Today’s revolutionary technology, specifically the Internet of Things (IoT), has granted anglers the ability to monitor their boat location, security and vital signs remotely via a mobile app. Now, Siren Marine is making that experience even better with the newly upgraded Siren Connected Boat mobile app featuring integration with Yamaha outboards.

Features of the new app include real-time vessel security, multiple and flexible boat-monitoring and tracking functions, as well as conveniences such as remote digital switching for control of onboard systems from a smartphone or smart watch virtually anywhere in the world.

Yamaha Integration

Yet, the biggest news lies in the Siren app’s integration with Yamaha’s Command Link Plus. It enables the app to automatically remind boating anglers and their preferred dealers about scheduled maintenance requirements and due dates based on actual engine use, as well as maintenance records as updated by either the servicing dealer or the DIY boater.

Boat dealers have the ability to install Siren 3 Pro devices at their dealerships. What’s more, some boatbuilders now offer Siren 3 Pro as standard equipment on select boats. The builders include Grady-White, Regulator Marine and Skeeter.

Cellular or Satellite Connection

Siren 3 Pro is the third-generation remote boat-monitoring and telematics platform that operates over a global 4G/5G LTE cellular network with the option to add SirenSat (an offshore antenna) for customers that leave cellular coverage. Options for monitor sensors include wired and wireless, as well as connection to the NMEA 2000 network. There is also a new low-power mode that extends battery life during times when full functionality is not needed, such as during winter storage.

The new app is available now for download in the US. For boaters who already have a Siren Marine system, the app will update seamlessly on their mobile devices. The new app is free for basic service, but requires installation and activation of the Siren 3 Pro main device and cellular service. Siren 3 Pro system hardware starts at $797 with cellular plans as low as $18.75 per month.

The post New Gear: The Siren Connected Boat App appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Some anglers might take for granted the exceptionally smooth, reliable and seamless experience provided by the Yamaha outboards powering today’s new fishing boats. But then for Yamaha, that’s part of the plan. So, while you might certainly marvel at the innovative design, engineering, quality, styling and integrated control systems, Yamaha would rather you just enjoy your time on the water.

“That philosophy is reflected in every Yamaha outboard we build,” says Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha US Marine Business Unit. “We build outboards that are so reliable and so simple to use that you really don’t have to think about them very much. A great deal of this is due to Yamaha’s integrated control systems.”

Yamaha Upgrades Engine Control Systems

Yamaha didn’t just upgrade the power output on select models, but rather improved engine management throughout the entire line. The already advanced Helm Master® EX system received some serious upgrades, with an improved, space-saving Digital Electronic Control (DEC) design. The upgraded controls offer increased functionality and new trim and lighting options, the availability of integrated bow thruster control, and a new joystick with some exciting options that make boating even easier. 

Boaters can now access full maneuverability with Yamaha’s Joystick Station. Accompanied by the CL5 gauge, Emergency Stop switch, All Start/Stop switch and a newly designed harness, the Helm Master EX Joystick Station reaches new heights in functionality using a minimum of space. Boaters now have access to all joystick and SetPoint® Full Maneuverability functions from a location away from the main helm, which is helpful when pulling boats into slips, steering on-the-fly while chasing a fish or circling a favorite fishing hole.

Gear changes are more like snicks than clunks, something that enhances the overall boating experience, thanks to an advanced shift damper system. Yamaha’s TotalTilt allows for complete tilt-up from any position with a simple double push of the “up” trim/tilt button, or full tilt-down (until trim ram contact) with a double push of the “down” trim/tilt button. A warning horn sounds just before and during these operations. Movement of the engine tilt/trim and the horn can be stopped anywhere in between by pressing the trim/tilt button again. There’s also an optional built-in propeller light on the back of the motor (rather than a transom-mount light) that illuminates when using Helm Master EX SetPoint features.

Two of Yamaha’s new state-of-the-art outboard series—the XTO® 450 Offshore and F150/F200 motors—offer keen insight into how Yamaha engineers and manufactures one of the world’s most advanced, easy-to-operate outboards. Let’s take a look. 

