Blog - Marine Special Products

Serving our Customers during the COVID-19 Connecticut Shutdown

March 24, 2020 By D.G. Fitton

On Monday, March 23th, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont took much-needed action to “flatten the curve” and help Connecticut residents work together to contend with and ultimately beat the Novel Coronavirus and Covid-19.

By issuing executive order 7H and imploring workers outside of only the most essential Connecticut businesses to “Stay Home, Stay Safe”, Lamont is hoping to remove the human connectivity which this virus needs to spread.

Here at Marine Special Products Group – we support these decisions. We also realize that as an Essential Business that can continue to operate during these uncertain times, we have some responsibilities to our employees, our customers, and the community.

First, we will employ the generalized safe interaction practices as per the CDC. Further, we have reviewed the OSHA guidelines for operating a business during the Covid-19 outbreak and will adhere to all recommended practices.

Having considered the general recommendations from both the CDC and OSHA, there are some specific actions we will take as it relates to our business.

If a vessel is stored or berthed in a marina that has restricted access during the Connecticut Coronavirus Stay Home, Stay Safe period, we will not be able to work on that boat until the marina lifts their restriction. However, if the boat is trailered and can be transported to our facility in Essex, we can discuss that as an alternative.

We request that all boat owners notify us prior to our working on their boats if anyone has accessed the vessel in the previous 10 days. This includes owners, their families and any dock or marina workers who have access to the vessel. We will take additional precautions and properly sanitize surfaces before and after our work.

While we normally are happy to have customers join us below decks for our estimate development sessions, given the logistics of Social Distancing, we can’t allow that during this timeframe.

For new equipment installs, Sea Trials and In-person orientation sessions will have to be postponed until after the Connecticut Coronavirus Stay Home, Stay Safe period.

Finally, given the uncertainty of these times and the extreme virality of the Novel Coronavirus, we also reserve the right to postpone or decline to take on any new work if the circumstances surrounding a specific job seem inconsistent with safe, sanitary hygiene protocols required to keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your support of the Marine Special Products Group. We realize that being allowed to work during this timeframe carries responsibilities which we take very seriously. If you would like to discuss a project on your boat, please let us know via either email, calling, or texting DG Fitton, MSPG owner, on 1 (860) 718-0100.

Welcome to our website

May 16, 2014 By D.G. Fitton

Greetings! Thanks for stopping by our website.

I am DG Fitton and Marine Special Products Group, LLC is my company. While many people and organizations have helped me shape it over the years, and I rely on vendors for the products and technical assistance as well as my talented employees, when you have dealings with MSPG you are dealing with me.

Therefore, you’re going to see a quite a bit of me in this new website of ours: my background, my knowledge of marine systems, my sense of humor (this is about boating, not brain surgery!) and my professionalism. But you’ll also see a lot of you in the new site because without our loyal customers, we wouldn’t have survived for the last eight years.

We re-launched this site for a few reasons. First, I wanted customers and prospects to get the full picture on what we do here at Marine Special Products Group, LLC. Many of our customers know us from what we have done for them specifically, which usually is limited to one of the three areas in which we specialize: boat AC/heating, marine sanitation and navigation or entertainment electronics. But more often than not, I’ll bump into a previous customer while working on someone else’s boat only to hear “I didn’t know you did that.” So this new website will help customers and prospects alike to learn about what we do.

Secondly, in the more than two decades I’ve been working on recreational and commercial boating systems, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly (sometimes the very, very ugly!). I’ve developed a body of knowledge that I’d like to share with my boating friends. An example is my Spring Commissioning blogpost, which was developed from a marine system’s perspective; not too many of these re-commissioning checklists include thoughts on mud wasps and mice in refrigerator coils. If you’re interested in this type of information, bookmark my blog or subscribe to my RSS feed.

Finally, like most who read this, I was bitten early on by the boating bug and have remained addicted to all things nautical: the boating lifestyle, humor, noteworthy tidbits, helpful hints, etc. This site will be a place for me to share some of the interesting, educational and (more often than not) funny stuff I find out there on the Internet that relates to boating. Again, this will flow from our blog so stay connected to that if you enjoy this sort of content.

So again, thanks for stopping by. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, email me directly. I’d love to hear your feedback.

Happy boating,

Internet Connectivity Solutions as convenient as they are robust, whether in the marina, on the hook, or underway.

