golden hue to the White Hot palette for reduced eye fatigue. $2,395; flir.com

Siren 3 Connected Boat System

Siren Marine’s compact new Siren 3 Connected Boat security, monitoring, control and maintenance system is designed for small to midsize outboard-­powered boats, such as bay boats and flats skiffs. The Siren Connected Boat app allows boating anglers to monitor and control onboard systems from anywhere and at any time. Siren 3 supports up to six wireless sensors through SirenWave, a proprietary communication protocol that brings a fast, reliable and secure connection. It also features a new internal-­antenna design, which reduces the amount of space needed on smaller boats. It can connect to the NMEA 2000 network and the Yamaha CommandLink network through mechanical engines 300 hp and down. It will be available in spring 2025. Starting at $299; sirenmarine.com

Furuno TZTouch XL MFDs

Furuno’s new TZtouchXL series includes five sizes with unique new features. Boating anglers have the ability to purchase and download the new TZ Maps electronic charts for the areas and the data format they desire directly from the MFD with an internet connection. They can also make their own updates to charted objects. The charts include BathyVision with bottom-contour resolution three times more detailed than other bathymetric charts. When networked with a Furuno DRS radar, TZtouchXL MFDs offer Risk Visualizer, with a 360-degree representation of potential collision risks, and AI Avoidance Route that provides safe routing around those hazards. The 10-inch TZT10X and 13-inch TZT13X incorporate multitouch with Furuno’s RotoKey control knob and dedicated soft-touch keys. The all-glass 16-inch TZT16X, 22-inch TZT22X and 24-inch TZT24X boast super-wide touchscreen displays. $2,595 to $11,995; furunousa.com        

Garmin Marine Cameras

Garmin’s new GC 245 and GC 255 marine cameras features on-screen distance markers and guidance lines to provide enhanced visibility from the helm during low-speed maneuvers, such as docking in close quarters. Both full HD cameras deliver multiple views—including standard, wide-angle FishEye and overhead Bird’s Eye view—directly to a compatible Garmin multifunction display. Each utilizes digital zoom to take a closer look at a specific area of interest or pan around the field of view to focus on anything within sight. Rugged and weatherproof, these cameras have an IPX7 waterproof rating. $699.99 for the surface-mount GC 245, $999.99 for the flush-mount GC 255; garmin.com/marine.com

Recon Trolling Motors From Lowrance and Simrad

New saltwater trolling motors from Lowrance and Simrad share the same model name—Recon—and possess the same design, including a brushless motor that operates on either 24 to 36 volts and produces 90 and 115 pounds of thrust, respectively. These manually deployed, electric-steered trolling motors boast a unique joystick remote called Freesteer. Incorporating a color LCD display, the remote is lightweight and wearable, providing 360 degrees of manual steering, as well as activation of automatic functions, including GPS-guided virtual anchoring.  system that holds boats within a 3-foot radius. Available in 54-, 60-, and 72-inch shaft lengths. Starting at $3,499; lowrance.com or simrad-yachting.com

The post Must-See Marine Electronics at the 2025 Miami Boat Show appeared first on Boating Mag.

Elon Musk has surrounded Earth with Starlink communications satellites, and that has boaters buzzing about the possibilities of staying in touch and accessing the internet anywhere. RoamSat helps fulfill that promise with compact, self-contained Starlink satellite receiver kits. RoamSat is a weather-resistant CNC-machined polyethylene box with internal LiFePO4 battery power that provides up to 10 hours of service on a single charge. It also features four vacuum-suction feet that allow boaters to secure the unit to a hardtop or other flat, smooth horizontal surface.

Designed to house a Starlink satellite receiver that you purchase separately, the housing weighs 22 pounds (22-by-13.5-by-3 inches) with room for a Starlink Gen2 Roam Dish or 27 pounds (25-by-16.5-by-3.25 inches) with room for a Gen3 Roam Dish. The great advantage is that you don’t need to drill any holes for installation or run cables or wires to the unit. To activate the system, turn on the power switch outside the RoamSat. With a clear view of the sky, multiple users can access the internet on their mobile devices or computers. It comes with a 110-/220-volt AC charger and can be used to both charge your internal battery and power the unit off AC voltage simultaneously. $2,695 without a dish or Starlink service plan; roamsat.com

The post Using RoamSat to Access the Internet While Boating appeared first on Boating Mag.