Yamaha XTO 450 Offshore Outboards

Yamaha Marine undertook a major update to its popular XTO Offshore® V-8 outboard, boosting the power from 425 to 450 hp, and optimizing this propulsion package with integrated technology for greater convenience and easier operation. 

The 5.6-liter V-8 is designed to move big, heavy saltwater fishing boats, but it offers much more than pure power. For example, it eases handling thanks to built-in digital electric steering that make cornering fingertip easy, even with multiple outboards. What’s more, Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust ensures quick response when backing down in reverse.

Yamaha’s XTO Offshore 450 also boasts the convenience of more charging power, featuring a three-phase, simultaneous charging system. Using Phase Angle Control (PAC) components to create a super-strong magnetic field, the 450 produces up to 96 net amps per engine in neutral. This provides more power for high-demand devices, such as gyrostabilizers, air conditioning and sound systems. It’s so powerful that it can even eliminate the need for an onboard generator. The system also prioritizes charging to the starting batteries, keeping them charged and ready at all times.

Yamaha has also introduced new XTO EC® propellers. These are engineered with a bit of extra cup on the blade tips for applications where propeller ventilation might be an issue due to the power and torque of the upgraded XTO Offshore outboards. There’s also a new 27-inch-pitch version of the Yamaha XTO OS line of propellers for lighter-weight boats powered by the XTO that have the available wide-open-throttle rpm to potentially drive more top speed.

Yamaha F150/F200 Outboards

Yamaha’s newly redesigned F150 and F200 DEC (Digital Electronic Control) outboards now feature integrated electro-hydraulic steering. This plug-and-play system features an electric helm with steer-by-wire technology to engage the-under-cowling Steering Control Unit and control the hydraulic steering pump, tucked neatly into the bracket, outside of the boat. 

As a result, boats equipped with the new 2.8-liter DEC inline-4-cylinder outboards are easier to handle and offers responsive steering control. What’s more, built-in electro-hydraulic steering is fully compatible with the complete Helm Master EX system, including the Full Maneuverability Joystick package and SetPoint features. 

The compact construction of integrated electro-hydraulic steering also provides more room in bilge compartments, in splash wells and on transoms than conventional steering systems. The new F200/F150 DEC models also feature the addition of Yamaha’s TotalTilt system for faster, easier engine tilting.

Mechanical versions of the Yamaha F150/F200 outboard have received new operating convenience in the form of integrated conventional hydraulic steering. This includes an integrated helm and lines with an integrated hydraulic cylinder. It accommodates both single- and twin-outboard applications. Though simple in design, the built-in space-saving system offers much easier handling and control over old-school hard-steering cable systems.

Siren Marine®: The Connected Boat® System

A sister brand of Yamaha, Siren Marine helps make the boating experience better and more secure than ever. The Connected Boat system from Siren smart boat monitoring system allows you to remotely monitor the boats’ location, battery levels, bilge water levels, bilge pump activity, engine data, shore power status and more. 

With the easy-to-use Siren Marine mobile app, you can connect and monitor your boat from anywhere at any time. Plus, with add-on digital switching accessories, you can remotely control lights, air conditioning and other onboard systems with the touch of a button on the Siren app. 

Yamaha’s close association with Siren Marine will allow for even greater integration with Yamaha outboards and other systems in the future. “Siren will allow us to truly integrate our products and deliver an even more exceptional experience for Yamaha customers,” says Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha US Marine Business Unit. “In short, we want to be sure that all future Yamaha products are connected because we know that is what our customers want – an integrated, connected boating experience.”

This page contains many of Yamaha’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. © 2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.

The post Yamaha Control of the Future appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yamaha, pioneer in jet-propelled watercraft, has introduced a flagship 25-foot center-console series. The 252 and 255 center-­console models combine power, versatility and performance in Sport, Sport E and Sport H configurations.

Yamaha’s patented jet propulsion system uses an internal impeller rather than an external propeller, enabling shallow-water operation, enhanced maneuverability, reduced maintenance, and the peace of mind that results from no lower unit or propeller to avoid at the stern.

