NEW GEAR

RUPERT HOLMES ON THE FUTURE OF CHARTPLOT TERS AND ONBOARD DISPL AYS

Multifunction displays for navigation, instrument data, radar, AIS, and even watching Netflix, continue to evolve, especially at the high end of the market. While early units were hampered by a lack of processing power, they’re now much improved.

B&G’s latest Zeus S MFD, launched at Boot Düsseldorf, is the company’s second device to use Android, following the large format Nemesis instrument display. This has helped create a more intuitive look, feel and set up despite the greater number of sophisticated features than earlier models.

Processors are also faster and memory is larger, which speeds response times, especially when charts are redrawn while panning or scrolling. Separate racing and cruising modes further simplify menu structures.

In addition, waypoint up and wind up chart displays are now possible, as well as the familiar north up and head up options. The shading of lay lines also looks to be more informative – instead of simply showing the extremes of the cone, the areas close to the average wind direction are darker. And there’s a basic route planning function, but this is based on measured wind and tide data, so is of limited use in its current form.

EASY TO USE

MOB functionality is also improved. In addition to showing bearing and distance to the location of the incident, the unit also displays instructions for making a mayday call.

This may sound like a small point, but the ability to assign a relatively inexperienced crewmember to the VHF in a time of crisis, leaving the more experienced sailors to carry out the rescue procedure, can be an enormous help.