It’s boat show time! And one of the biggest boat shows in the U.S. is the Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 15-29). Officially known as the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, the event covers multiple venues, including the Miami Beach Convention Center where you can see and demo the latest in marine electronics. To help you get ready for the show, here are some of the latest, must-see new marine electronics to look for in Miami.
Simrad Halo 2000 and 3000 Radars
Stop by the Simrad booth and experience the Halo 2000 and 3000 open-array, pulse-compression radar systems. They feature higher power, greater detection ranges and improved software, making possible a host of new functions, including Bird+ Mode on the 3000 series. Bird+ Mode identifying flocks of birds at distances up to 8 nautical miles. The Halo 2000 (available with 3-, 4-, and 6-foot open-array antennas) offers 50 watts of power, ensuring visibility out to 72 nautical miles, while Halo 3000 (available with 4- and 6-foot open arrays) with its 130 watts of power provides visibility out to 96 nautical miles. Both systems are compatible with Simrad’s latest multi-function displays, including the NSS and NSX series. New Zone Track and Dangerous Target Alerts features, as well as Velocity Track, to provide critical information and warnings to help avoid collisions. Zone Track automatically tracks up to 50 targets, while Dangerous Target Alert issues an alert about threatening returns. Velocity Track color codes dangerous targets. To learn more, visit simrad-yachting.com.
KVH One TracNet Domes
The KVH One hybrid network and groundbreaking TracNet terminals provide fast, reliable connectivity at sea and at the dock. The TracNet H30, H60, and H90 terminals feature satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi technology under one dome, with intelligent, automatic switching based on availability, cost, and quality of data connection to continually deliver the best performance. The KVH One network includes 106+ million sqare miles of satellite coverage using KVH’s global, layered HTS network, powered by Intelsat. The network offers VSAT speeds as fast as 20/3 Mbps (down/up). Subscribers also enjoy integrated support for 5G/LTE cellular service in 150+ countries as well as the flexibility to add user-supplied SIM cards for local service. Plus, TracNet terminals can connect to shore-based Wi-Fi networks using the integrated Wi-Fi bridge for additional speed and cost-saving benefits. To learn more, visit kvh.com.
Furuno Chirp Side-Scan Sonar
While at the Miami Boat Show, check out Furuno’s NavNet TZT16F v3 multifunction display with Chirp Side-Scan sonar technology. Using specialized transducer systems with chirp frequency ranges of 220 to 240 kHz, it scans both port and starboard, allowing boaters to see the shape of bottom structure and fish targets at ranges up to 750 feet on each side of the boat. In addition to the TZT16F, Furuno Chirp Side-Scan system can be directly connected to the TZT12F and TZT19F. All the boater needs to do is update these MFDs with the free 3.01 software upgrade and connect one of three different transducer options. For all the details, visit furunousa.com.
Raymarine Axiom 2 Series
While at the show, stop at the Raymarine exhibit and ask about the new Axiom 2 Pro and Axiom 2 XL multifunction displays. Axiom 2 Pro is the most powerful MFD ever developed by Raymarine with a six-core processor and intuitive LightHouse 4 operating system. Available in 9-, 12- and 16-inch sizes in two variations, the Axiom 2 Pro S includes embedded high chirp sonar that’s perfect for premium cruising, while the Axiom 2 Pro RVM is engineered for the avid angler. These models feature come all-new RealVision MAX 3D sonar that combines chirp DownVision, SideVision and RealVision MAX 3D. Also new is the Axiom 2 XL, designed to grace the helms of the most exclusive sport fishing yachts, offshore battle wagons and luxury cruisers. The XL lineup is available in 16-, 19-, 22- and 24-inch sizes. To learn more, visit raymarine.com.
Lowrance HDS Pro Series
Don’t miss the new Lowrance HDS Pro series MFDs, available in 9-, all-new 10-, 12- and 16-inch high-resolution displays. All feature built-in ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar and ultra-high-definition Active Imaging HD sonar, as well as chartplotting. These MFDs also lie at the heart of the Lowrance Ultimate Fishing System, offering full networking that includes trolling motors, autopilots, engines, radar, communications, and PowerPole shallow water anchors. Active Target 2 provides real-time imagery of fish movement and structure. Active Imaging HD sonar include Lowrance chirp sonar, SideScan and DownScan Imaging. In addition, a new FishReveal SideScan view is now available with a new S3100 Sonar module. For more, visit lowrance.com.
Kicker KMXL Horn-Loaded Coaxial Speakers
While at the big how, check out Kicker Marine Audio new KMXL horn-loaded coaxial loudspeakers, which incorporate several unique features that set them apart from traditional marine speakers. This includes proprietary high-frequency horn design that gives the KMXL series sonic performance provides smooth and easy listening, even at extremely high volumes. The series includes 6.5-inch, 6×9, and 8-inch loudspeakers that can be installed in traditional coaxial speaker mounting locations, and they incorporate RGB LED lighting. Speaker hardware is forged from rustproof 316L stainless steel for years of enjoyable use. Neodymium magnets in the motor assembly provide tremendous power, while being extremely light weight. For more details, visit kicker.com.
Garmin LiveScope XR
You must see the Garmin LiveScope XR system, which extends the range of live sonar to unprecedented distances. LiveScope XR live sonar can boom out to 500 feet in fresh water and 350 feet in salt water, whether used in Forward, Down or Perspective modes.
The system includes a compact GLS 10 black box with a LiveScope XR LVS62 transducer, along with a trolling motor barrel and shaft mounting kit, perspective mount bracket and a simple plug-and-play Garmin Marine Network connector for easy installation and integration with a compatible Garmin MFDs. A key to the increased range is the larger LVS62 transducer than previous LiveScope iterations. It also uses a lower frequency for greater range. With a free software update, the transducer ($2499.99 when sold separately) can be added to an existing LiveScope black box for anglers who want to upgrade. It is compatiable with Garmin GPSMAP and ECHOMAP chartplotters and combo units. To learn more, visit garmin.com.