New is a more powerful 1.9L HO Yamaha Marine engine in the 252 FSH Sport that produces quicker and smoother acceleration and a higher top speed.

Yamaha 255 FSH Sport H 

Yamaha’s new, fishing-­focused 255 FSH Sport H is powered by a pair of supercharged and intercooled 1.8L SVHO engines, which combine for 500 hp to drive Yamaha’s renowned jet propulsion system. 

An industry first, the 255 FSH Sport H offers Helm Master EX, which allows the driver to control the twin engines to move the boat forward, in reverse, laterally and rotationally with just one hand on the joystick—a boon at dock or while fighting and boating a big fish. 

E-Series Electronic Throttle Control features push-button start and stop, rpm engine sync and single-throttle pairing.

The comfortable leaning post seats two, and the fiberglass hardtop has integrated stereo speakers and LED lighting.

Angling features include an insulated bow fish box; a transparent 18-gallon livewell; a 30-gallon stern livewell; and console, gunwale and hard-top storage for 25 rods. The hardtop is outrigger-ready. A slip-resistant floor cleans easily after the catch. 

The 255 FSH Sport H’s bow seating has snap-in cushions, storage bins (the boat has 543 gallons of storage in all!) and a filler platform/table. The boat also features a front console seat, jump seats, snap-in teak-style marine mat flooring and Quiet Cruise technology. 

It also has the company’s signature swim platform with beverage holders, backrest cushions and access to the Yamaha-exclusive pump clean-out ports. 

Editor’s Tip 

You probably haven’t considered a jet drive, but if you ever have to cross shallow expanses, you should—river anglers have been using this tech for years. With no propeller or outdrive to hit the bottom, you can get through some really skinny water without damage. -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Yamaha 1.8L supercharged SVHO
• Test Props: Jet-pump impeller
• Test Load: Fuel 40 lb., crew 250 lb.
• Test Speed: 25 mph at 4,500 rpm
• Max Range: 225 mi.

Specifications

Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing – Kennesaw, Georgia; yamahaboats.com

The post Yamaha 255 FSH Sport H: 2024 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

While the world accelerates toward electric power, the marine industry waves a caution flag. What might seem a simple environmental solution can’t resolve the unique roadblocks faced by boatbuilders and engine builders. The industry needs a stopgap, and sustainable marine fuels seem to fit.

“There are currently 12 million existing boats in the market,” says Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha US Marine Business Unit. “The option of using sustainable marine fuel within these vessels paves a path to carbon neutrality within product already on the water.”

Earlier this year, Yamaha Marine announced a sustainable marine fuel-testing initiative with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and other industry partners. The group plans to identify fuels that significantly reduce carbon-dioxide emissions while maintaining boat range and performance.

Already, Yamaha has demonstrated sustainable marine fuel-powered vessels at February’s Miami International Boat Show and at the Bassmaster Classic and American Boating Congress this spring.

Sustainable marine fuel, not batteries, can deliver the substantial power vessels need. In fact, boats require 10 times more energy to move through the dense world of water than a vehicle needs to drive a slick roadway. That’s a pretty heavy lift for your outboard engines.

While electric propulsion such as Yamaha’s 3.7 kW (9.9 hp) Harmo offer a potential solution for small, lightweight boats in specific situations, it can’t generate enough energy density for most boats.

Energy density has a very technical definition, but a comparison shows its impact: Gasoline produces 922,000 Btu per cubic foot of energy density, while lithium-ion nano batteries deliver 174,000—a 5.3-to-1 ratio.

Sustainable marine fuels, which combine various components with gasoline, generate enough energy to deliver acceptable performance and range. However, the primary biofuel currently in use—corn ethanol—also can damage engine parts and create corrosion.

Yamaha’s demo vessels use EcoGen 93, which is a blend of 17 percent ethyl tertiary-butyl ether (trade named Ideal EMP) and gas, and is 10 percent carbon neutral compared with 7 percent for ethanol. Ideal EMP is made from natural gas and biomass, which is any organic material that would otherwise rot in the field and become part of the carbon chain, explains Martin Peters, Yamaha’s director of marine external affairs.