April 28, 2022 By EJ Vongher

While most boaters daydream of throwing off the dock lines and escaping from the hustle-bustle of their daily lives for a day, a week, or a year, the fact remains that connectivity in the form of convenient, reliable high-performance marine broadband solutions is as important as any other system on a boat these days.

Fast, reliable mobile broadband makes remote work on your boat more convenient and productive.

Robust internet connectivity is central to many of life’s leisure, productivity and remote work activities these days and this extends over to the time boat owners spend on their vessels, whether in the marina, on the hook or while making passages. Boat internet connectivity solutions offered heretofore involved satellites, amplification of cellular signals, or marina wifi and each of these, whether it’s cost, bandwidth, or competing users, can have drawbacks.

In response to this, Marine Special Products Group has developed strategic partnerships with three mobile broadband industry leaders to create solutions that offer reliable cellular connectivity services to satisfy the needs of even the most data-hungry boat owners. So whether you are working remotely on your boat, have a Gamer Grandchild to keep entertained, or just want to stream Captain Ron without any buffering, you should consider a marine mobile broadband solution from MSPG.

The key elements of our marine internet connectivity offering include:

Pepwave Max BR1 – an industrial-grade router including a compact MIMO antenna, this component creates a high-speed 4G hotspot to satisfy the data needs of any device onboard.
InHand Network 5G InRouter600 – especially for remote workers needing ethernet connections and VPN security, this series of high-speed 4G and 5G LTE cloud-managed edge routers deliver fast and secure connectivity for enterprise-class marine internet access.
Poynting Antennas – designed specifically for marine and coastal applications, these antennas cover the range of LTE and 5G reception at sea, as well as functionality to provide dual-band Wi-Fi distribution while in the marina or underway.

A real-world speed test using an InHand ER805 Cellular Router on a vessel moored on the Connecticut River near Portland, CT.

In addition to specifying and installing solutions created with these components, we also provide systems administrator services, including remote system administration. Should you have an issue and need help post-installation, we may be able to address it without needing to come to your vessel – regardless of where it lays.

If you are interested in learning more about vessel internet connectivity solutions or would like to book us for a consult, please contact DG Fitton. DG would be happy to talk about upgrading your current mobile broadband system or specifying a new remote internet connectivity solution for your vessel.

Marine Electronics News from the 2022 Miami International Boat Show

February 28, 2022 By EJ Vongher

After taking a pause last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the largest boat show in the world was back last week with a new name – the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show – as well as some exciting new marine electronics products.

While we were not in attendance, we have reviewed the news reports and supplier press releases on some of the newest and most exciting marine electronics offerings and think any of the following might be of interest for Connecticut boat owners looking to upgrade electronics systems on their vessels.

Garmin Boat Switch

Does a digital switching solution that integrates up to 20 output circuits and 7 sensor inputs sound appealing to you? What if we said with the new Garmin Boat Switch, boat owners can dim lights, toggle lights on and off, operate horns, monitor fuel or water tanks, and even regulate livewell water pumps with a built-in timer to keep fish alive all from a screen on their chartplotter?

Garmin’s new Boat Switch is an integrated switching solution that lets you customize and then monitor and or operate up to 20 circuits from your compatible Garmin GPSMap or EchoMap chartplotter. Instead of having to find and manipulate physical buttons or switches, you can just bring up the Boat Switch view on your chartplotter and operate a horn, bring up cabin lights or check critical system status.

It offers four different switch types, including on/off for bilge pumps and nav lights, press-and-hold dimmers for cabin lights, momentary outputs for horns, and timers to circulate your livewell pumps. Plus, it provides a built-in tank sender detection and calibration for up to four tanks — including fuel, water, and gray water. It installs without special tools and allows you to easily add and name switches on your chartplotter display. Learn more at Garmin.com

Raymarine Cyclone Radar

Winner of the Editor’s Choice Award in the Bonnier 2022 Best Elex Awards program, as well as the NMMA Consumer Electronics award for best mobile application, the Raymarine Cyclone chirp pulse-compression solid-state radar series is a somewhat radical open-array scanner with the profile of an aircraft wing.

Designed for a wide range of vessels, the scanners are just over 13 inches tall and weigh 51 pounds. They also sport an aerodynamic design that allows operation in wind speeds up to 100 knots. The aptly-named Cyclone is offered with 3-, 4- or 6-foot antenna arrays and with either a 55-watt/6 kW-equivalent or 110-watt/12kW-equivalent pedestal and variable rotation speeds up to 60 rpm.

