Tech devices irrevocably altering the trailer boat recreation

Electric motors, superior sonar models and even live-scanning poles are actually a part of the on a regular basis boating dialog.

Let’s take an in depth take a look at three items of expertise and clarify what they do, who they go well with, and the worth proposition.

We’ll additionally contact on among the broader improvements now filtering all the way down to trailer boats in Australia.

If there’s one absolute should on any new boat, it’s a bow-mounted electrical motor.

Brands like Minn Kota and MotorGuide have dominated the Australian marketplace for years, and now we’re seeing new and modern developments from corporations like Lowrance. These motors permit you to management the boat with a handheld distant or foot pedal, utterly impartial of the outboard.

The massive win? Stealth and precision. Rather than beginning an engine to reposition, you possibly can glide silently right into a bay or alongside a rock wall. Hit the anchor lock button (usually known as digital anchoring) and the motor will use GPS to carry the boat in place inside a metre or so, compensating for wind and tide routinely.

On the Lowrance Recon fashions, positions may be held for hours with out touching a rope, and even ‘jog’ over just a few meters if you wish to modify your place or tie as much as a wharf.

From a sensible perspective, this tech is a game-changer for fishos and boaters alike. Instead of throwing out an anchor each time you need to cease, you simply faucet a button. It’s equally useful for households pulling up for a swim – no muddy ropes or scratched gelcoat. Prices for high quality bow mounts begin round $2000-$3,000, climbing north of $5000 for high-thrust saltwater fashions.

Is it price it? Absolutely.

I run two sonar models on my boat, and so they do excess of simply mark fish.

Modern examples from manufacturers like Lowrance now double as full navigation suites. Built-in charts allow you to view contour maps, river programs and seafloor topography earlier than you even launch. That’s an enormous security profit, particularly if you happen to’re exploring new waterways.

Then comes the sonar itself. Using CHIRP and side-imaging applied sciences, they present what’s beneath in exceptional element – timber snags, weed beds, rocky outcrops, bait colleges and predators.

Lowrance’s newest Elite FS 2025 models even embody Active Imaging HD and Genesis Live Plus mapping, creating detailed depth maps of favorite spots on the fly.

For critical anglers, this info is priceless. But even if you happen to’re only a informal boater, an entry-level unit round $500-$800 gives you depth, temperature, GPS mapping and fundamental sonar options that double as security instruments as a lot as fishing aids. Premium multi-screen setups can run over $5000, however they’re not vital until you’re really obsessed.

My recommendation: if you happen to fish each weekend, spend money on a top-tier unit. If you solely cruise and swim, a small chartplotter is greater than sufficient.

The latest – and most debated – little bit of package is reside sonar. Mounted on a rotating pole, this transducer sends out a beam and provides you a real-time video-like picture of fish and construction immediately in entrance of the boat.

Garmin calls it LiveScope, Humminbird has MEGA Live, and Lowrance presents ActiveGoal 2. Whatever the title, the idea is similar: you possibly can actually watch fish swim, monitor your lure, and modify in actual time.

For event anglers, this has been revolutionary. It means that you can “sight fish” underwater, one thing extraordinary even 5 years in the past. But it’s specialised tech. Units can price upwards of $3500-$5000 when you embody the pole, black field and suitable head unit.

For households or informal boaters, it’s most likely overkill. But for passionate anglers seeking to take their craft to the following degree, reside sonar is addictive – and lethal efficient. I personally run the Lowrance Active goal II models, and have numerous enjoyable chasing barramundi and bass round our inland impoundments.

Boating is completely different for everybody. If your concept of an ideal weekend is chasing barra within the Top End or snapper off Sydney, then an electrical motor and sonar may really feel important. If it’s about cruising Pittwater with the youngsters, perhaps all you want is a dependable chart plotter and a few chilly drinks within the esky.

The excellent news is there’s one thing on the market for each model and funds. Entry-level variations of most of those applied sciences are actually reasonably priced, and the high-end fashions are solely getting smarter.

Personally, I wouldn’t launch with out my bow-mount. I rely closely on my sonar models when fishing. And whereas the reside sonar pole is extra of a luxurious, it’s a toy I really like. But you make your resolution – what do you might have in your boat?

We’re residing in a golden age for boating expertise. The form of programs as soon as reserved for offshore cruisers and large recreation boats are actually being bolted onto trailer rigs throughout Australia. It makes our time on the water safer, extra environment friendly, and – most significantly – extra pleasing.

So subsequent time you’re standing on the ramp and see somebody holding a distant whereas their boat sits completely in place with out an anchor, or spot a display screen glowing within the cabin, you’ll know precisely what’s happening.

Boating isn’t about having each toy. It’s about having the suitable gear in your way of life. And proper now, there’s by no means been extra option to make your boat work higher for you.