For many of the visitors to the Southampton Boat Show, at Mayflower Park from September 15th to 24th, one of the main attraction will be the chance to look at the very latest electronics.
A must-visit is Raymarine, whose latest innovations include adding the capability to support AIS (Automatic Identification System) and NAVTEX data to its multifunction displays.
The customisable C Series displays can combine chartplotter, fishfinder, radar, and instrument data and are available in three sizes. The super-fast, super-bright E Series combines all the features of the C Series with the addition of on-board video display and engine monitoring.
Available in two sizes, the E Series can be used in single, dual or multi-station configurations. There are four video inputs, for viewing remote cameras or on-board entertainment, with outputs enabling video images to be shown on remote screens.
AIS and NAVTEX sources can be connected to different displays and the data can be shared across the network. Existing units can be upgraded to received AIS and NAVTEX by installing new software.
The sophisticated technology of the E Series makes the most of the features available from the exciting new multi-dimensional Platinum charts from Navionics, which provide a massive amount of detail, including 3-D bathymetrics and satellite and photographic images of ports and marinas from all around the world.
The latest version of Raymarine's advanced navigation software suite, RayTech V6, will also be on show at Southampton. This powerful PC-based software uses Raymarine's SeaTalk networking support to provide and share information with all the boat's electronics. It can be used at home for passage planning, then transferred on board for full integration with Raymarine displays.
This latest edition includes SailRacer performance tools, Fishing Pro with new HD digital fishfinding playback feature, and adds supports for Navionics Gold and Platinum chart formats.
RayTech V6 can also be accessed on board by using Raymarine's M1500 15inch marine monitor and dedicated USB navigation keyboard. Designed especially for this software, the keyboard provides quick and easy access to all its functions and features, from animated weather forecasts to navigation and race tactics.
Recommended for PCs using a Pentium IV processor, or faster, RayTech V6 navigation software retails at £427 ex VAT. The upgrade from V5 to V6 costs £111 ex VAT.
For more information visit www.raymarine.com
The MainSail is currently running a group test on navigational software. A review of RayTech V6 will appear on the site shortly. Do you use this or a any other navigational software? Please write a product review and share your knowledge and experience.