The system features both Doppler and conventional scan modes, as well as RangeFusion technology that enables Cyclone to combine short- and long-range pulses into a single high-clarity image that requires only one pane to view. A 50-target ARPA target tracking system comes standard on all models. Cyclone models network seamlessly with Raymarine Axiom, Axiom+, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL chartplotter multifunction displays. Learn more about this offering at Raymarine.com.

SiOnyx Nightwave D1

On even the darkest nights, the new Nightwave D1 from SiOnyx will help you visualize hazards to navigation from as far away as 150 yards. Nightwave D1 is an affordable, compact fixed-mount camera that utilizes SiOnyx’s patented Black Silicon CMOS sensor designed to allow mariners to easily spot obstacles and debris in moonless starlight without white light or pricier thermal cameras.

Generating color images in 1080p, Nightwave requires only faint starlight as the sole illumination source to help boaters see and identify low-lying hazards such as timber or lobster-pot buoys within its 40-degree field of view.

The IP67-waterproof-rated Nightwave camera is compact; just five inches in diameter and six inches tall and weighs just under two pounds. Designed to mount on hardtop in top-up or top-down configurations, the system also has a ¼-inch 20-thread receiver for using the camera with a Ram mount. In addition to Wi-Fi video streaming to a variety of mobile devices using the SiOnyx Nightwave app, it can also be hardwired to the video port in most multi-function displays. Learn more at SiOnyx.com or watch this video of the system in action.

Furuno Compact Dome Radar

If you are looking for big radar functionality in a compact footprint, the newest Furuno NXT 19” dome radar is for you. The Furuno DRS2DNXT is compatible with the brand’s popular NavNet TZtouch, TZtouch2, or TZtouch3 MFDs and includes all the same features and modes found in the larger 24-inch NXT, including Furuno’s Target Analyzer.

Using NXT solid-state Doppler technology, Target Analyzer possesses a 48-nautical-mile range and includes Furuno RezBoost, which sharpens target returns and allows this compact system to achieve the equivalent resolutions of a larger antenna array.

Anglers will appreciate bird mode in this new compact radar array, which automatically adjusts gain and clutter to detect flocks or even individual birds feeding on baitfish. Learn more about the DRS2DNXT at Furunousa.com

If you have questions or would like to discuss marine electronics upgrades for your vessel, please contact DG Fitton of Marine Special Products Group. DG would be happy to talk with you about upgrading or refitting the marine electronics on your vessel. What’s more, if you are interested in data connection solutions, we have a big announcement in this regard coming soon – watch this space!

Our Favorite Shoreline Dining Spots in Western CT

May 19, 2021 By EJ Vongher

Seafood Dining in Connecticut – is there anything more mouthwatering? When you are trapped in your car on I95 trying to get to your favorite restaurant, that can be frustrating. But – we’re boat owners! We can just drop the hook, hop in the dink, and paddle up to the dock. To this end, we’ve created a Facebook Group where thoughts on this topic can be shared. While this new group ramps up, we thought we’d share some of our favorite Dock and Dine restaurants close to the marinas in which we work along the Connecticut River and western Long Island Sound.

What says Connecticut Shoreline more than a hot lobster roll with corn on the cob on the side?

The Griswold Inn, Essex – Our hometown of Essex has a rich maritime history and has welcomed mariners for centuries. Today it offers anchorage, marinas, and The Griswold Inn. Known the world over for excellent dining and historic accommodations, The Gris is just a one-block walk from the water’s edge. The Tap Room is a must-visit.

Black Seal Seafood Grille, Essex – Recently re-opened after an extended closure due to fire and smoke damage, great food in a casual environment can once again be found at the Black Seal. A pleasant three-block walk up Main Street from the local marinas, The Black Seal is a salty sailor’s choice with decor to match.

Carlson’s Landing , Essex – A transient slip at an Essex Marina, such as Dauntless Marina will provide access to Carlson’s Landing. Overlooking the Connecticut River and the River Museum, Carlson’s Landing – opened in 2019 by Cafe Routier founder Robert Rabine – offers seasonally and geographically inspired seafood, steaks, and farm-to-table American cuisine.

Siren Kitchen and Bar , Essex – Located on Essex Island, and one of the shortest ferry rides you’d ever take from Ferry Street, Siren is new but destined to become a mariner’s favorite. Casual seaside favorites, salads, chowders, and frozen custard. The corn fritters are worth the price of admission. Boaters can easily access Siren from Safe Harbor Essex Island marina.

Be it New England or Rhode Island (pictured), clam chowda is the official soup of a Connecticut Summer.

