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ICAST 2018: Electronics and Boat Accessories

Live sonar, integrated vessel systems and extra large displays highlight annual trade show.

Garmin Panoptix LiveScope

Garmin Panoptix LiveScope
Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope technology won Best of Show at the ICAST event. Chris Woodward

Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope is a live-scanning sonar for recreational fishing that provides high-resolution, easy-to-interpret images of structure, bait and fish in front of and below the boat. The transducer mounts on a trolling-motor shaft or at the transom. On the trolling motor, the transducer can be easily aimed forward or down. The product won this year’s ICAST Best of Show award, announced last week in Orlando. It costs $1,499.99.

Simrad NSO24 evo3

Simrad NSO24 evo3
Simrad’s 24-inch touchscreen display Chris Woodward

Super-sized multifunction display screen: Simrad’s 24-inch NSO24 evo3. Compatible with all Simrad network modules and external extras, the NSO24 evo3 includes auto-routing and FishReveal Smart Target View, which blends data from chirp sonar and DownScan imaging to deliver an easier-to-comprehend view of fish below the boat. The MFD costs $10,999.

Raymarine Axiom XL

Raymarine Axiom XL Multifunction Glass Bridge Display
Raymarine’s Axiom XL multifunction glass-bridge display Chris Woodward

Raymarine Axiom XL multifunction displays come in 16-, 19-, 22- and 24-inch sizes and feature a multitouch HD screen with IPS technology. These units network with other LightHouse 3 displays, sensors and peripherals. Prices start at $6,999.99.

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Seakeeper 2

Seakeeper 2 Gyro-Stabilizer
Seakeeper 2 gyro-stabilizer Chris Woodward

Seakeeper introduced its 12-volt gyro-stabilizer for boats in the 27- to 32-foot range in February. Previous models from the Maryland-based company could be deployed on boats as small as 30 feet. However, the new Seakeeper 2 is 25 percent lighter (at 414 pohttps://www.sportfishingmag.com/seakeeper-launches-stabilizer-for-smaller-fishing-boats/unds) and 22 percent smaller (at 24.8-by-25.5-by-20 inches) than its predecessor. The SK2 greatly reduces side-to-side roll when deployed; it runs on 12-volt DC power, costs $22,700 and can be installed in a variety of locations.

RAM Track-Node Adjustable Base

RAM Track-Node Adjustable Base
RAM’s Track-Node Adjustable Base with Tough-Pole action-camera mount Chris Woodward

RAM‘s new Track-Node adjustable base accommodates RAM Tough Pole action-camera mounts (pictured) as well as RAM fishing-rod holders. The base is compatible with RAM Tough-Track and most third-party track mount systems. Prices for the base with attachments range from $40.99 to $101.49.

Fusion Apollo RA770

Fusion Apollo RA770
Fusion Apollo touchscreen marine sound system Chris Woodward

Fusion’s Apollo RA770 is the flagship for the company’s new Apollo Series, debuting the world’s first touchscreen marine sound system. Tap the screen to pause or swipe through a playlist to find a song. Wi-Fi streaming provides high-quality sound and digital-signal processing delivers audio to all speakers. The Apollo RA770 costs $649.99.

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Humminbird One-Boat Network

Humminbird One-Boat Network
Humminbird’s One-Boat Network Chris Woodward

Humminbird, together with partner brand Minn Kota — both owned by Johnson Outdoors, has created the One-Boat Network integrated system that blends the functions of Minn Kota trolling motors and Talon Shallow Water Anchors with Humminbird’s multifunction displays. When networked products “talk” to each other, they can navigate the boat automatically and reposition or anchor effortlessly. The network works with select current-generation Humminbird and Minn Kota units.

Power-Pole C-Monster Control System

Power-Pole C-Monster Control System
Power-Pole’s C-Monster Control System Chris Woodward

In partnership with Lowrance, Power-Pole’s C-Monster Control is a proprietary wireless protocol designed for the marine industry. It allows anglers to wirelessly control and customize their Power-Pole products as well as other onboard accessories over an integrated gateway with NMEA 2000.

Mazu Sportfishing App

Mazu Sportfishing App
Mazu Sportfishing App Chris Woodward

The Mazu Sportfishing app for iPad provides anglers with access to information such as altimetry, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll, group chat and more. The app allows anglers to plan at home and bring their iPad aboard. The company also sells hardwired mSeries components for bringing Iridium-network satellite information aboard beyond cellular and Wi-Fi range. The app costs $129.99; the mSeries costs $995 with connection plans ranging from $10 to $100 a month.

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Deeper Start Castable Fish Finder

Deeper Start Castable Fish Finder
Deeper Start Castable Fish Finder Chris Woodward

Deeper’s Start castable fish finder comes with a Wi-Fi connection to allow casting up to 165 feet. The 120 kHz sonar works to 165 depths as well and sends 10 scans per second. The Start costs $129.

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