Category: Gadgets

6

Scanstrut Rokk Active and Edge, wireless charging and secure phone mount

I get to test a lot of amazingly high tech products with long lists of features and mind-blowing capabilities. But, sometimes a design simply solves a need and accomplishes its intended mission so well that I stop and take note. The Scanstrut Rokk line of wireless chargers are a good example. These well-engineered, relatively simple devices keep your phone charged and securely mounted at your helm, and do it without any fuss.

2

Nauti Tech — New remote maneuvers vessels with confident ease

Even seasoned professionals find docking and maneuvering in tight situations a nerve-wracking experience, especially in unfamiliar locations or when strong wind and currents are at play. The new Wave Marine M880 available from Nauti-Tech dynamically controls engines, thrusters and other devices. It delivers the ability to safely and confidently dock, anchor, moor and navigate tricky passages…

4

Marine Industry First: Raymarine Delivers Axiom UAV App

Delivering a marine electronics industry first, Raymarine Axiom users can now take to the skies with the latest LightHouse 3.6 OS update. The new Axiom UAV app brings together the power and simplicity of Raymarine navigation with advanced unmanned aerial imaging. Compatible with the popular and highly capable DJI Mavic Pro drone, the Axiom UAV app automates many common tasks including launch, airborne imaging, in-flight navigation, and return-to boat…

Gizmo 2016, Pettit Hydrocoat Eco round 2 and Gadget redo 21

Gizmo 2016, Pettit Hydrocoat Eco round 2 and Gadget redo

Gizmo_2016_Pettit_HydroCoat_Eco_2_cPanbo.jpg“You’re pretty late, aren’t you? I heard that a lot recently! There are many reasons for Gizmo’s late launch last week — travel, getting old, boatyard miscommunications, etc. — but perhaps the most interesting one is what it took to properly retest Pettit Hydrocoat Eco bottom paint. Modern anti-fouling paint can be more of a technology than I realized and I’ll also have to admit to some classic boat owner denial. Plus, I’d like to show off some improvements to the good tender Gadget

Kite fishing for sailfish with Ben and Garmin 1

Kite fishing for sailfish with Ben and Garmin

Garmin Media Event 2016 Miami Ben Ellison Adam HydeMy first official Panbo trip wasn’t what I expected; it was much better. Garmin smartly decided to expand on their Miami Boat Show Fantom radar demo and many recent product introductions by inviting electronics writers to spend two full days with four well equipped saltwater fishing boats in Miami. While Ben suggested some topics to cover, the story I must tell largely involves kites and sailfish, though the electronics could not be ignored…

Apple Watch boat applets, Pocket Mariner is raring to go 9

Apple Watch boat applets, Pocket Mariner is raring to go

PocketMariner_SeaNav_on_Apple_Watch_aPanbo.jpg

I find the Apple Watch fascinating, even if I have no plans to own one myself, and I encourage anyone else with an interest to read David Pierce’s Iphone Killer: The secret history of the Apple Watch at Wired.com for a deep look at what the obsessed designers were up to. The first hands-on reviews are coming out now, pre-orders start late tonight, and at least one boating apps developer will be ready to go when the watches release to the public on April 24…

Wireless autopilot controls: Madman for Raymarine, Si-Tex SRS-100 for any brand 13

Wireless autopilot controls: Madman for Raymarine, Si-Tex SRS-100 for any brand

Madman_ap_control_for_Raymarine_cPanbo.jpgSome people think it’s crazy to run an autopilot with a smartphone, so maybe it’s fitting that a company called Madman Marine is the first to make this possible with Raymarine pilots. But then again Madman’s AP-WRC3iF comes with two fobs that run on a separate wireless frequency and that can also make course changes, initiate autotacks and change pilot modes. And it only costs about $235 U.S. plus shipping from Australia (with the fob-only model at about $190)…