The Blue Oar Restaurant, Haddam – A favorite stop for Connecticut River boaters, the Blue Oar – located within Midway Marina – offers shaded outside dining, a wide variety of superb deserts, a short-order menu that delights, and a signature Mandarin salad worth the boat ride in and of itself. It’s a BYOB stop so bring your favorite beverage or wine, and fancy table settings to make it a memorable occasion.

The Gelston House, East Haddam – Stroll across the East Haddam Swing Bridge from Andrews Marina to find The Gelston House, where New England meets the Mississippi Delta. Highlights include Chorizo Baked Oysters, Parmesan Cod, and the New Orleans Shrimp and Grits. Weekend brunch on the patio is also amazing.

Rustica Ristorante, Chester – Docked or Moored in Chester – perhaps at the Chester Boat Basin – and looking for a nice Italian dinner? Then Rustica Ristorante is right up your alley. You’ll find all the traditional Italian favorites here, featuring poultry, beef, pork, and seafood options. The sauteed shrimp and clams casino appetizers are personal favorites. Be forewarned – if you are on a boat, you will need to arrange a ride to get to this place.

Fresh S a lt, Old Saybrook – Located in the Saybrook Point Marina, this upscale spot at the mouth of the Connecticut River offers wonderful views of Fenwick and the Long Island Sound. A local favorite, their menu – driven by locally sourced farm and fish ingredients – changes with the seasons. Our favorites include the Monir’s seared scallops and a cioppino that transports one to the Med.

Baked Stuffies – price of entry for a Connecticut shoreline restaurant.

Liv’s Shack, Old Saybrook – Located in Harbor One Marina, Liv’s Shack is an additional summertime location of the famous Liv’s Oyster Bar in downtown Old Saybrook. They specialize in Hot Lobster Rolls, Fish Tacos, great burgers, and, of course, a variety of local oysters. Their Old Bay french fries are also amazing.

Bill’s Seafood, Westbrook – For many boaters, Bill’s is a summer mecca here in Connecticut. For year-round residents, it’s a go-to seafood spot that never disappoints. The seafood bisque is unparalleled and if you favor fried fish – this is the spot. Great live music and the daily happy hour keeps the place packed between lunch and dinner.

Dad’s Restaurant, Niantic – For over 50 years, Dad’s Restaurant – located adjacent to Port Niantic marina – has been serving typical New England seafood favorites to boaters and beachgoers alike. This seasonal spot is great for families, fried seafood, and casual indoor and outdoor dining. They serve both Connecticut (warm buttered) and Maine (cold with mayo) lobster rolls.

Captain Scott’s, New London – Located in Shaw Cove, across from Crocker’s Boat Yard, Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock – owned by a former lobsterman turned restaurateur – has been offering Hot Buttered lobster rolls, both New England and Rhode Island clam chowder, clam fritters and other seafood favorites for over two decades. Casual and comfortable Red 36/Mystic

Red 36, Mystic – Located directly on the Mystic River (dockage available) and across the river from Fort Rachel Marina, Red 36 is an upscale “New England Coast” restaurant offering fresh seafood, an extensive raw bar, flatbread pizza, and burgers for hungry mariners. We love the happy hour “buck a shuck” oysters, street tacos, and seafood paella.

One final word – as with all Connecticut Shoreline restaurants, reservations are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED on the weekends so call ahead so as not to be disappointed. Tell us about your favorite Connecticut Shoreline restaurant.

Remote Monitoring and Management Solutions provide Off-Season Peace of Mind

November 20, 2020 By EJ Vongher

Putting your boat up on the hard means that the boating season is over and, for many boat owners, a few months of low-level anxiety being away from their vessels is about to begin. This stress can be even more pronounced if you leave your boat in a slip during the winter months.

Sailboat Sunk in ice on CT River — Sailboat sunk at her mooring in Hamburg Cove on the Connecticut River in February 2019.

One way to reduce the anxiety of being away from your boat for the winter is to install a remote vessel monitoring system. These systems can send instant notifications to your smartphone or email account if the entries or hatches to your boat have been opened. If you do leave your boat in the water during the stormy winter months, vessel monitoring systems can alert you if your boat takes on excessive water or moves away from your dock or mooring.

There are a few of these products on the market, each with different features and selling points. Following is a brief summary of three leading solutions that you might consider. Should you decide to move forward, contact us to discuss our 9-months of monitoring rebate offer, which is available on new installations.

