Ranger Boats, manufacturers of the world’s most sought-after fishing boats, recently announced the continuation of a long-standing partnership with Lowrance Electronics/NAVICO.  The announcement keeps industry leaders together to provide anglers with the ultimate in innovation and performance on the water.

The news follows the recent introduction of Ranger’s 2010 models – confirming Lowrance Electronics as standard equipment on many of the company’s 40-plus models, including a number of designs with factory-installed, full-color HDS units.

“Lowrance has a strong name and great brand awareness in the marine electronics category,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “We continually strive to provide our customers with the ultimate fishing experience and the advantages Lowrance offers – whether it’s the new high-definition sonar, broadband radar or GPS – allow us to do just that.”

Ranger customers will have premium access to the award-winning technology and features available from Lowrance/NAVICO.  The new HDS (high-definition system) has been praised by anglers and industry insiders as “the most exceptional electronics system ever unveiled.” Combine this with superior networking features, available radar and weather monitoring capabilities and the highly anticipated introduction of “structure scan technology,” and the result is a perfect match for the world’s most discerning fisherman and boat owners.

“We’re extremely excited to continue our partnership with Ranger Boats,” said Sean Hatherley, Lowrance Director of OEM Sales.  “Their commitment to quality and product innovation is a passion we share at Lowrance and we look forward to providing anglers with the tools necessary to maximize their time on the water.”

Ranger’s new 2010 model lineup includes introductions designed around the ability to flush-mount popular large-screen electronics like the HDS-8 and HDS-10 from Lowrance. The all-new Z521 Comanche features a totally redesigned console with room to center mount an HDS-8, while the new 621VS Fisherman – also sporting a new console – provides room to flush mount the HDS-10.  Both options were driven by input and feedback from anglers across the country.

Garmin Ltd. , the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that the company is conducting a voluntary product safety recall of the 2009 version of its marine cartography data card known as BlueChart® g2 and g2 Vision.  The affected data cards have been sold between April 8, 2009 and June 3, 2009.

In certain waters, the data card provides inaccurate indications of the depth of the water.   This creates a risk of boats going aground, which could result in damage to the boat and/or personal injury.

While Garmin has only received reports of data cards giving inaccurate depth indications in the waters along the coast of Sweden and Denmark, out of an abundance of caution, Garmin has voluntarily chosen to globally recall all 2009 versions of the BlueChart g2 and g2 Vision cards.  Garmin has notified relevant authorities about this issue and is working closely with them.  No other products are affected by this recall.

Affected products are the 2009 version of the BlueChart g2 in Garmin proprietary card format, BlueChart g2 in microSD/SD card format and BlueChart g2 Vision in microSD/SD card format.  Customers are being advised not to use these data cards for navigation.

Affected customers will be provided with a free replacement BlueChart or BlueChart g2 Vision v2008.5.  When the 2009 version has been corrected Garmin intends to make it available free of charge to those customers.  For more information on the recall and to determine if their cards are affected and eligible for a free replacement, go to www.garmin.com/bluechartrecall.

Boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine has enhanced its Nav-Tracker 2.0 wireless boat location and GPS tracking system with SmartKEY, which automatically disarms the system when the vessel operator boards the vessel and re-arms it when the operator disembarks.

SmartKEY uses RFID technology that allows for ‘no touch’ arming and disarming of the Nav-Tracker 2.0 system. There are no buttons to push or keys to turn. With a SmartKEY in range, Nav-Tracker 2.0 is disarmed. When a SmartKEY is out of range for more than 60 seconds or is turned off, the system will re-arm itself. Nav-Tracker notifies the owner by text message upon arrival at the boat that the system is disarmed and again 60 seconds after departure that the system is armed.

The Nav-Tracker 2.0 SmartKEY is comprised of a state-of-the-art wireless 2.4GHz Active RFID technology with a transmitter paired with a receiver packaged inside of the Nav-Tracker 2.0 control unit operating on a proprietary frequency. The SmartKEY transmits 10 data packs per second when turned on. When it is in range of the Nav-Tracker 2.0, the SmartKEY disarms the system, and it will remain disarmed until it stops receiving the data packets for more than 60 seconds. This provides an extremely high level of security by automatically arming and disarming the system when the operator arrives or leaves the vessel – there’s no more need to remember to arm or disarm the Nav-Tracker 2.0.

SmartKEY also allows the Nav-Tracker 2.0 main control unit to be installed where it is out of sight and inaccessible, making it difficult for intruders to find and disable it.

More info: www.paradoxmarine.com

Navionics Mobile Version 2.0 Released

So I have this phone that can do anything my laptop can do and in some cases more. Now you are telling me that it can do everything my GPS on my boat can do and it can do it all for $5.99 (assuming I have the $400 phone)? Well, that seems to be the case.

Charting routes has never been easier

Navionics Mobile has just released version 2.0 of their application for the iPhone. The new features include the ability to mark and save up to 99 spots.  Add to that, there will be no more pulling out charts or calling the local tackle shops hoping to get the tide information or trying to figure out how much current there is or which direction.   That’s right the “App” provides tidal information and current information for coastal waterways is also at the touch of your finger. It’s even a marine person of interest yellowpages. Meaning when a simple search you can find the nearest mechanic, boat shop and more.

You can plan a route on the water, display the track where you have been and set markers from the back deck. Watch out pro’s now none of your spots are safe from ams! I can see it now, “Hi, John – ready for a fun day of fishing? Please leave your iPhone in your truck!”

All this built right on top of the best GPS/charting/mapping system in the fishing business for $4.99 (for a limited time). Where do I sign up?

Available from iPhone Application store or iTunes – search Navionics. According to Navionics, if your area is not available for $4.99 then check back soon as Apple is updating all the apps and prices currently.

Innovative HDS Multifunction Displays to Offer Advanced Fishfinding Technology

Tulsa, Okla. – Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics since 1957 and GPS navigational systems since 1992, announced today, at the Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, Louisiana, its introduction of a new side-viewing sonar technology option for its powerful line of HDS (High Definition System) multifunction displays. Available in 2009, the Lowrance sideviewing sonar technology depicts the underwater world of bottom and structure in photo-like presentations.

Presenting an advanced new dimension in bottom and structure viewing, Lowrance side-viewing sonar delivers the same legendary total-sonar performance that anglers have come to expect from Lowrance. In addition, the side-viewing sonar works in tandem with existing high-definition 2D sonar displays – powered by the built-in HDS Broadband Sounder.

A simple, cost-efficient add-on module, the new side-viewing technology is easily networked using Lowrance Ethernet connections, allowing anglers to enjoy the Lowrance sonar advantage on all HDS displays mounted on their boat.

Designed by the leader in recreational fishfinder innovation, the new Lowrance side-viewing sonar option is welcome news for serious and pro anglers, as well as those involved in underwater search and recovery, marine archeology and marine ecology sciences.
 
Full details, pricing and a projected 2009 availability date for the new Lowrance side-viewing supplemental HDS sonar technology option is expected to be released at the American Sportfishing Association’s ICAST trade show in Orlando, Florida in July.