Offshore Boating Electronics for Fun and Safety

Offshore boating electronics off the tools to safely navigate the thrill of the open seas, the opportunity to travel long distances, and the fun of pursuing the most challenging fish the ocean has to offer. While offshore boating has much to offer, it is also a more demanding undertaking than near-shore boating. Lacking shoreline visual reference points, long-distance navigation, the unpredictability of the open ocean, and often nighttime travel, the offshore boater has considerably more safety and core navigational issues a play. Additionally, if catching fish is the goal, add the challenge of that pursuit to the offshore boater's list of complications.

The good news is that there are amazing technologies now available to make navigation, route building, fish fishing, collision prevention, weather tracking and so many other complexities of the open water so much easier and reliable. Below, PartsVu shares our favorite offshore boating electronics - GPS, chartplotters, sounders, radar, and VHS radio - for the offshore boater.

GPS, Chartpotters & Sounders

Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transom Mount C-MAP Pro Chart

• Active Imaging 3-in-1 (CHIRP/SideScan/DownScan)
• LiveSight™ real-time sonar compatible
• Smartphone notifications
• C-MAP Genesis Live onscreen mapping
• StructureScan® 3D with Active Imaging enhancements
• High-performance quad-core processor
• FishReveal Smart Target View
• Full high-definition HDS SolarMAX™ HD multi-touch screen with the widest range of viewing angles – viewable even through polarized sunglasses
• Preloaded high-detail C-MAP® US Enhanced charts with 1-foot contours on 4,000-plus lakes
• C-MAP Easy Routing, Navionics Autorouting capability
• Dual-Channel CHIRP – dual sonar-range coverage from the same transducer
• Live Network Sonar – cover more water and mark fish targets more clearly from a network of CHIRP sonar transducers
• Wireless and Bluetooth® connectivity
• Heat Map feature allows anglers to see trends in water temperature changes to quickly target key fishing areas
• Enhanced Surface Clarity lets you see more fish targets near the surface
• Quick Access Control Bar provides one-touch access to system controls
• Built-in CHIRP and Broadband Sounder™
• SmartSteer™ control for Xi5 Trolling Motor and Outboard Pilot
• Radar and SonicHub®2 audio server connectivity
• NMEA 2000® engine support
• Optional mapping upgrades include C-MAP, Navionics® and more

Learn more about Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE with Active Imaging

Furuno NavNet TZtouch TZT9 9" Multifunction Display

Display Size: 9 inches

Display Type: Color Multi-Touch LCD

Power Use: 12-24 VDC

• Touch Screen with Multi-Touch
• Easy to use RotoKey™
• Marine Weather Forecaster delivers unlimited access to completely free weather forecasts, worldwide, 24/7
• Tablet & Smartphone Apps: Custom apps allow you to wirelessly view and control TZtouch from any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (Other mobile platforms to be supported in the future.)
• WiFi Hotspot Connectivity: TZtouch has WiFi connectivity, enabling the ability to download useful updates, such as real-time weather data, via the Internet
• Anti-reflective glass coating is visible under any lighting condition.
• Add Radar, Network Fish Finder, AIS, and a variety of other sensors
• Built on an Ethernet network
• NMEA2000 network interface
• Network up to 6 TZtouch displays
• Preloaded with FREE official NOAA raster and vector charts
• Optional “C-Map by Jeppesen” and “Datacore by Navionics” vector cartography available for purchase
• Dual SD Card slots
• FREE high-resolution satellite photos of the US available for download
• Save up to 30,000 user points, 30,000 ship’s track points, and 1,000 planned routes with up to 500 waypoints per route

Learn more about Furuno NavNet TZtouch TZT9 9"

Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G3N

The HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3N model features a large 10.1" display, MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, and Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar. Includes GPS mapping, built-in Bluetooth, Ethernet networking capabilities, and the ability to create your own maps in real-time with AutoChart Live's depth, vegetation, and bottom hardness mapping. Humminbird Basemap cartography is built-in, with the option to expand your mapping capabilities with available LakeMaster charts. A strong addition to your set offshore boating electronics.