A company called VP Racing blends and markets EcoGen 93. Peters says that the fuel can be delivered now in barrels and will be distributed in Texas by summer and at Southeast locations later this year. It’s expected to cost about the same as current gasoline.

Yamaha plans to use an EcoGen-powered 23-foot vessel to demonstrate the fuel’s capabilities to Congress members at on-water locations near Washington D.C., Peters says. “Our strategy is to assist the fuel industry in getting the regulatory support to smooth the way for distribution,” he says. “There are currently barriers to this in the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

In the future, improved battery technology might deliver better answers for outboard power. Until then, sustainable marine fuel—and potentially hydrogen or additional hybrid solutions—can drive the marine industry toward more eco-friendly propulsion.

The post Floating Toward a Cleaner Future appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yamaha Marine has debuted an updated XTO Offshore V-8 outboard that delivers 450 hp, as well as enhanced technology and greater conveniences. It features the same 5.6-liter big-block powerhead and mounting bolt pattern as the original XTO 425. The 450 is designed to move big, heavy saltwater fishing boats, and it will eventually replace the 425 in the Yamaha outboard lineup.

“The XTO 450 allows boaters to enjoy the convenience and ease of operation associated with the XTO line—in addition to more torque and power,” says Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.

The extra 25 horses is delivered in part thanks to an increase in intake and exhaust volume. At the same time, Yamaha has toned down the loud operating noise associated with the 425 by incorporating an intake silencer, according the outboard brand.

A Host of New Features

In addition to increased horsepower, the Yamaha XTO Offshore 450 boasts more charging power, featuring a three-phase, simultaneous charging system. Using Phase Angle Control (PAC) componentry to create a super-strong magnetic field, XTO Offshore 450 produces up to 96 net amps per engine in neutral to power high-demand devices such as gyro stabilizers, air conditioning and sound systems. The system is so powerful that it can even eliminate the need for an on-board generator, according to Yamaha. The system also prioritizes charging to the starting batteries, keeping them charged and ready for action at all times.

The 450 comes features Yamaha’s TotalTilt feature for faster, easier engine tilting. When enabled, it allows complete tilt up from any position with a simple double-push of the “UP” trim/tilt button, or full tilt down (until trim ram contact) by the same double push of the “DOWN” trim/tilt button. A warning horn sounds just before and during these operations. Movement and the horn can be stopped anywhere in between by pressing the tilt button again.

New raised chrome graphics on the sides, a re-styled panel in back, a new flush-mounted manual flush connection up front and hidden external wiring near the bracket add to the premium look of this powerful outboard. There’s also an optional built-in propeller light (rather than transom mount) that illuminates when using Helm Master EX SetPoint features.

New Props Too

New XTO EC® propellers are now available for applications where propeller ventilation may be an issue due to the power and torque of XTO Offshore outboards. Yamaha also adds a 27-inch pitch to its XTO OS® line of propellers for lighter weight XTO applications that have the available wide-open throttle rpm to potentially drive more top speed.

The new Yamaha XTO Offshore 450 will become available starting in the spring of 2023 with MSRPs ranging from $49,500 to $54,250. To learn more, visit yamahaoutboards.com.

The post Yamaha Introduces 450 hp V-8 Outboard appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yamaha’s reputation for reliable boats comes from their stem-to-stern engineering and manufacturing. Yamaha controls the process of manufacturing and installing each component, giving angler owners of the 222 FSH Sport E a reliable, powerful and beautifully fishable boat that can easily double as a  family day cruiser.

Yamaha jet drives draw water through internally housed impellers and push it out to propel the boat, eliminating the need for an exposed drivetrain, producing a quicker on-plane time and less bow rise. 

222 FSH Sport E

Yamaha’s 222 FSH Sport E stands amid Yamaha’s center-console line, bigger and deeper than its 21-foot predecessors. In keeping with its FSH designation, it’s got fishing—as well as family fun—firmly in mind. 