Compact, portable and affordable satellite-messaging devices have revolutionized on-water communications by effectively transforming mobile devices into satellite phones. Most, however, are limited to texting, as well as SOS alerts. But the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus adds new capabilities. 

The inReach Messenger Plus is Garmin’s first satellite communicator with photo and voice ­messaging, in addition to global two-way texting, location sharing and SOS capabilities, expanding a boater’s ability to stay in touch when beyond cell service. With a battery life that can last for weeks, the inReach Messenger Plus provides global coverage via the Iridium satellite network. Like the original inReach Messenger, it can be used as a stand-alone device or paired to a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Messenger mobile app.

“Whether you’re fishing offshore or conquering the Great Loop, the best plan is to always be prepared before you leave the dock,” says Dave Dunn, senior director, marine and RV sales for Garmin. “With the Messenger Plus on board, anglers and boaters can feel confident knowing they have robust communication, location-sharing and SOS capabilities, and even send a ­real-time photo of their big catch or a voice message telling loved ones they’ve made it to their next anchorage.”

Read Next: Six Affordable Satellite Communications Devices

Measuring just 2.5-by-3 inches, Messenger Plus is water-rated to IPX7 and can withstand incidental water exposure as deep as 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. In the event of an ­emergency, the Messenger Plus and the ­Messenger app can send an interactive SOS text message to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed international emergency assistance coordination center. Photo and voice messages can also be shared during an SOS, giving response coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand. The device needs a unobstructed view of the sky for effective satellite ­communication.

The inReach Messenger Plus carries an MSRP of $499.99, and it requires an active satellite subscription to communicate, with plans starting at $14.99 per month. To learn more, visit garmin.com/marine.

The post Garmin inReach Messenger Plus appeared first on Boating Mag.

A properly installed through-hull transducer can maximize the performance of down-looking sonar in two ways. First, it has direct contact with the water, so there’s no signal loss as you might experience with an in-hull transducer that sends and receives sonar through a layer of fiberglass. Second, a through-hull is less likely to suffer from interference due to aeration unlike a transom-mount transducer that gets bathed in foam as water exits the stern and mixes with air.

Through-hull transducers that mount flush against the hull create little drag and do not interfere with trailer bunks or rollers as a bulky old-school through-hull might. Here are the details on how to install a flush-mount model on a solid fiberglass hull using the Airmar B175HW bronze through-hull transducer, a 1 kW ’ducer that offers a 25-degree beam and a CHIRP frequency band of 150 to 250 kHz, used with a Lowrance HDS-12 Gen3 sonar. If you keep your boat in the water, you will need to haul it for this project.

Getting Started

Skill Level: 3.5/5

Time to Complete: 5 Hours

Tools and Supplies

• Airmar B175HW transducer
• Angle finder
• Electric drill with 1/2-inch chuck
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• 3 3/4-inch hole saw
• Rat-tail file or rotary grinder (some installations)
• Miter saw
• 600-grit sandpaper
• Denatured alcohol
• Marine sealant for use below the waterline (such as 3M 4000)
• Slip-joint pliers
• 3/16-inch Allen wrench
• Dust mask and safety goggles
• Shop rags (to clean up sealant around transducer face)

Choose the Location

Look for a flat location as far aft and as close to the centerline as possible that allows enough room on the outside for the transducer face (5.26 inches in diameter in this case). Avoid areas directly abaft strakes, through-hull pickups or struts that might cause aerated water to flow across the face of the transducer. The face should not rest on a trailer bunk. Check inside the hull to ensure the area is clear of items, like stringers and bulkheads. On a step-hull, pick a spot just forward of the first step.