Features:

• MEGA Side Imaging+
• MEGA Down Imaging+
• Dual Spectrum CHIRP
• SwitchFire Sonar
• Humminbird Basemap Built-in
• AutoChart Live
• Ethernet Networking
• LakeMaster Compatible

Learn more about Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G3N

Humminbird Solix 12

The SOLIX™ 12 CHIRP MEGA DI+ G2 CHO combines tournament-ready technologies like MEGA Down Imaging+, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, AutoChart Live, and intuitive Cross Touch control. This unit has the power of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and NMEA 2000® connections built-in and allows for up to four customizable viewing panes so you can view multiple technologies at once, taking full advantage of the generous 12.1" display. This is a Control Head Only unit—Transducer is not included. Model is compatible with Minn Kota Built-in MEGA DI trolling motors.

Learn more about Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA DI

Radar - Closed Array

Furuno DRS4DL Radar Dome

• A 19" dome Radar Sensor for NavNet TZtouch and NavNet TZtouch2. This 4kW Radar is presented in a compact, rugged 19" dome with a 5.2-degree horizontal beamwidth antenna. Furuno's automatic, real-time digital signal processing presents navigators with some of the clearest targets they'll ever find from a Radar of this compact size.
• Utilizes a wired connection with NavNet TZtouch and TZtouch2. In combination with the TZTL12F/15F, this single-wire solution results in a very simple installation.
• Spins at a fixed 24RPM, and has range scales from 1/8 nm to 36 nm.
• Designed to work with NavNet TZtouch and TZtouch2 systems. It is not compatible with NavNet 3D.

Learn more about Furuno DRS4DL Radar Dome

Simrad Broadband 4G Radar

• 50% more true range than Broadband 3G Radar. Now you can see crystal clear targets up to 32nm away and inside strong storm cells more than 17nm away.
• Capable of displaying Dual Range radar combination when combined with an NSE or NSO system. Monitor targets from 200 feet to 32nm from a single dome.
• Select 48 RPM* for almost instant updating at less than 1nm (48rpm currently available on NSE, NSO and Zeus units only)
• Track up to 10 targets. Track up to 10 targets as standard or up to 20 in Dual Range mode with independent control.
• No reason to open the dome, no tune or zero mile adjustment, and no radar-licensed technician required
• Protect yourself from more angles with dual guard zones
• True motion display - Easily distinguish moving targets from land with NSS, NSE and NSO.
• Solid-state technology produces an immediate, accurate on-screen image unlike normal warm-up times associated with magnetron pulse radars.
• Low power consumption
• Automatic clarity - proven auto harbour and offshore modes including directional clutter rejection.
• Extremely low emissions - safer than any other radar currently on the market and emitting less radiation than a mobile phone allowing it to be mounted anywhere.

Learn more about Simrad Broadband 4g Radar

 

Radar - Open Array

Furuno NavNet 3D 2kW Ultra High Definition (UHD) Digital Radar

• PSU012 Power Supply Unit is the required option for use with MFD8 or MFD12
• 12kW, 72 n.m. Radar Antenna for NavNet 3D with choice of stylish 4' or 6' Open Array
• Ultra High Definition (UHD™) Digital Radar offers crystal clear, noise-free target presentation with automatic real-time digital signal processing
• Real-time digital auto Gain/Sea/Rain controls to deliver noise-free radar presentation
• Radar antenna rotation speed (24/36/48 rpm) is automatically shifted to the appropriate pulse length
• Simultaneous scanning technology drives our powerful dual-range radar, providing unsurpassed target detection. With each sweep of antenna, dual progressive scan transmissions are sent, received, and processed to display two separate radar ranges on your NavNet 3D display simultaneously. Each radar presentation acts autonomously, allowing for manipulation of individual gain and clutter controls
• Gearbox incorporates an NMEA 2000® port to which certain NMEA2000® sensors can be directly connected. Power for these networked sensors is supplied directly from the gearbox itself, allowing for flexible installation of multiple NMEA 2000® sensors without the need to run cables all the way to the main processor unit

