With electronics, it's all about information.
Recent advances in marine electronics for sailors focus on increased connectivity, faster processing speeds, and more specialized, user-friendly sailing data.
Key developments include Starlink satellite internet, advanced AI-assisted navigation, and integrated wearable technology. In 2026, after a tough winter, most East Coast sailors look forward once again to the prospect of a good sailing season.
As is frequently the story, for sailors, “It’s all about the information”—how we get it and how reliable it may be, since such basic data as wind speed and sea state are critical to the captain, who must make decisions often on the spur of the moment. Indeed, although instruments provide information, we’re now well into a world where we are not only fed data, but we’re also provided with some assistance in interpreting that data in terms of making accurate choices about how to use it.
Garmin GNX Wireless Sail Pack 52
The Garmin GNX Wireless Sail Pack 52 is a wireless sailing instrument system, differentiating it from wired systems, and includes a full set of wind, depth, speed, and temperature sensors. With a GNX Wireless Sail Pack, the skipper has all the equipment needed to know what’s going on with the wind and the water. It includes Garmin GNX Wind and GNX 20 marine instruments, gWind Wireless 2 transducer and the DST810 thru-hull smart transducer.
- GNX Wind and GNX 20 instruments have highly visible monochrome LCD displays.
- The gWind Wireless 2 transducer eliminates running wires through masts up to 50 feet.
- The DST810 transducer provides water depth, water speed, and water temperature data.
- Wireless connectivity to devices with Bluetooth technology enables DST810 calibration directly through Airmar’s Cast app.
- Easy plug-and-play installation with NMEA 2000 network.
More information: garmin.com; $889
M330G Class D DSC VHF Radio with GPS
Icom’s new fixed-mount, Class D DSC Black M330G marine VHF radio is ideal for small spaces and features a rich set of functions, making it easy to install. This GNSS/GPS version includes a GPS receiver and an easy-to-install external GPS puck antenna for better accuracy and performance. The small GPS puck antenna will provide location, bearing, and speed by using information from GPS, GLONASS, and SBAS. The M330G series continues to feature the exclusive AquaQuake draining technology. It features 25 watts of power, a full-dot matrix display, an IPX7 waterproof rating, an intuitive interface, and a new speaker design.
More information: icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-M330; $399.99
Raritan TankAssure Tank Monitoring System With Control Panel and Sensor
TankAssure is a versatile solution that works with any polyethylene, fiberglass, or metal tank(s). Its submersible set-and-forget sensor makes installation easy while eliminating wire management issues. The low-profile wall indicator ensures there are no protruding switches for an unobtrusive look on a vessel. TankAssures integrated Blocked Vent Detector technology guarantees efficient diagnosis of tanks along with effective odor control measures. With the Raritan App, you can monitor tank capacity remotely from anywhere aboard, giving accurate readouts of its current level at all times. This feature allows users to stay informed about their vessel’s fuel levels without having to physically check them manually.
The app allows you to monitor tank capacity wirelessly from anywhere on your vessel. Calibration is simple; enter the tank’s height value. Unlike the panel monitor, each tank can be labeled directly through the app. It provides the ability to enable customized alerts, such as Full, Empty, Blocked Vent, and more. Disconnected from the app? No problem. Your alerts will become push notifications, so you are genuinely never disconnected from being able to monitor your tanks.
More information: wholesalemarine.com; $343.99
Starlink Mini Satellite Internet Kit
The Starlink Mini is a compact, portable satellite internet kit with a built-in router, designed for easy travel even in a backpack. It offers high-speed (100+ Mbps) connectivity with low power usage (20-40W), ideal for mobile users. Key features include DC power input, a kickstand, and compatibility with Roam plans. This really is a major development allowing for affordable, high-speed, low-latency internet on smaller boats, allowing for seamless streaming, remote work, and navigation updates.
More information: starlink.com; $199
Garmin quatix 8 Smartwatch
The Garmin quatix 8 Smartwatch is a dedicated marine smartwatch with an AMOLED display, featuring specific apps for tack assist, race start, and anchor drag alerts, while controlling onboard Garmin systems. Features (among many) include voice command via built-in speaker and microphone, enabling chartplotter voice control, boat data streaming, anchor drag and tide alerts, sailing apps, wireless helm control, and more. It’s dive rated to 40 meters.
More information: garmin.com; $1049.99
B&G Zeus SR chartplotter
The B&G Zeus SR chartplotter features its most powerful 8-core processor, which delivers a smoother, faster user experience, eliminating annoying lag when switching from one app to the next. The speed also revolutionizes the C-MAP charting experience, allowing users to zoom and pan more smoothly than ever. When you’re underway, real-time feedback from your sensors delivers the data you need to the helm in an instant, confirming your instincts and giving you the confidence to sail. A redesigned interface makes Zeus SR quicker and easier to use. The smartphone-like display is immediately familiar, helping sailors navigate with ease between their favorite apps, pinning those they use most often for easy access. And with a selection of modes, it’s never been easier to find the tools you need when you need them.
More information: bandg.com/zeus-sr; $2899
Axiom 2 Marine Chartplotter
The next-generation of Raymarine’s most popular chartplotter lineup is its Axiom 2 seven-, nine-, and 12-inch chartplotters, which have been upgraded with a six-core processor, 64 GB of memory, and Gigabit-speed RayNet networking. This puts their speed and performance on par with the rest of the Axiom 2 Pro and Axiom 2 XL lineup, the company’s fastest lineup ever. Axiom 2 models are available in a chartplotter configuration with built-in GPS/GNSS or as a combination Axiom 2 RV model with built in RealVision 3D and 600-watt digital sonar included. They are networkable with other Axiom products and support Raymarine’s full range of accessories such as radar, weather, FLIR Marine cameras, instrumentation, and more.
More information: raymarine.com; $1200+
RCU-1 Wireless Autopilot Remote Control
The new RCU-1 Wireless Autopilot Remote Control gives boaters full control of their Raymarine Evolution autopilot systems from anywhere onboard using Bluetooth technology. The remote has a built-in heading sensor that supports a gesture-based control system called "point and go." Simply point the remote control in the direction you want the boat to go and touch a button on the remote. The pilot adds a waypoint destination, and the boat heads in that direction, automatically. When the boat is on autopilot and steering to wind angle, Solo Sailor mode constantly monitors the connection between the remotecontrol unit and its receiver. Should the wearer of the remote fall overboard, the autopilot will automatically turn the boat head-to-wind, effectively stalling the boat’s forward motion and allowing the wearer to swim back to the boat and climb onboard.
More information: raymarine.com; $549.99
By Capt. Michael Martel
