App uses AI to Improve Trip Planning

App uses AI to Improve Trip Planning

Ditch, an AI-powered navigation app, introduced its Smart ETA feature at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. The launch coincides with the app’s one-year anniversary. In addition to Smart ETA, Ditch is launching a new live navigation view that provides real-time updates on route distance, time to arrival and speed over ground. Smart ETA considers factors that are sometimes overlooked by ETA calculators including no-wake zones and a boat’s cruising speed. Ditch says users will experience more accurate ETAs, reducing stress and providing more accurate arrival times. The app also provides live updates on route distance, time to…
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New Numbering Format for VHF Marine Radios

New Numbering Format for VHF Marine Radios

New marine radios for the VHF-FM band (156 to 162 MHz) are being made with a new channel numbering scheme. The “A” designation for some channels in the U.S. is being replaced with 10. Going forward, channel 22A, which is used by the Coast Guard for all ship’s calls and Urgent Marine Information Broadcasts, will become 1022. There’s no effect on operation. All two-digit assignments, designated uses and frequencies stay the same. Eighteen channels for the U.S. numbering scheme are affected, while four “B” channels in Canada will change to “20” designations. The change was ordered by the International Telecommunications…
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TCarta Hopes to Improve Safety with Satellite Data

TCarta Hopes to Improve Safety with Satellite Data

One of many challenges when entering a new harbor is not knowing accurate depths. Recent occurrences of groundings off the coasts of Oman, Greenland and Fiji were under investigation in early October and the underlying causes were complicated. One common thread is a lack of current bathymetric data in coastal areas, particularly those outside established shipping lanes. Denver-based TCarta Marine uses earth observation satellites to provide accurate water depth measurements for near-shore areas. “The risk of such accidents can be significantly reduced with up-to-date bathymetric data produced from satellite imagery,” TCarta president Kyle Goodrich said in a statement. In many…
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Open Waters Solar Flexible Panels

Open Waters Solar Flexible Panels

Simon Angus wanted a boat that he could move easily to a destination, so he built a modular 40-foot all-carbon electrically propelled catamaran. The twin-hulled vessel could be broken down to fit in a shipping container and be re-assembled with the use of a crane. His goal for the boat was to make as self-sufficient as possible so he equipped it with 16 110-watt semi-flexible solar panels. “On day one, they were great and we were generating a huge amount of power,” says Angus. After a year, however, the power output dropped to 60% to 70%. “The biggest issue with…
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A deep dive into boat electrical systems with Nigel Calder

A deep dive into boat electrical systems with Nigel Calder

Ocean Navigator is co-sponsoring a new electrical systems seminar series from boat systems expert, Nigel Calder. The seminars will be in Portland, Maine. More info below. 2024 Seminar Dates: April 17th & 18th October 29th & 30th Portland, ME For Registration, CLICK HERE or go to oceanplanetenergy.com/seminars Electrical systems are the leading cause of problems on boats that have more than a rudimentary electrical system.Most of these problems are preventable; they arise from a failure to abide by core design and installation principles. To take a deep dive into both design and installation issues, OceanPlanet Energy (OPE), in collaboration with…
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Icom’s Innovative Marine Solutions at FLIBS 2023

KIRKLAND, Wash. (October 2023) – Join Icom at the largest in-water boat show on the seven seas at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show! From October 25-29 across seven locations, attendees can see the latest and greatest in fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers, marine accessories, fishing equipment, diving accessories, personal watercraft, and more. Find Icom in the Broward County Convention Center at booth 654, where you can check out our lineup of innovative marine solutions, such as our NMEA 2022-2023 Best VHF winner, the IC-M510, as well as our newest black box VHF radios, the IC-M510BB and IC-M410BB. Say goodbye to cluttered…
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Icom’s M510 named Best VHF Radio at NMEA 2023

KIRKLAND, Wash. (September 2023) – At this year’s NMEA 2023 awards banquet, Icom’s popular M510 radio was presented with the Best VHF Radio Product award for the second year in a row, making this the tenth consecutive year that one of Icom’s VHF marine radios have received this award. The M510 perfectly fits today’s sleek and modern glass helms and is a powerhouse tough enough for the commercial market yet refined for the recreational boater. Easily command and control the M510 using front and back CommandMic™ connection ports or wirelessly from your smartphone using the RS-M500 app (iOS®/Android™). With the ability to receive…
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Latest Nordhavn 96 delivers

Latest Nordhavn 96 delivers

Dana Point, CA – (June 22, 2023) –NEW JOURNEY is the latest Nordhavn 96 motor yacht to be delivered to her new owners, having immediately embarked on a six-week maiden voyage following her handover last month. Hull #18 of the N96 series, she initiated her cruise in the Sea of Cortez and traveled 1,500 nautical miles to Victoria, British Columbia, where she is currently exploring - just the tip of the cruising iceberg this formidable yacht will enjoy over the next several years. The owners are a recently retired couple who wanted the boat to be a floating resort which…
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M510BB & M410BB Black Box Radios: Flexible Control from Anywhere on Board

M510BB & M410BB Black Box Radios: Flexible Control from Anywhere on Board

KIRKLAND, Wash. (June 2023) – Introducing Icom’s newest black box VHF marine radios, the M510BB and M410BB. Say goodbye to cluttered helm space and hello to flexible and seamless operation wherever you need it on board. The M510BB and M410BB are ideal space-saving solutions for vessels requiring multiple communication points. The M510BB allows up to three CommandMic™ stations, and the M410BB, up to two. Install the black box RF unit out of sight and hang the CommandMic™ within easy reach, up to 60 feet away*. Perfect for in the cockpit, flybridge, tower, and more for total control in the palm of…
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Nordhavn 625 hull No. 1

Nordhavn 625 hull No. 1

Dana Point, CA – The first Nordhavn 625 arrived at Nordhavn world headquarters in Dana Point, Calif., over the weekend and will undergo commissioning for the next several weeks before being delivered to her Nevada-based owners. The Nordhavn 625 is based on the very popular Nordhavn 55/60/63 hull. Altogether more than 100 of the three iterations of this well-proven hull have been sold. “It’s been a solid performer for us,” Chief of design Jeff Leishman said of the hull design. “I believed doing an update would provide us with another outstanding derivative.” The result is a fresh, modern exterior that’s…
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