Garmin OnDeck™ – Designed by the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer, the Garmin OnDeck system provides comprehensive monitoring of all your vessel’s critical systems including vessel location, door/hatch status as well as battery status, bilge activity and ambient temperature.

When paired with the Garmin ActiveCaptain® smartphone app, you can customize the alerts you receive to your smartphone for the systems you are monitoring. What’s more, you are also able to turn on up to five different vessel systems remotely so you can have the icemaker and boat AC running when you arrive at the marina on a hot summer afternoon. Visit the Garmin OnDeck webpage to learn more.

Siren 3 Pro – The latest offering from remote monitoring technology innovator Siren Marine, the Siren 3 Pro uses global cellular (and optional satellite) connectivity to provide anytime, anywhere connectivity to your remote vessel monitoring system. Standard features on this system include battery and GPS positioning monitoring as well as the ability to remotely activate refrigeration systems, lighting, and more.

Add-on sensors and accessories are available to let you monitor bilge activity/water level, shore power connection/outages, vessel entry security as well as ambient temperature and fluid tank levels. Each of these systems as well as the battery and GPS positioning can be monitored via your smartphone with flexible alert settings. Visit the Siren Marine website to learn more.

Nautic Alert with Nevata HD™ and X2 Vessel Security – A pioneer in the remote vessel monitoring arena, Nautic Alert offers many of the features referenced above but also dials up vessel security to even higher levels with two key optional features: Nevata™ electronic bilge switching and Nautic Alert Insight X2 monitoring system.

If dealing with water incursion from a remote location or in short-handed crew situations is a concern, the Nevata Bilge Pump sensor and controller will monitor bilge events and, when necessary, switch to backup bilge pumps should primaries become compromised. With regards to vessel security, Nautic Alert technology can provide three layers of protection: Outdoor perimeter via microwave and FLIR-based imaging sensors, Interior Vessel protection with hidden radar-based detection technology, and GPS-base geofencing movement detection for anchor slippage or unauthorized vessel movement. Visit the Nautic Alert website to learn more.

There are other remote boat monitoring and management solutions in the marketplace you might consider; we intended this post as a first step in exploring these vessel security technologies. Please contact us with questions.

Support the Essex Education Foundation Special Needs Student Fundraiser – Receive an Hour of Free Labor

March 25, 2019 By EJ Vongher

The Puzzle B, a 14′ Brockway replica, is the prize in a fund raiser for
Essex, Chester and Deep River students with Special Needs.

Our friend Joe Boccia is running a fund raiser to support students with special needs at the Essex, Chester, and Deep River Collaborative Preschool and Essex Elementary School. With the help of the Essex Elementary School Foundation, this fund raiser supports much-needed resources for students with special needs in the towns of Chester, Deep River and Essex.

Inspired by a child near and dear to Joe and his wife Liz’s heart who benefited from the Collaborative Preschool, Joe ran with an idea his friend Bryan Amenta conceived: build and raffle a replica 14′ Brockway Skiff as the focus of this fundraiser. The Brockway is a legendary fishing boat first built in the mid ’50s by on the banks of the Connecticut River by Earl Brockway.

Amenta, a teacher at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, has been teaching students to build these boats since 1998 and enlisted three of his students at the high school for this Brockway: Mike Halloran, Declan Palazzo and Xhoni Ulku, all who graduated in 2018. Joe also put countless hours into the project, including restoring the 1958 10 hp Johnson Seahorse motor which comes with the vessel (along with a new trailer).

Other local businesses donated boat supplies, food and promotional materials: Pettit Marine Paint, Marine Equipment & Supply, Essex Marine, LLC, Atlantic Outboard, Kellogg Marine Supply, Leon’s Pizza, Bill’s Seafood and Lighthouse Signs.

We here at Marine Special Products Group are inspired by what Joe is doing and want to help. Anyone who buys a raffle ticket between today and the drawing on May 4th will receive a credit for one hour of labor on any job we’re hired to do. All you have to do is take a photo of your raffle ticket and send it to us via email: dg@marinespecialproducts.com

The raffle tickets, which cost $20, can be purchased now through May 4th at: East Coast Trailer, 16 Hammock Road Westbrook, CT, Atlantic Outboard, 475 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, CT, or Essex Marine Group, 37 Pratt Street, Essex, CT.

The drawing for the winner will take place on May 4th at the Connecticut Spring Boat Show located at Essex Island, a Safe Harbor Marina. For more information, contact Joe Boccia at (860) 399-6120.

