Buyers Guides

Garmin recently introduced the Panoptix LiveScope transducer featuring live, real time scanning sonar. Pick your targets and skip waisting casts. The transducer can be mounted on a trolling motor for forward and down views, or on the transom for downward-looking views.

Introducing Simrad's new mid-level VHF radio, the RS40, newest replacement to the RS35. Simrad decided to take it to the next level with the new affordable VHF which features Track Buddy, Navigation Mode, Built in AIS and the option to add up to two wireless handsets. Purchase your new Simrad RS40 at BOE Marine with expert advice, free shipping, and the best shopping experience.

The new Active imaging 3-in-1 transom mount transducer was released this Fall. You can now have extremely detailed, high resolution imaging without losing range. Active imaging bundles CHIRP sonar with the new Active imaging down scan and side scan views giving you total coverage below your boat.

Garmin has recently discontinued their proven 7600 Series and upgraded their 10", 12: and 16" units up to their "best in class" 8600 Series standards. Let's dive into these new units and see what they are all about.  This article will only be discussing the 10", 12" and 16" and will not include the larger displays.

What you need to know:

• Garmin 8600 Series units are available in 10", 12", and 16" displays, and are offered as a networkable chartplotter or as a chartplotter/sounder combo. The chartplotter/sounder combo models are followed by "XSV", such as 8612XSV.  The screens are sunlight viewable and have very wide viewing angles.   The high resolution

Lowrance has released what is arguably the best bang for the buck for chartplotter/fishfinder combos.

The new HDS LIVE Series Explained. Get to know the new units including specs, dimensions, images and more.

Raymarine has launched a new series called Axiom.  Their Axiom 12 comes a number of ways.  You can get the Axiom 12 with or without charts.  With or without an internal sonar, and with or without transducer.  If you see RV in the name, it means Realvision.  Realivision is a 3D view of the water under the boat, in real time.  If you do not see RV in the name then the unit is not sonar capable.

The multifunction display is offered with or without charts.  If you see LNC in the name this means it has Raymarine's own Lighthouse Raster and Vector charts.   These are beautiful maps that look much like a real chart. In fact, Raster Charts are a photocopy of a real chart. If you see Navionics in the name then the unit is preloaded with Navionics.  Navionics have their own unique, high quality look, that many mariners prefer. 

Raymarine has recently introduced the Pro version with hybrid touch, buttons and touchscreen.  The Axiom Pro comes in a RVX version wh

Humminbird has 3 levels of products currently available, and offer support for several now discontinued models.

Solix are the top of the line Humminbird Fishfinders. They have bright, clear screens, designed to be viewed in harsh sunlight with polarized glasses. The Solix series have a sensitive touchscreen and buttons on the side for operation even in rough conditions. Every Solix has a ethernet screw port on the back allowing direct networking between units, or to a 360 transducer. Any Solix on the networking with Mega Imaging will share it with all other units on the network, regardless of what imaging capabilities the other units have.  These units are built on a new operating system, limiting the networking available between them and Helix/700/800/900/1000 units.

Helix series fishfinders are the staple of the Humminbird brand. They offer enhanced networking, upgraded basemaps, chirp sounder, and megaimaging for the clearest returns possible. 

Wet Sounds marine grade electronics have been a top tier product in the  recreational boating market since they first arrived in the industry. They sell a variety of high quality electronic devices that have become the "go to" choice for many boaters. As a certified dealer for Wet Sounds we have received nothing but excellent feedback on their products, and have had a great experience with the brand ourselves doing high end installations at our MD Facility.

What to look for from Wet Sounds:

Wet Sounds sells high end speakers, amps, sub woofers, sound bars, wiring accessories, and lighting. They have established themselves as the absolute top-of-the-line in the marine audio category.  Hopefully this page will assist anyone looking for high quality parts in these categories m

The Lowrance HDS Gen3 Series is Lowrance's latest release for 2015 packed full of Lowrance's latest technology!  Built-in Down Scan, Side Scan, CHIRP, Wifi and more.  We can help you pick out the right system for your boat. In fact, Lowrance has recently instituted a new pricing structure, so these units will be offered at the same price no matter who you buy from. You might as well buy from the dealer that will advise you on how to properly outfit your boat for your needs, and the dealer that will pick up the phone after the sale to answer your questions once you start using the new system.  BOE is that dealer, we have the deepest knowledge base of any marine electronics retailer.   We'll be glad to help you! 

If you ever find a lower price, whether it is a dealer rebate, or package deal or whatever, just let us know and we'll match it if able.  And you'll still be able to get our World Class support.

This "Buyer's Guide" is intended to give a brief overview of the