Step past the 222 FSH’s exclusive T-top and the vertical and gunwale-mounted horizontal rod holders flanking it, and a removable table fits between loungers to create a casting platform. One comfy lounger contains an insulated fish box, the other dry storage, and both offer forward-facing cushions. The crew will appreciate the changing room/head space within the console forward.

A comfortable helm leaning post welcomes two (the boat seats 10 in all). E-Series fly-by-wire controls provide push-button start and stop, rpm engine sync, and single-throttle engine pairing. Standard are Connext control with a 5-inch touchscreen, three-position “No-Wake Mode” control, and Cruise Assist. 

A 18-gallon, acrylic-topped livewell houses bait within the starboard transom. The roomy aft cockpit is ringed by gunwale- and transom-mounted rod holders, and an integrated swim platform makes it easy to access the water for swimming or sport, or to boat a fish. 

Manufacturer’s Remark

The new 22-foot platform continues Yamaha’s trend toward contemporary design.

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin 1.8L HO Yamaha marine engines
• Test Load: Crew 475 lb.; fuel 35 gal.
• Test Speed: 47.7 mph @ 7,500 rpm
• Max Range: 147 miles @ 6,500 rpm, 2.5 mpg

Specs

Editor Says

Jet-powered Yamaha Boats are carving a place among anglers demanding one-stop service reliability from Yamaha’s 100 percent control of boat, motor, components, engineering and assembly. Few brands can boast of the reliability status Yamaha has achieved. –Randy Vance, Editor-at-Large Boating and Fishing Group

More Info

yamahaboats.com 

The post Yamaha 222 FSH Sport E: 2023 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

A new agreement between Sharrow Marine and Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers will enable Sharrow Marine to manufacture its award-winning propellers in Yamaha’s state-of-the-art facility and foundry in Greenfield, Indiana. Yamaha will also offer Sharrow propellers through its boat builder and dealer distribution channels.

Yamaha will offer Sharrow Propellers as a new option on models of Yamaha’s boatbuilder partners and its network of more than 2000 dealers. Sharrow props will have unique SKU numbers for Yamaha dealers to easily order for these uniquely designed propellers for customers.

“Yamaha has world-wide respect for the quality and dependability of its products. We’re proud to have the opportunity to manufacture our high-tech propellers in Yamaha’s new, state-of-the-art casting facility in Indiana,” said Greg Sharrow, CEO of Sharrow Marine. “We’re also excited to have access to the Yamaha distribution network, which will dramatically accelerate our efforts to deliver the Sharrow Propeller to boaters across the world.”

Sharrow’s propeller design offers a host of performance improvements including higher speed per RPM, better handling, reduced vibration, a stronger propeller structure, according to Sharrow. The company claim the props are up to 30 percent more efficient than the industry-leading conventional propeller designs. It won the an NMMA Innovation Award at the 2020 Miami International Boat Show.

Read Next: The Fine Art of Making Propellers for Outboards

“Sharrow Marine’s choice of Yamaha as a manufacturing and distribution partner underscores Yamaha’s leadership position in the casting industry,” said Jonathon Burns, general manager, Yamaha US Marine Planning and Development. “Through our new relationship with Sharrow Marine, Yamaha can offer boat builders, dealers and customers an even greater number of options when it comes to maximizing boat performance through propeller selection.”

The post Sharrow Marine and Yamaha Marine Partner Up for Manufacturing and Distribution appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Anglers and boaters are always looking for the “right” waters to ensure that they have a safe and fun experience, whether it’s a satisfying bend of the fishing rod or just pulling the kids around the lake on a float. But we often take the access to those “right” waters for granted. As the human population increases and impacts the environment in unexpected ways, we all must do our part to ensure our rivers, lakes and oceans remain healthy.

The Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit is doing its part through Yamaha Rightwaters, a marine-industry-leading sustainability initiative with four focus areas: working to clean marine environments; managing the threat from invasive species; restoring and creating marine habitats; and supporting academic marine research. Here are some partnerships and projects currently underway that will produce measurable positive outcomes in these focus areas:

A Coastal Conservation Association^® (CCA^®)/Harte Research Institute (Texas A&M University^®) study will quantify the amount of carbon a living oyster can sequester. This data will allow Yamaha, CCA® and other conservation organizations to scale future oyster-restoration reef projects to sequester measurable, certifiable amounts of carbon, thereby combating ocean acidification while also creating essential fish habitat.

