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Lowrance's new HDS Carbon chartplotter / fishfinder has a redesigned LED SolarMAX HD display. The Carbon's SolarMAX HD touchscreen is enhanced with a wider viewing angle to make viewing this screen easier in those awkward angles. Advanced anti-reflective screen coatings and top notch color accuracy with the boosted high-resolution viewing panel, makes this screen one of the most rugged units in almost any environment. 

What's New With HDS Carbon

If you are shopping for an autopilot you've no doubt run across Garmin's new Smartpump.  You've also probably had some sticker shock from the price.  Why does it cost so much and what does it do?  

• Garmin Smartpump p/n 010-00705-60
• Garmin Reactor Pilot w/Smartpump p/n 010-00705-65
• Garmin Verado Adapter Kit p/n 010-11202-01

First, the Smartpump features a brushless motor design.  This feature alone accounts for much of the improvement and Garmin is the only one to offer such a design.  A brushless motor increases reliability, runs quieter, increases pump life, reduces power consumption and is more efficient.  It also enables a host of performance features such as Garmin's Intelligent Rudder Rate Technology (IRRT).  This will incr

Simrad recently announced their NSS EVO3 Series.   These multi-function units are available in the following screen sizes - 7", 9", 12" and 16".  Models are the NSS&, NSS9, NSS12, and NSS16 Evo3.   

One major advantage to the new Evo3 Series is the built-in "true" dual channel CHIRP.   You can run two bands of CHIRP at once and utilize all of the popular Airmar transducers that are offered with dual band CHIRP.  

These units also have built-in WIFI which is an upgrade over the previous NSS Evo2 units. The new Simrad NSS EVO3 units are sure to be a popular option for boaters wanting chartplotters, gps, fishfinders, side imaging, radar, and more. 

Check them out HERE

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

The Garmin 76xx Series is Garmin's latest release for 2015, and the capabilities likely have your head spinning!  It is an awesome platform for sure.  We can help you pick out the right system for your boat. In fact, Garmin 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 units.  It should

GX2200 Gray NMEA Out + to Garmin Brown RX + (NMEA IN +)

GX2200 Brown NMEA Out - to Garmin Black NMEA Ground – 

 

If you want connect the Garmin GPS output.

SH Blue In+ to Garmin Blue Out + 

SH Green In- to Garmin NMEA Ground Black 

 

You will need to change the Communications Settings in the Garmin for Port 1 to NMEA HS (High Speed) data. You will also need to change the NMEA Baud rate in the GX2200 to 38400 (High Speed) in the General Setup Menu - NMEA In/Out.

hese the terms "Networking" and "Interfacing" are often confused. Lets define them.

 

• Networking - This is a proprietary protocol for multi-function displays to exchange information and share sensors. Basically, it allows two or more displays from the same manufacturer to connect to each other with a simple network cable so whatever you are able to see on one display you are able to see on the other. Networking allows you to share complex data such as radar information, fishfinder data, weather data, etc. A few years ago networking did not exist, so if a radar antenna was connected to a display it would only be able to be used from that display. With modern networks the radar c an be plugged into one display but controllable and viewable from another. Networking is very useful on boats with multiple stations, or in cases where the owner simply wants the flexibility to view any system component on any screen.

 

Fishfinder transducers are often a source of confusion among our customers.  Let's try to simplify it. 

There are three basic styles of transducers:

• Thru-hull - actually requires a hole to be drilled through the bottom of your boat to fit the ducer
• In-Hull - also called "shoot through" - these are epoxied or glued inside your bilge
• Transom Mount - these screw onto the transom

Each style of ducer has its benefits and drawbacks. 

• Thru-hull (good) - offers best performance, usually includes temp sensor   (bad) - requires a hole to be put in the bottom of the boat.   Can be troublesome to replace.
• In-Hull  (good) - is easy to install, boat can stay in the water during installation, least affected by turbulence    (bad) - no temp capabilities, lose 30% of range

Looking for the latest features on your electronics? Trying to fix a bug? We'll show you how to do a software update.

Looking to get your engine data onto your multifunction display? We dive into it in this article.