Select the Angle

Use a bevel gauge to confirm the angle of the V-hull at the mounting location, then choose the transducer tilt angle that most closely matches so that the sonar beam is transmitting as vertically as possible. The Airmar B175HW, for example, is available in three angles: zero tilt (for zero- to 7-degree deadrise), 12-degree tilt (for 8- to 15-degree V-hulls) and 20-degree tilt (for 16 to 24 degrees). Our V-hull has 22 degrees of deadrise, so we chose the 20-degree-tilt version.

Cut the Hole

From inside the hull, use the mounting nut to test for clearance space, then mark the center point and drill a 1/8-inch pilot hole through the hull. Utilizing the pilot hole as a guide, use a 3 3/4-inch hole saw to cut a hole from the outside perpendicular to the hull surface. It might be necessary to enlarge the hole slightly using a grinder or rat-tail file. Lightly sand around the hole, inside and out, to ensure the sealant will adhere properly. Clean both surfaces with denatured alcohol.

Sealant Savvy

Prior to installing, apply a 1/8-inch layer of marine sealant, such as 3M 4000, to the flange, sidewall and stem threads so that the sealant extends 1/8 inch higher than the combined thickness of the hull, spacer and nut. Also apply a 1/8-inch layer of sealant to the inside surface of the spacer.

Fit the Spacer

With the transducer in position (ask someone to hold it firmly against the outside of the hull), slide one of the washers over the cable and the stem, followed by the spacer and second washer. There should be at least three threads showing above the second washer without the nut. If not, shorten the spacer by cutting the open end squarely with a miter saw. Dry fit again to ensure the space is the appropriate height, and then remove the transducer.

Install the Transducer

After applying sealant, reinsert the transducer stem from under the boat. From inside, rotate the stem so that the arrow on top points perpendicular to the centerline to align the beam angle. Slide on a washer, the spacer (open side down), the second washer and the nut. Tighten the nut with slip-joint pliers, then apply sealant to the set screws on the nut and tighten until each makes contact with the threads; continue to tighten one-quarter turn. Clean up any excess sealant.

Specialty Wrenches

While we suggest large slip-lock pliers for installing the B175HW, Airmar Technology Corp. makes two special wrenches for doing this. One is the 175WR-4 to hold the transducer stem in position while you tighten the 4 1/2-inch-wide transducer nut with an Airmar 164WR-3 wrench. While you might only use them once, the precise fit and shorter handles make these tools easier to use than slip-lock pliers in the cramped confines of a bilge compartment.

The post How To Install Flush-Mount Through-Hull Transducers appeared first on Boating Mag.

In September 1983, Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer Jr. purchased a 24-foot Privateer Chesapeake, painted it bright yellow, and launched the first Sea Tow operation, which assisted stranded boaters on the waters of eastern Long Island.

Since then, those yellow Sea Tow boats, along with red TowBoatUS counterparts, have become virtual lifelines for boaters who need assistance but aren’t yet in distress. Combined, they’ve assisted millions of disabled boats over the years, freeing up US Coast Guard resources for emergency-response and interdiction duties.

It turns out that one 13-month period coinciding with that first Sea Tow boat, now four decades ago, also marked milestones for cellular telephones, EPIRBs, GPS, and even the Coast Guard’s rescue swimmer program, which are cornerstones today of boating safety.

 “It all comes down to the distinctive yellow boat showing up to help boaters. That hasn’t changed,” says Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer III, Sea Tow’s CEO since his father passed away in 2015. “But the technology and the data we derive helps us do that better.”

Here’s a look at how technology has changed for both boaters in trouble and their rescuers.

VHF and Cellular Communication

Early Sea Tow operators installed tall radio masts ashore to receive VHF calls from disabled boaters, while the Coast Guard relayed radio messages from even farther—30 miles or more offshore. Radio over Internet Protocol, beginning in 2005, allowed Sea Tow’s ­far-­reaching VHF shore stations to connect remotely to captains’ ­cellphones, but radio still ruled.