Yamaha Rightwaters is working with Gevo^®, a U.S. producer of sustainable fuels, to advance the use of isobutanol gasoline blends in outboard engines. Isobutanol is a type of renewable biofuel that recycles carbon instead of using “fossil carbon” or carbon that has long been stored within the Earth in the form of oil, natural gas and coal deposits.

The Billion Oyster Project^® is restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities. Activities include rearing oysters in four nurseries, planting oysters in suitable areas, and using the project as a STEM teaching opportunity. To date, the organization has introduced 75 million oysters to the harbor with the participation of more than 6,000 students.

The Ducks Unlimited^® Gulf Coast Initiative aims to restore more than 78,000 acres in coastal Louisiana and Texas. In addition to the habitat benefits for fish and wildlife, this project will also help filter nitrates from agricultural runoff while sequestering tons of carbon dioxide each year.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership^® has empaneled a group of experts to research and report on the harm caused by aquatic invasive species in the United States. The finished product will be presented on Capitol Hill with a request for comprehensive legislative action.

The Coastal Conservation Association^® Maryland (CCAMD) Aquatic Invasive Species Count is part fishing tournament, part citizen-science project. It plans to document the occurrence of snakehead, blue catfish and flathead catfish, all of which are invasive to Chesapeake Bay. These species negatively impact economically important native species, such as blue crabs and striped bass, through predation and competition for food and habitat.

Remember to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal flotation device and protective gear.

This document contains many of Yamaha’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement.

© 2022 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved.

The post Yamaha Conservation Report appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

When Lucy Berg was in her early 20s and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, she chose a job working on heavy equipment and vehicles. Despite the fact that she scored well in the aptitude test, the male peers in charge of the shop made it a little tough for her to fit in.

“In my 20s, when I first entered the career field, there were some stereotypes, and I had to work 10 times harder to prove that I belonged in the same shop as the guys,” Berg recalls. She overcame the challenges, moving up through the ranks before moving on from the Air Force. Today, Berg is a respected product specialist with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. where she has taught courses and trained master technicians.

Looking back, Berg, now 47, said her break came in the form of another mechanic in the Air Force shop that took her under his wing. “He was active duty, working on vehicles like the rest of us, and he used the slow time to train me,” she says. “It built up my confidence, and then he started to give more complicated jobs.”

When she moved on to a new shop at a new base, Berg’s gender wasn’t an issue. “I just grabbed the job I wanted and did the work,” she says. From the shop, she moved into instructing other mechanics and that was a game-changer.

“The best confidence booster was becoming a teacher, and once they saw what I could do, people knew me and they said, ‘She’s one of the females we have who could do it,’” Berg says.

She spent the first three years teaching engines and hydraulic and electrical systems on cargo loaders for newly enlisted students — some of whom had never touched an engine. From there, she taught advanced electrical and hydraulic classes.

When her enlistment expired in 2005, Berg went back home to Tennessee, where she attended the University of Tennessee and earned a degree in English literature. After graduating in 2008, she wrote for marketing agencies until a position opened for her to work on a project management team for the Air Force in Warner Robins, Georgia, for a civilian contractor. She worked on Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for three years. She started a family and raised two boys, Nathan and Sean, who are now 10 and 7, respectively.

In 2018, Berg saw an ad for an instructor position at Yamaha Marine’s U.S. headquarters in Kennesaw, Georgia, and applied. “I had to learn real quick about this motor that was turned on its end and had a propeller coming out of its driveshaft,” she explains. “But I do know how motors work, and I’m a good teacher.”

She taught mechanics for two full seasons on in-line four cylinder and smaller four-stroke outboards and was promoted to instructional supervisor. “I feel like I helped a lot of people,” she says of her time as an instructor.