Good luck and thanks for supporting this special cause.

Marine Electronics Q&A Session

March 21, 2019 By EJ Vongher

Now that spring has sprung and the weather is taking a turn for the better, most boat owners have one thing on their mind: getting that vessel back in the water. Before you make that leap, however, you might be contemplating some new or upgraded electronics for your boat. If this is the case, this weekend would be an ideal time to get some expert advice on the latest in sounders, GPS, multifunction displays and the like.

DG Fitton, owner of Marine Special Products Group, will be at Petzold’s Marine Center Open House and Boat Show this weekend taking questions and providing advice on new or upgraded electronics. He is well-versed in all the well-known brands: Raymarine, Furuno, Garmin, Lowrance, Icom and Simrad to name a few.

DG also can provide insights and advice on your boat’s entertainment electronics, AC and Heating systems, as well as marine sanitation.

Details on the event:

Where: Petzold’s Marine Center, 37 Indian Hill Avenue, Portland, CT

When: Saturday, March 23rd – 9-4, Sunday, March 24th – 10-4

What: Petzold’s Marine Center’s Annual Open House and Boat Show. They will have numerous marine vendors on hand, extra show specials, door prizes, refreshments & EXTRA Savings in the areas largest discount Marine Store.

Boat Withdrawal Symptoms? A New Garmin ECHOMAP™ Chartplotter Will Help.

January 30, 2019 By EJ Vongher

New Marine Electronics and Discounted Installation Rates can fight off the Off Season Boating Blues

With some significant cold forecast for this week, it seems Old Man Winter is finally making a stand here in Connecticut. As we know from years past, nothing brings home the fact that we are in the “off season” like a snowstorm. It’s a trigger for Amarinus Extremus – boating withdrawal – like no other.

But just in time come the marine electronic manufacturer’s boat show announcements of new products that will trigger visions of warmer weather. When you combine this with our discounted off-season installation rates well, you can begin to smell the suntan lotion and diesel fuel.

Garmin echoMAP chartplotter with enhanced cartography features

How could Garmin improve on their easy-to-use echoMAP chartplotters with mid-band CHIRP sonar and Garmin CHIRP SideVü™ and ClearVü™ transducers? By adding BlueChart g3 and LakeVü g3 cartography with Navionics content for both new and existing customers.

“Our new g3 products combine the best content from Garmin and Navionics to provide the highest quality detail and coverage available to mariners today,” said Garmin worldwide VP Dan Bartel.

The new ng3 cartography displays navigational aids, spot soundings, depth contours, tides and currents, artificial reefs and fish attractors, as well as detailed harbors and marinas. The system provides seamless chart presentation with up to one-foot fishing contours that deliver a more accurate depiction of bottom structure which means improved fishing charts and enhanced detail in canals, marinas and harbor plans.

New customers will benefit from this data built-in across the Garmin echoMAP Plus series. Existing echoMAP Plus customers can utilize Garmin’s New Chart Guarantee to receive a free update to the new g3 cartography. To learn more about the echoMAP Chartplotter Plus with g3 cartography, read the press release.

More Affordable Garmin Panoptix Imaging

Last year, Garmin changed the fishfinder game with the introduction of Panoptix™ LiveScope™ sounder imaging technology. The new gear allowed for real-time forward and down scanning views with the most vivid screen imagery available to date.

Earlier this month, they announced the Panoptix LiveScope LSV12 transducer, which offers 30-degree forward and down real-time scanning sonar views via an affordable single-array LiveScope transducer. It’s an economical solution for inland and near-shore anglers because it eliminates the need for a black box.

“Panoptix LiveScope is an absolute game-changer, and we’re excited to bring this live, real-time scanning sonar technology to even more anglers with the addition of the Panoptix LSV12,” said Garmin VP Bartel. “Whether you’re drop-shotting from the bow, jigging or fishing a dock, the Panoptix LVS12 delivers an easy-to-interpret real-time sonar image so you can spend less time looking for fish and more time catching them.”

The LVS12 can be installed on a trolling motor or on the transom, and its LiveScope Down and LiveScope Forward modes can be viewed simultaneously or individually. To learn more visit the Garmin Panoptix webpage.

Raymarine ClearCruise™ Augmented Reality Display Technology

Introduced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this past November, Raymarine’s new ClearCruise augmented reality display technology integrates the Raymarine CAM210 HD marine video camera to detect objects on the water and then, using the new Raymarine AR200 video stabilization module, overlay symbols for those objects on the chartplotter of a Raymarine Axiom multi-function display.

