Genie in the Bottle
Thinking of upgrading the batteries on your boat? Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries have some clear advantages over lead acid and AGM batteries and their prices are starting to come down.
Easy Install Autopilot by iHoy Captain Marine
The Digital Age has produced a new kind of marine autopilot that only requires a non-intrusive DIY installation and your smartphone—the iHoy Captain. While traditional hydraulic autopilots and multifunction displays remain standards, this newcomer allows boaters on a budget to have the convenience of an autopilot.
Onboard internet, integrating Starlink and more
Having internet onboard is becoming pervasive as more people want to stay connected. Starlink is a game changer, but how do you control its use, and do you still need ways to get online other than satellite?
Simrad Yachting’s new Navico NSO 4 MFDs
Simrad Yachting Marine Electronics released their new Navico NSO® 4 Chartplotter series in Miami. These new MFDs are designed to be easy to use with their new NEON™ operating system, an ultra-fast Qualcomm® 8-core processor that delivers 35% faster boot times, ten times quicker auto-routing for seamless navigation, and increased storage capacity compared to previous models. The new series includes 16-, 22-, and 24-inch full-HD,…
New Furuno TZtouchE and TZMap Multi-Function Displays (MFDs)
Furuno launched two new series at the show: the TZMap line, designed to be stand-alone MFDs, and the TZtouchE MFDs, which are fully networkable. They look identical, and both have touchscreen controls and a choice of 9” or 13” screens. The TZMap series is designed for smaller boats that don’t require complex networking. Because the user interface is the same as the more complex networkable…
LED Flares Winning Over Pyrotechnics
A United States Coast Guard (USCG) ruling set to take place April 1, 2026 paves the way for electronic visual distress signaling device (eVDSDs) dominance over traditional pyrotechnic flares on the water.
Superhuman Vision – FLIR M460 and M560 stabilized thermal imaging/visible camera
FLIR’s new M460 and M560 deliver stabilized thermal and visible imaging that feels like superhuman vision on the water. With three-axis gyro stabilization, laser rangefinding, and powerful infrared detection, targets stay locked even in rough conditions. From uncooled LWIR to cryogenically cooled MWIR, these systems redefine offshore awareness.
Fathom Technology on the Life Proof Boats 45 Full Cabin
No generator? No Problem! The new Navico Fathom electrical system by Brunswick uses Mercury outboards to charge high powered batteries, run everything on board, and recharge on demand.
Boater’s Gear ideal for the holidays
We get to play around with a lot of boating gear. Check out a few of our favorites from 2025 that might make great gifts for you or a boater you know.
Lighting the Way Forward, New Yacht Beam LED Searchlights
New Yacht Beam High-Performance LED Searchlight, combines precision, power, and innovation for safer navigation.
HikoTerra H4 Hybrid Power System
Everyone wants clean, quiet, electrical power onboard. Marine tech innovator HikoTerra’s new H4 Hybrid Power System is a fully integrated, battery-first platform designed to reshape how cruisers, builders, and operators think about onboard energy.
NMEA Names 2025 Product of Excellence Award Winners
Looking for some new electronics for your boat? The National Marine Electronics Association recently named its 2025 Product Excellence Awards winners.
ACR PLB that Saved Me after a Capsize
Trans-Atlantic rower Jordan Hanssen remembers the ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon that saved his life. If you’re upside down in the Atlantic, you don’t want to go without this small but vital piece of equipment.
Juice to Go? Cruising with a Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
Dead batteries are every boater’s nightmare. In today’s world of power-hungry electronics, communications, and refrigeration systems, boats need more juice than ever. Should portable batteries be part of your onboard electricity puzzle?
Starlink Mini Mounting
Starlink satellite internet is a game changer for boaters. The compact “Mini” antenna fits even small cruisers but on a moving boat, using the supplied mounts is risky. We take a look at some mounting solutions to keep your antenna onboard.
New FLIR Ocean Scout Pro Handheld Thermal Camera
Known for their marine thermal-imaging systems, FLIR just introduced a new handheld device: the FLIR Ocean Scout Pro at the Miami Boat Show. This lightweight, handheld monocular fit in my hand, and the zoom and other buttons were easily controlled with my fingertips. Looking around the show floor, thermal images of people and lights were clearly defined. Four different colors helped distinguish details by representing the…
ACR ResQflare PRO
New from ACR, the ResQflare PRO is a battery-powered Electronic Visual Distress Signal Device (eVDSD) that is much brighter than previous versions. It uses multiple colors to flash a digital SOS signal that can be seen more easily and from further away than previous white flashing versions. The idea is that instead of launching flares, which can only be seen for a short period of…
Why do I need a VHF radio?
In today’s world of cellphones and satellite systems has the marine VHF radio gone the way of the dinosaurs? The short answer is NO. Not only are VHF radios one of the single most important pieces of electronics on a boat but new technology is making them better and more useful than ever. There are several reasons why a cellphone is not an effective replacement…
