Panbo

The Marine Electronics Hub

Panbo News and Reviews

5

Mobile Apps / Monitoring & Tracking

MIBS 2024: Skyhawk Oversea, a fresh look at monitoring

Boat monitoring isn’t a new concept or product category. Heck, it’s been 17 years since Ben E. wrote up the first monitors on Panbo. So, you may be wondering what could be so new that my fellow judges and I awarded SkyHawk Oversea at MIBS this year. The short answer is a lot. The longer answer is Skyhawk took a fresh look at most of what we know about boat monitoring and came up with something very different. Will it work? Honestly, I don’t know. But I sure do love the paradigm-pushing approach they took.

11

Fishing & Sonar / Navigation / Charts

What I learned about Furuno’s new TZtouchXL MFD series at MIBS

I just returned from the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS or MIBS as most of us know it) and while there spent time with Furuno USA learning all about their new TZtouchXL MFDs. Panbo will bring you more coverage of these new MFDs, but before the ink dries, I wanted to get a few notes out about the new units.

17

Wireless & Apps / Safety & SAR / Monitoring & Tracking

Sensar Marine Boat + Bilge Monitor: elegant monitoring simplified

In my mind, boat monitors fall into one of two categories: high-end systems that can do everything and simple systems focused on key systems. The former category typically includes all manner of sensors, network interfaces, and other options. Monitors in the latter category focus on monitoring critical indicators of a boat’s health. Depending on the size, complexity, and use of a boat, there are scenarios that fit both categories. Sensar Marine’s Boat and Bilge Monitor focuses on critical systems and may be the most refined example I’ve tested. Overall, I was pleased with how the monitor worked while seeing a few opportunities for even better performance.

165

LiFePO4 / Electrical & Engines

The ultimate LiFePO4 battery? Epoch’s 460ah powerhouse

My wife Laura reads most of my entries. She often tells me that I write about lithium batteries too much. Well, sorry but what follows will be another article about another lithium battery. If it helps, this is one hell of a battery and I think everyone considering new deep-cycle batteries for their boat should know about it and consider it. That’s doubly true in light of the significant step forward in battery safety I found when I opened the lid of my evaluation unit.

2

What's on board... / Electrical & Engines

Seakeeper Ride, on the water

It’s been almost six months since Seakeeper completed the installation of their new Ride attitude control system on Panbo(at). Since then, I’ve spent quite a few hours on the water using the new system and getting a feel for what it can and can’t do. So, please, read on and see what I’ve discovered about the system, how it’s improved the ride of Panbo(at) and how it might pair with a stabilizing gyro as well.

20

Electrical & Engines

Victron’s new Orion Smart DC-to-DC converter, exciting developments

DC-to-DC converters might not be the most exciting component you will find on a boat, but they play an important role in many modern power systems. Perhaps in part because of their lack of sex appeal, the selection and features of DC-to-DC converters have, until now, been limited. Fortunately, that seems to be changing. I’ll dig into a few other developments in the category later, but first, let’s take a look at what’s new from Victron.

VoltSafe's pedestal and shore power box 30

Wireless & Apps / Electrical & Engines / The future

Voltsafe aims to revolutionize shore power connectivity

Recently, I participated in judging the NMMA’s Innovation Awards at IBEX. Participating in the awards affords me a sneak peek at new products and technology. This year’s IBEX was full of interesting and compelling new products. But, if I had to pick one product that I’m most excited about, VoltSafe’s managed shore power system is a strong contender. Let’s take a look at the system and why I’m excited about it.

10

The future / The Trade

IBEX 2023: interesting new product roundup

IBEX 2023 is in the books and, at least from my perspective, the show was a roaring success. After multiple interruptions for a pandemic and then a hurricane, it was great to have a strong, well-attended show. Plus, after a few years with fewer entries into the Innovation Awards, for which I participated as a judge, this year’s awards were packed with interesting new products.

3

Fishing & Sonar / Wireless & Apps

Furuno FCV-600 and FCV-800, expanding the meaning of standalone fish finder

Last week, I helped judge the Technology and Best New Product awards at the National Marine Electronics Association’s (NMEA) annual conference. Furuno’s FCV-600 and FCV-800 standalone fish finders received the Best New Product award. I enjoy participating in these sorts of contests because of the opportunities I’m afforded to dive deeper into new products. The new FCVs are great examples of compelling new products I might otherwise have missed.

5

Network & control / Navigation

Garmin’s new flagship chart plotters, the GPSMap 9000 series announced

It’s been seven and a half years since Garmin unveiled its flagship GPSMap 8600 chart plotters and more than 10 years since the 8000 series was announced. The new GPSMap 9000 series represents quite a few firsts and appears designed to anchor the top of Garmin’s line for many years to come. Let’s take a look at the new chart plotter, networking technology, and accessories.