This new technology allows mariners to better recognize and respond to nearby marine traffic, gain some clarity in complex navigational situations and visualize waypoints in the real world. All of this combines for a safer and less stressful navigational experience.

SportFishing Magazine’s Chris Woodward describes the operation in this way: “With the system configured and AIS, Waypoints or ATONs visible on the horizon, the system begins displaying flags above these objects. The range and an icon indicating the target type is displayed. If it’s a dangerous target it’s displayed with a red border. The icons across the bottom (in the picture above) represent AIS targets, waypoints and chart objects; clicking each one toggles visibility of that object type. Currently radar targets tracked via MARPA can’t be displayed in ClearCruise AR but Raymarine says that’s coming in a future release.

Learn more about this new technology on the Raymarine website.

If thinking about these products starts to minimize your boating withdrawal, that’s a start. If you want to hear more about them, or any other products you might be interested in, or pull the trigger on a new upgrade for your vessel while taking advantage of our off-season installation, please contact us to learn more.

If a VHF Radio Transmits And Nobody Hears It …

July 25, 2018 By EJ Vongher

A recent U.S. Coast Guard rescue operation here in southeastern Connecticut in which a distress call on the VHF radio resulted in a good Samaritan mariner recovering four passengers from a capsized vessel is a great reminder of the importance of a functioning marine radio.

The quick story: a boat in distress put out a call to the USCG on the VHF, which was being monitored by a good Samaritan who responded to the sinking boat and took the endangered crew aboard his boat until the Coasties arrived. The linchpin in this great story: a functioning VHF radio.

For many mariners – especially weekend boaters or casual fisherman who don’t use their vessel every day – the VHF Radio is infrequently used; you’d be surprised at the number of boats we encounter without one at all. If you do have a VHF, it’s only a benefit if it’s operating correctly. Which leads to the topic of this post: how can you determine whether your VHF radio is functioning as intended. Here are some tests you can conduct yourself.

Transmission Tests

What is the best way to make sure you have a functioning VHF? Test it. There are a variety of ways to determine whether it’s transmitting.

The first is to make an on-the-air radio check by asking for confirmation of message received from another boat or shore station that is a reasonable distance away. When doing this, you should avoid using Channel 16, which is for hailing purposes only.
If this isn’t possible, switch your radio to low power (1 watt) and monitor yourself on a handheld VHF. You’ll probably need to turn the volume down and keep the handheld away from your boats primary radio and antenna to minimize proximity feedback squeal. Another option in this method is to have a crew member take your portable down the dock for an on-the-air radio test.
A third transmission test is to watch your boat’s amp meter when depressing the radio microphone transmit button. When transmitting on high power (25 watts), you should see about 4 to 5 amps registered on the meter; on low power is should be close to 1 amp.

Reception Check
In most communications scenarios, the key to success is a two-way exchange of information. It is no different with Marine VHF radios. No matter how well your radio is transmitting, if you can’t hear a station transmitting back you don’t have communications. Here are two tests to check your radio’s “hearing ability.”

Local Weather Test – Use a local weather channel to verify that you are hearing the broadcast clearly and without distortion. If you can, switch to a weaker, more distant weather channel to test your radio receiver’s ability to hear weaker signals. For further reception diagnostics, remove the antenna cable connector from the back of your radio while monitoring local weather. Then insert the tip of a small screwdriver or paper clip into the center contact of the radio’s antenna jack. If you can still hear the weather broadcast, your radio most likely has good reception.

Sea Tow Automated Radio Checks – Sea Tow operates a network of automated radio-check stations in many parts of the country as a public service. You can check your VHF radio by calling the station in your area. When you transmit on its channel, you will hear a recorded response and then hear a playback of your voice verifying that your radio is transmitting, modulating and receiving. Check the Sea Tow website to if this service is offered in your area and on which channel it operates.

Shakespeare Radio-Check Meter
Finally, if you require more consistent feedback on your VHF radios transmission and reception performance, install a Shakespeare Radio-Check Meter. Their ART-3 Antenna Radio Tester is a palm-sized monitor that easily connects between your radio and antenna. It will give you a readout on your radio’s power output, the health of your antenna and cable, and evaluate your reception as well. It can also be permanently mounted next to your radio to provide a radio check every time you transmit. What’s more, Shakespeare also has a very nice video on trouble-shooting radio and antenna problems.