Learn more about Furuno NavNet

Simrad HALO-4 Pulse Compression Radar w/4' Antenna

• True 64nm range with 4' open array antenna
• Beam Sharpening with Target Separation Control
• Dual Range operation with NSS/NSO multifunction displays
• Advanced signal processing with Harbour, Offshore, Weather, Bird, and Custom modes.
• High-speed 48RPM operation
• InstantOn™, ready in 16-25 seconds from power-on, instant from standby
• MARPA target tracking, up to 10 targets (20 with dual range)
• Low electromagnetic emissions and radiation
• Low power consumption with 12/24V operation
• Ethernet connectivity
• Unique blue LED accent lighting in pedestal with brightness control

Learn more about Simrad HALO-4

 

VHF Radios

Icom M424G Fixed Mount VHF Marine Transceiver w/Built-In GPS

• Intuitive user interface and white backlit LCD and keypad
• Active noise canceling - the built-in active noise canceling provides superb performance. It reduces background noise up to 90% in the received signal and 30% in the transmits signal.
• 10W loud audio, public address & foghorn -the IC-M424G has a built-in 10W amplifier that increases the audio output to an external PA speaker. The public address function allows you to make an announcement from the microphone like a loudspeaker, the foghorn can also be emitted from the external PA speaker.
• The built-in DSC watch function monitors Ch. 70 (DSC channel) activity, even while you are receiving another channel. DSC functions include distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, position request/report, polling request, and DSC test calls.
• The built-in GPS receiver shows your current position, date/time and can be used for DSC calls. The GPS data source is selectable from internal and external GPS.
• The optional white backlit COMMANDMIC makes it convenient for using the IC-M424G from a separate cabin or tower. All functions of the IC-M424G can be controlled from the COMMANDMIC and can be used as an intercom with the IC-M424G.
• AIS target call with MA-500TR - when connected to the optional MA-500TR Class B AIS transponder, the AIS target call function allows you to make an individual DSC call without having to manually input an MMSI number.
• 2-minute last call voice recording
• Active noise canceling
• 25W two-way hailer and foghorn
• Large dot-matrix display
• Intuitive user interface
• Built-in Class D DSC
• IPX8 (advance waterproof rating)
• COMMANDMICIV™ compatible

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Icom M506 VHF Fixed Mount w/NME

• Intuitive user interface
• Built-in Class D DSC
• IPX8 (advance waterproof rating)
• COMMANDMICIV™ compatible
• NMEA 0183 connectivity - the NMEA 0183 input/output can be used for the external GPS/NAV interface.
• The last call voice recording function automatically saves the last two minutes of the last incoming call. You can also start recording manually.
• The built-in bidirectional active noise canceling reduces background noise to up to 90% and improves both your transmitted voice and incoming call.
• 25W two-way hailer - when connected to an external hailer horn, you can talk to people on the deck or shore from the radio's microphone and can hear people's replies via the hailer horn. Foghorn and RX speaker functions are also available.
• The optional COMMANDMIC, HM-195B/SW provides 2nd station capability for using the IC-M506 from a separate cabin or tower. Most functions including DSC and AIS functions can be controlled from the COMMANDMIC and can be used as an intercom between the IC-M506 and the COMMANDMIC
• The IC-M506 is equipped with 132x96 pixels dot-matrix display which is larger than the IC-M504 (132x64 pixels). Reading GPS, AIS, DSC, and radio menus is easier than ever. The bottom line of the display shows the software key functions and the functions can be toggled with the left and right buttons.

Learn more about ICOM M506