It was also in 1983, ­coincidentally, when the first portable cellular phone, Motorola’s DynaTAC 8000x, came to market. Over time, boaters began to call their local Sea Tow operator directly. “The turning point was around 2003, when cellular ­became ­predominant,” ­Frohnhoefer says. This was the same year that Sea Tow launched its continuously staffed nationwide call center, which now fields more than half of Sea Tow’s ­assistance calls. (­TowBoatUS inaugurated its fleet of red boats in 1987, along with its first 24/7 call center.)

While cellular is more familiar to most boaters, Frohnhoefer stresses that calling on VHF Channel 16 is still the quickest way to reach the closest Sea Tow boat. It’s also preferred when calling the Coast Guard, even though, since 2001, the Federal Trade Commission’s Enhanced 911 program streamlined Coast Guard transfers from 911 dispatchers and required latitude and ­longitude for most 911 ­mobile-phone calls.

EPIRB and PLB ­Satellite Rescue

Up through summer 1982, EPIRBs were detected only by aircraft flying overhead, and this provided rough position estimations at best. In October 1982, the first satellite-received EPIRB signal sent rescuers directly to the capsized ­60-foot sailboat Gonzo, 350 miles off Nantucket. By 1984, satellites covered the globe. In 1987, newer 406 mHz EPIRBs and smaller PLBs added beacon-owner information and refined ­positioning capabilities. ­Beginning in 1997, integrated GPS receivers broadcast precise, near-­instant beacon location.

In 1982 and 1983, three tragedies claiming 374 lives spurred two enormous benefits for boating safety. Shortly after a commercial airliner was shot down for unknowingly entering Soviet airspace, President Ronald Reagan in September 1983 authorized civilian use of GPS, which was intended initially for military use. (The first civilian GPS receiver, Magellan’s NAV 1000, came to market in 1988, offering only intermittent satellite positions; GPS wasn’t fully functional until 1993.)

Another commercial airliner crash, this one into the frozen Potomac River near the US Capitol, and a 605-foot ship that sank just 30 miles offshore in the Chesapeake Bay, made it clear to the Feds that the Coast Guard needed rescuers trained to deploy into the water. Congress finally authorized funds for Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmers, who have saved more than 100,000 souls since records were digitized in 2002.

Electronic Charts and Auto Routing

Navigation displays have been helping boaters stay off sandbars since the first chart plotter, Datamarine’s Chartlink, which first came out in 1985—two years after Capt. Joe’s first Sea Tow boat. Now plotters streamline requests for help. 

“When we put in a [member’s] position, we see where they are on the chart screen,” Frohnhoefer says, and thanks to automatic-route-planning advancements over the past 10 years, plotters can quickly generate a towboat’s travel time. Sea Tow’s Digital Dispatch System, first launched in 2016, integrates information from a stranded boat’s first phone call with the member and boat details accessed at the dispatch center, and then relays this information directly to the responding captain, and even generates a reassuring text ­message with the towboat’s ETA back to the stranded boater.

Smartphones

Sea Tow’s smartphone app, launched in 2012, brings automation aboard stranded boats. One button ­initiates a phone call to the dispatch center. The app displays numerical latitude and longitude as well as a Google Maps pin marker on the user’s smartphone, and boaters can choose, if they wish, to share that ­position via text message with the responding Sea Tow vessel, or anyone else.

The TowBoatUS app, available since 2011, includes weather and tide information, and also ties into BoatUS membership and Geico insurance accounts.

Other apps are equally helpful. “I’m amazed at how often our captains use ­Google Earth to identify shoaling and find safer ways to get to boaters stranded off the main ­channel,” ­Frohnhoefer says. ­Navionics’ app becomes a great backup (or primary) chart plotter. ­MarineTraffic and AIS allow disabled boaters to identify ­nearby ­commercial ships. A ­cellular internet connection brings times for tides and sunset, weather, and even entertainment while ­awaiting a tow.