Pro Tip
A common error is miss-setting the channel mode. VHF radios operate on three different channel groups: U.S., Canada or International. An incorrect channel-mode setting might result in the inability to communicate on some channels. An icon on your radio’s screen indicates which mode your radio is operating on.

If you have any questions about the health of your VHF radio, or any other Marine Electronics or Electrical issues, please contact us for a complimentary consultation. [Read more…]

Thoughts on Marine Solar For Sailboats and Yachts

November 29, 2017 By EJ Vongher

For cruising sailors or those who keep their boat on a mooring or at anchor, keeping batteries charged can be a never-ending problem. When under sail, you must run the iron horse for at least 30 minutes a couple of times per day to maintain the power needed for critical systems. When on the hook away from shore power, the electrical requirements for lighting, bilge pumps, and refrigeration can drain batteries very quickly.

A practical and convenient solution for this issue; one we are helping more and more of our customers with, is marine solar power. Through our partnerships with Bruce Schwab Energy Systems and Coastal Climate Control, we are able to specify, install and warranty the latest panel offerings from Solara and Solbian as well as controller offerings from Blue Sky Energy, Genasun, and Victron Energy.

When it comes to marine solar power, the key considerations boaters need to work through are how much power is required for their unique situation, what type of panels are best for your use and vessel and, finally, how will the power be stored.

How much power do you need?

For long-distance cruisers to be absolutely self-sufficient, it is generally recommended that a solar system should be capable of delivering approximately twenty percent in excess of the basic requirements to operate their vessel. To make this calculation, you must add up your average ampere-hours of DC consumed in a 24-hour period by the various systems in your vessel. This should include everything that consumes DC current: instruments, lights, VHF, pumps, refrigeration, etc.

By way of example, this simple chart can illustrate some of the amperage use and equivalent watts for common electrical equipment on a boat:

To calculate wattage, you multiply your amps by 12 volts. Three hours of cabin light usage, at 6 amps, would equal 72 watts. The total usage of 137 amps in this example, multiplied by 12 volts, would equate to a daily usage of 1,644 watts.

After estimating your average power consumption, the next step is to determine the type of solar panels which will match your power and installation requirements.

Which type of panel is best?

This question should actually be, which type of solar panel is best for your unique requirements. To get at this, consider the following: how much room do you have for panel installation? How powerful is the sun where you will be sailing?

There are three common types of solar cells used in solar panels sold today, each with their own advantages. This may start to get a little technical, but if you are going to make thoughtful determinations about your solar power, you need to understand the types of panels available and the key characteristics of each. A key consideration here is sensitivity to shading because, obviously, solar panels rely on the sun to create energy. Some solar modules factor in partial shading by including a diode between every string or cell.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline are single silicon cells grown into larger crystals, then cross-section cut into small wafers to form individual cells that are later joined to form a solar panel. This cell type has a very high conversion efficiency which translates into less surface requirements (and less space on deck).

Multicrystalline

Multicrystalline (Polycrystalline) are also single silicon cells constructed by utilizing multiple amounts of smaller crystals to form a cell. This cell type has high conversion efficiency.

Amorphous

Amorphous silicon is produced by depositing an active silicon material on various substrates such as stainless steel. The conversion efficiency is not as good as the single-crystal type, they are bulkier but work better in shaded situations and are the most inexpensive to manufacture (and therefore purchase).

Installation

In general, the best areas for mounting a panel are usually aft: on an arch, on top of dingy davits, on top of the bimini, between two stanchions, or on a pole on the rail. Your preferred mounting location will also be a factor in the type of panel you chose. For example, flexible panels can attach to the top of your bimini or dodger canvas.

Take your time and think this through; the best place depends on the configuration of your boat as well as the size of the solar panel or panels may determine the best mounting. It’s also key to follow manufacturer instructions during installation so as not to do anything which will violate the warranty (some of these products carry 20-year warranties so you want to be careful here).

The next consideration is linking the solar bank to your batteries. Here you use a charge controller, making sure the proper setting for either gel or wet batteries is set. The wiring leading from your panels to the controller should be tinned marine grade; automotive wire looks similar to marine initially but after a few months in the marine environment it will lose conductivity, rendering your carefully thought-out array less efficient. You should also consider including a voltmeter in your system to monitor performance (if this is not included with your charge controller).

In closing, there is a reason we are seeing more and more solar installations these days. The price is heading in the right direction and it feels good not to have to rely on the noisy, smelly auxiliary a couple times a day to keep the batteries topped off. Contact us if you are interested in learning more.