The month of February saw Raymarine announce the launch of its new e-series multi-function displays and the CP450C sonar with ClearPulse CHIRP technology. The latter is amazing technology and gives the average fisho phenomenal fish detection, clarity, and depth performance.
The new CP450C ClearPulse CHIRP sonar will be an option on all-new Raymarine e-series and c-series multi-function displays. The CP450C with ClearPulse CHIRP technology goes beyond high definition and offers up to 10 times the resolution of traditional fishfinders.
In layman’s terms what it does is use a number of sonar signals rather than just one to give a much more detailed and accurate picture of what is below.
The CP450C also features TruZoom mode for a precise and magnified view of fish targets, bottom structure, and baitfish without any loss of resolution.
Shallow water or offshore the CP450C can operate in a wide range of sonar frequencies simultaneously, using two independent CHRIP sonar transceivers. The CP450C detects fish and other underwater targets using any discreet frequency from 25 to 250 kHz, subject to transducer support. CP450C also offers mid-band frequency support in the 75 to 130 kHz range. This means no matter what you’re chasing, or where they hide, CP450C intelligently detects and targets the fish you are trying to catch.
The CP450C also features an ultra-fast, 80 ping-per-second update rate, providing the viewer with enhanced target detail in shallow water and when moving at high speeds.
Unlike traditional high-speed scrolling, the CP450C actually images the bottom at up to twice the speed, providing real time information of water depth and bottom conditions when you need it most.
The CP450C is also far more versatile than many sounders, being able to operate in depth from as little as two feet down to 10,000 feet.  

NEW E SERIES DISPLAYS

 Meanwhile, Raymarine has launched new mid and large format e-series multifunctional displays. The new e95 (9inch) and e125 (12-inch) multifunction displays follow on from the tremendous acclaim received by the compact e7 (7-inch). The two larger screens give the user more power and more on-screen options plus benefit of touch screen control. The new series screens allow users to operate the screen remote control via WiFi technology.
Importantly, for offshore operation you can override touch screen function with button controls. This is a necessary safety function in case sea conditions are too rough for easy use, or the screen is being hit by heavy rain that’s affecting the commands.
The new e and c-series take networking and integration to new levels, utilising the full power and capability of WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can stream live video direct to Apple iPad (v1 and 2) and iPhone (v4 and above) in real time.
With built-in WiFi the e and c-series screen displays let you access, with your mobile device, navigation charts, thermal video, radar or sonar information.
The advantage of this later technology really appreciated in the larger size sport fishing cruisers with multi-decks. With the WiFi technology you can call up information from another part of the boat easily. Trailer boats are much smaller but there are situations where you might use the WiFi technology. You might be down the stern at the baitboard, or up the bow and what to check on say sounder depth, or what’s happening below the boat. You’ll be able to pull this information up on the screen of a portable iPhone, iPad or similar mobile display device.
We saw how this would work in practice aboard a Surtees Trailerboat fitted with an e7 display. Out the back they had an iPad mounted in its own waterproof case just off to the side of the cutting board table. With this second display were able to see the same sounder information on the iPad as we fished.
There are some practical limitations to whiz-bang technology. First off we found it hard to read the iPad in bright, direct sunlight. We also thought it would be rather risky having a $500 iPad mounted so close to a work-station where it could be hit by a rod and knocked overboard. However, that’s nit-picking and we’re sure that individual anglers will work out new ways to use this technology in ways that will work for them.
One of the great benefits of the WiFi technology is you can pre-plan your next fishing trip in the comfort of your home on the iPad and then download it onto the GPS chartplotter aboard the boat.
Another benefit is you can pretty much eliminate the need for motor gauges on the dash. Provided your engine is one of the new clean-tech types you can link the motor information directly into your e-Series display. This was the situation aboard the Surtee test boat and it not only saved dash space but also saved money.
Having tried the new Raymarine e-series we’d be seriously considering it for inshore, or offshore fishing.  

RAYMARINE EASY FIT BEZELS

Concurrently with the launch of the new e and c-series displays Raymarine has come up with a set of bezels and adaptor plates to make dash installation quicker and easier.
New e or c-series displays are available with optional easy-fit bezels, complete with mounting plates, for use when replacing C80, C120, E80 or E120 Classic displays or C90W, C120W, E80W or E120W Widescreen displays, so there is no need to cut new holes or fit a new dash.
These new bezels will make refit of new electronics a lot easier and far less costly for the owner.
What you do is remove the older display, fit the appropriate adaptor plate (no need to drill new holes or make a new cut out), drop in the new unit, fit the mounting screws to the pre-drilled holes and clip on the new adaptor bezel. The result is a stylish installation with no messed up dash area.
The new e7, e95 and e125 displays with the option of CHIRP technology will be on show at the coming Sanctuary Cove Boat Show May 24-27.