Read Next: The Boat Choices of TowBoatUS Captains

Better Boats

Forty years of technological ­advancements also might eliminate the need for a tow. Once-common engine issues such as fuel-pump vapor lock or a flooded carburetor are all but unheard of now. Radian IoT, one of Sea Tow’s preferred vessel tracking and monitoring systems, highlights how vessel monitoring can send preemptive alerts if batteries, bilge pumps, or even engine-room temperatures seem amiss. 

While technology might streamline response, Sea Tow’s core benefit remains exactly as it was in 1983. “[It’s comforting to know] that if something goes wrong, you can always call Sea Tow,” Frohnhoefer says—exactly as his father envisioned more than 40 years ago. “Be prepared to be out on the water longer than you planned. At the end of the day, you don’t want to be out of food, out of water, and then all of a sudden, find out that the boat doesn’t start.”

The post The Evolution of Marine Rescue Technology appeared first on Boating Mag.

Planning a trip to the big boat show? And by big, we mean BIG! As in the big Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, taking place this year October 30 to November 3!  While you’ll find lots of boats and motors, you’ll also be able to check out some of the newest and coolest marine electronics at company booths, on boats and at retailers exhibiting at the show. Here are some items you must see while at Fort Lauderdale.

Garmin InReach Messenger Plus

Garmin’s newest SOS satellite communicator—the inReach Messenger Plus—now gives boaters the ability to send photo and voice messages even beyond cell service. With a battery life that can last for weeks, this two-way satellite communicator also has two-way texting, locating sharing and SOS capabilities. It is also water rated to IPX7 and can withstand incidental water exposure up to a meter in depth for up to 30 minutes. In the event of an emergency, the inReach Messenger Plus and Garmin Messenger app can send an interactive SOS text message to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed international emergency assistance coordination center. $499.99 and an active satellite subscription is required starting at $14.99/month; garmin.com/marine.

Seakeeper Ride 750 and 750 Quad

Seakeeper has two new Ride underway stabilization systems designed for boats from about 37 to 42 feet in length overall. The Seakeeper Ride 750 and 750 Quad join Seakeeper’s three existing Ride systems capable of eliminating up to 70 percent of pitch and roll while underway on boats as small as 19 feet length overall. The Ride 750 consists of two larger controllers, while the 750 Quad has four smaller controllers for transoms with restricted space.  Both the systems are designed with aluminum components, a deviation from previous products that use composite construction. The Seakeeper Ride 750 system retails for $17,500, and the Seakeeper Ride 750 Quad system retails for $20,500; ride.seakeeper.com.

Recon Trolling Motors From Lowrance and Simrad

New saltwater trolling motors from Lowrance and Simrad share the same model name—Recon—and possess the same design, including a brushless motor that operates on either 24 to 36 volts and produces 90 and 115 pounds of thrust, respectively. These manually deployed, electric-steered trolling motors boast a unique joystick remote called Freesteer. Incorporating a color LCD display, the remote is lightweight and wearable, providing 360 degrees of manual steering, as well as activation of automatic functions, including GPS-guided virtual anchoring.  system that holds boats within a 3-foot radius. Available in 54-, 60-, and 72-inch shaft lengths. Starting at $3,499; lowrance.com or simrad-yachting.com.

Skyhawk Oversea Boat Monitoring

This American-made Skyhawk Oversea system is affordable, simple to install and practical for any vessel. It features a compact wireless hub that by itself provides location on demand and monitors vessel bearing to detect movement. A network of battery-powered RF wireless sensors is offered to monitor bilge-pump activity, battery voltage, shore power, temp/humidity/water, motion, door entry, and sound. All alerts and data come to the Oversea app via cellular network. Both the hub and sensors provide years of operation using standard replaceable batteries for continuous year-round monitoring with no drain on the boat’s batteries. Starting at $249 for the hub, $389 for the hub plus three sensors; cellular subscription is required; oversea.boats.

Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Trolling Motor

Minn Kota’s top-of-the-line Riptide Instinct trolling motor features Quest brushless motor technology and push-button deploy and stow, the Riptide Instinct operates on either 24 volts for 90 pounds of thrust or 36 volts for 115 pounds of thrust. Shaft lengths include 60, 65, 87 and 100 inches. It also has a beefy composite shafts and pivot points, as well as real-time battery monitoring. Built-in i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link GPS enable guidance functionality such as Spot-Lock virtual anchoring. Control options include a wireless remote to drive the motor from anywhere in the boat. One-Boat Network functionality allows control via a Humminbird multifunction display. Available in black or white. Starting at $4,399.99 for a 60-inch-shaft model; minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com.

ACR Bivy Stick Mesh

The new Bivy Stick Mesh from ACR Electronics, the first satellite messenger to integrate advanced LoRa-enabled mesh networking with the Iridium Satellite network, creating a seamless communication without relying on cellular coverage. This dual-mode connectivity proves ideal for cruising boaters, offering device-to-device message transmission significantly faster than traditional satellite communication. Its ability to relay messages through the mesh network ensures that communication is always possible. This device had not yet received FCC approval, but will be on display at the show. Visit bivystick.com.

ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Electric Dinghy Outboard

The Spirit 1.0 Plus outboard from ePropulsion features a 1276 Wh battery, the largest available for a motor of this size. With a high-efficiency propeller design, the 48-volt Spirt 1.0 Plus can reach up to approximately 5.7 mph with a range of more than 7 miles and 1-hour-15-minute run time at full speed, according to ePropulsion. At lower speeds, run time can be extended to around 20 hours and a range of 52 miles. Designed for portability, the outboard weighs 24 pounds and stores in a customized bag. The battery weight is 19.4 pounds. $1,999 with battery; epropulsion.com

ProMariner Gen 3 Battery Charger

Watch the boater on your list get all charged up after receiving a ProTournament Elite Gen 3 battery charger from ProMariner with advanced thermal modeling to deliver fast recharge times.

It also features an LED Charge Status AC Glow Plug. When ­connected to an extension cord, it illuminates three individual colors for charging (red), conditioning (orange) and auto-maintaining (green). This eliminates the need to climb into the boat or open a hatch to check the status. Boaters can select charging profiles for flooded-cell lead acid, AGM, and approved lithium-iron-­phosphate batteries. Multibank chargers feature distribute-on-demand technology that senses and delivers greater charging amps to the battery or batteries that are lowest in juice. Ranging from $339.99 to $699.99; promariner.com.

Standard Horizon HX320 Handheld VHF Radio

Standard Horizon’s HX320 handheld VHF radio is an impressive holiday gift that’s also affordable. It provides 6 watts of transmit power, and also can be set to 2.5 or 1 watt of transmit power to maximize battery life at closer ranges. Its speaker is engineered with 700 mW of power for clear audio reception, and the large channel display proves easy to read. The HX320 ­also enables wireless operation using the optional Bluetooth Standard Horizon SSM-BT10 headset. A built-in rechargeable 2,100 mAh high-capacity lithium polymer battery provides up to 17 hours of operation on one charge. The HX320 also features an IPX7 water-submersion rating and floats. A water-­activated emergency strobe light helps guide rescuers. $149.99; standardhorizon.com

IC-M510BB Black-Box VHF Radio

Make sure the boater on your list can stay in touch with Icom’s IC-M510BB, which enables expansion of VHF accessibility throughout the boat. All operations, including DSC, can be made from the CommandMic, allowing the VHF radio unit to be installed in an out-of-sight place and as far as 60 feet from the CommandMic. Up to three CommandMics can be connected, allowing it to double as an onboard intercom system. NMEA 2000 networking capabilities provide plug-and-play data communication with other electronics. The radio can also share GNSS/GPS position data, AIS, and DSC calls with other onboard equipment. The unit has a last-call voice-recording function that automatically saves up to two minutes of a recent incoming call. There’s a built-in hailer function that also sounds foghorn patterns. $799.95; icomamerica.com

The post Must-See Marine Electronics at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show appeared first on Boating Mag.