Read Next: 50 Greatest Women’s World-Record Catches

The promotion put more managerial responsibilities on her plate, and she helped refine the training programs before she moved on to the Product Specialist position that Berg says is the best of all worlds for her skillset. She became a subject-matter expert on the product and can share that knowledge with original equipment manufacturers and consumers at events like boat shows and dealer meetings.

“We do a lot of relaying engineering data and translate engineering speak into regular lay-person language for marketing and sales collateral,” she says. “I get to teach again, which I love, and I get to help people understand what I know about products.”

Today, Berg is a single mom raising her sons and letting them see that gender isn’t an indicator of ability. “We go boating together and they see mom drive the boat,” she says.

Looking toward the future, she sees more women coming into the technician career field. “I have had the pleasure of witnessing an influx of a number of younger women coming into the career field,” she says.

The post Spotlight: Yamaha Product Specialist Looks at the Progression of Women in her Technical Field appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Welcome to the second-annual Best Elex Awards, which honors standout marine electronics products that have been reviewed and approved by the editorial team behind the four leading titles in marine media: Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Salt Water Sportsman. Over the course of two months, the nominees were evaluated by our team of seven judges, including the editors-in-chief and electronics editors of the aforementioned brands. In the end, six products set themselves apart. And the winners are:

• Editors’ Choice: Raymarine Cyclone – Shop now
• Leading Edge Technology: Garmin SurroundView
• Best Integrated System: Raymarine YachtSense
• Most Innovative for Sailing: Balmar Battery Monitoring
• Most Innovative for Power: Yamaha Battery Management System
• Best in Entertainment: Garmin Apollo

Editors’ Choice: Raymarine Cyclone

What the judges said: “While the open-array grabs your attention first, the Raymarine Cyclone radar backs up its stylish design with a high level of functionality that includes excellent target definition, great power, Doppler target tracking, an advanced dual-range feature, highly effective bird mode, a high-RPM setting and more.” 

The next-level design and the ability to weather the toughest conditions stood out to the judges as premier features of Raymarine’s Cyclone. This radar series sports a radical look that resembles an aircraft wing, a relatively thin array design made possible by using dielectric radar technology. But there’s much more to highlight. Advanced post-processing removes sea and rain clutter and replicates chart-like radar images. Anglers should appreciate the enhanced bird mode, which is surprisingly effective since Cyclone is a chirp-pulse-compression, solid-state radar versus a high-powered magnetron. The Cyclone also fits a wider range of vessels because of its size. The smallest version — a 3-foot open array — measures only 13.2 inches tall and weighs 51 pounds. Because of Cyclone’s low-profile, it can perform at wind speeds up to 100 knots, compared with 70 knots for competitors — important for 70 mph offshore boats. Cyclone is also available in 4- or 6-foot arrays and with a 55-watt (equivalent to a 6 kW magnetron) or 110-watt (12 kW-equivalent) pedestal. The array spins at variable speeds from 6 to 60 rpm; at its fastest, the radar gives captains immediate awareness of their surroundings. Cyclones also come with three-color Doppler technology, a 96-mile range, and RangeFusion, which combines short- and long-range pulses into a single image. Prices range from $6,999.99 to $9,749.99. 

Leading Edge Technology: Garmin Surround View

What the judges said: “Surround View allows the captain more confidence while docking, even if there’s no second crew member (and, maybe, even if there is) to eyeball the blind distance between the swim platform and the bulkhead or between the anchor chute and the boat tied up just ahead.”

Docking can be a harrowing experience, but Garmin’s Surround View Camera System minimizes that anxiety and boosts boater confidence. The judging panel agreed that this product is a game-changer when it comes to giving captains a clear view of their surroundings in crowded marinas and harbors. One look at Surround View’s 360-degree bird’s-eye imagery shows you the innovation. The judges applauded Garmin for taking docking awareness to a new level. How does it do this? The system uses six flush-mounted 1080p cameras mounted at the bow, aft, and amidships port and starboard. Surround View then creates a full overhead stitched image with 360-degree, real-time video, and feeds it directly to compatible Garmin chart plotters or multifunction displays. Captains can view one or two cameras simultaneously with the bird’s-eye image, and even zoom in and pan around with individual camera views. Surround View also provides a number of augmented-reality features, including a visual bumper and distance markers. Available as an OEM option on new boats only.

Best Integrated System: Raymarine YachtSense

What the judges said: “Raymarine has come up with a system of electric control Legos, if you will, that allows builders to jump into the digital-switching era using off-the-shelf modules that can be expanded as necessary.”

Simple. Easy. Redundancy. Scalable and customizable: All of the judges characterized Raymarine’s YachtSense digital-switching system as a remarkably common-sense approach to cleanly managing ship’s systems such as lighting, pumps, windlasses, entertainment systems, generators and air conditioning. Each YachtSense system begins with master and power-supply modules; additional multichannel signal modules can be added based on needs — like colored-coded Legos. In addition, YachtSense delivers electrical redundancy. The master module features an integrated keypad for manual override, as well as an LCD screen for system diagnostics. And perhaps best yet: YachtSense offers a scalable and customizable design that’s suitable for boats as small as 35 feet. Captains monitor and control YachtSense with a Raymarine Axiom touchscreen multifunction display. Pricing varies depending on the number of integrated systems and scope of the installation.

Most Innovative for Sailing: Balmar SG230/235 Battery Monitor

What the judges said: “Balmar’s SC230/235 battery monitors give boaters significant insight into the real-time health and state of charge of their battery banks from a variety of dedicated or wireless displays.”

The fact that captains can access battery information with Balmar’s monitors by using an app on a smartphone creates tremendous appeal for sailors who don’t always want to run a chart plotter to check their power supply. The judges also liked the products’ ability to monitor lithium batteries, which is unique to the market. But don’t consider this just a sailboat win; powerboaters also appreciate the SG230 and SG235. With NMEA 2000 networking capability, the monitors can push accurate information on a deep-cycle house bank—such as state of charge and voltage—to any multifunction display. Over time, these smart monitors actually learn from the batteries, allowing the SG230/235 to examine a broader parameter called state of health. Captains can then see how their battery bank ages over time. The SG230 comes with a color display and costs $329; the SG235, without display, costs $239.

Most Innovative for Power: Yamaha Battery Management System

What the judges said: “Yamaha’s new battery management system simplifies rigging, saves money, reduces weight and facilitates easier service of multi-outboard-powered boats, proving once again that less is more.”

Yes, the judges noted a theme throughout this year’s new products: a focus on making everyone’s life—from the boater to the builder—easier. Yamaha even has a philosophy tied to this trend called CommandBlue, designed to deliver products that are easier to use and create greater satisfaction and confidence on the water. The judges felt that Yamaha’s Battery Management System delivered. The most impressive feature they noted was the system’s ability to start up to five outboards with just two starter batteries (without the system, each engine would need a starter battery). The BMS constantly monitors and charges all batteries but it prioritizes the starting batteries, ensuring their readiness. Boaters can then add more house batteries to power their ever-growing list of accessories. Captains can also turn on or off the batteries from up to 15 feet away using a key fob or they can use a console-mounted switch. The estimated retail price for the system is $2,200. Note that BMS is only compatible with Yamaha’s digital-electronic-control outboards on vessels that employ Yamaha’s Helm Master EX.

Read Next: More Marine Electronics

Best in Entertainment: Fusion Apollo Series Amplifiers

What the judges said: “More impressive than a moonshot, Apollo amps ease installation and setup of marine audio amplifiers.”

Most amplifiers must be manually tuned, often by a dealer or technician, so that they can produce clear, quality sound. But Fusion’s new Apollo Series Amplifiers eliminate all that. The judges felt that tune-free functionality was ground-breaking. Here’s how it works: Captains wirelessly connect to their mobile device and open the Fusion-Link app. There, they select the relevant audio profile for their vessel. The amps, enclosed in white, powder-coated-aluminum casings, exclusively pair with Fusion Digital Signal Processing enabled stereos. They feature 150 W RMS per channel and a high-power mode, and come in 1-, 4-, 6- and 8-channel options. Prices range from $179.99 to $949.99.

The post Bonnier Best Electronics Awards 2022 appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.