MARKETPLACE
BUCKET, DON'T CHUCK IT At the recent Auckland International Boat Show it was nice to see a sailmaking company committed to ensuring the old sailmaking and rigging skills were not being lost.
Calibre Sails Limited were making or displaying a range of products on their stand that were reminders of a by-gone era for many mariners, such as tool bags to take when working aloft, and canvas grips.
One item that caught our eye was a simple canvas bucket. This is useful on any boat as a handy carryall when visiting neighbouring boats. A few tinnies, a bottle of wine, complete with ice and we have everything we need that won't mark our mate's boat when we make an hospitable visit. Contact Calibre Sails Limited, phone 09 575-8570 or see www.calibresails.co.nz
COMPACT RANGE OF FINDERS
Lowrance has introduced the Mark-4 and Elite-4 series of compact, dual- frequency fishfinders with DownScan Imaging and sonar/chartplotter options. They are designed specifically for small, open boats and kayaks, with bright, LED-backlit 89mm displays. The Mark-4 (grey scale) and Elite-4 (colour) range comprises six models: the Mark-4 fishfinder/chartplotter; Elite-4x dual-frequency fishfinder; Elite-4x DSI fishfinder; Elite-4M chartplotter; Elite-4 fishfinder/ chartplotter and the Elite-4 DSI fishfinder/chartplotter.
The non-DSI models feature Lowrance's dual-frequency, transom- mount 83/200kHz Skimmer transducer with up to 120° of coverage, advanced signal processing and accurate water temperature readings. The units can reach below 300m.
The DSI models deliver views below the boat of bottom structure such as rocks, vegetation and drop- offs, as well as thermo-clines, baitfish and target fish. By providing very clear underwater definition, the DSI
models help anglers recognise variations in weed growth and bottom composition.
The dual-frequency DSI Skimmer operates at 455kHz for wide and deep coverage, or at 800kHz for more concentrated scans in shallower conditions with greater target separation. All the fishfinders in the Mark-4 and Elite-4 series also feature Lowrance's TrackBack function. The chartplotter models are pre-loaded with a background map and a waterproof memory- card slot for Navionics charts. Contact Electronic Navigation, phone +649 373-5595 or see www.enl.co.nz
74 Professional Skipper January/February 2012 HIGH-END AUTOPILOT RANGE
The Simrad AP70 and AP80 are for fishing vessels, patrol vessels, short-sea vessels, passenger ferries and superyachts, in both white-sea and deep-sea applications. Their modular design incorporates the latest electronics, software and
networking components. Both control units share common autopilot computers and accessories making them highly flexible. Both the AP70 and AP80 systems are fully adaptive, with self-learning software, six user modes, customised modes to suit individual vessel needs, triple support of independent rudders and multiple thrusters. The Simrad AP70 can be used as a standalone autopilot control unit or as a second station in an AP80 system. The modular system has a new colour-user interface with intuitive graphics, stores up to three individual scenario profiles and has self-learning software. The Simrad AP80 is
for all vessels from 8m in length up to
supertankers, with six individual scenario profiles, networking with NMEA2000 cabling, a special work mode and triple support of independent rudders and multiple thrusters. The AP80 will adapt to individual load characteristics and wind and wave conditions to help lower operating costs and reduce risk. Contact Advance Trident Ltd, phone +64 9 845-5437 or see www.advancetrident.com
WATERPROOF CHARTS
Paper charts are a thing of the past with a new range of maritime charts printed on Tyvek® using the latest printing technology. The result is charts that are waterproof, tear proof and can be rolled, folded and written on.
The idea for the charts came from New Zealand plans which are produced for the building and engineering industries, replacing laminated plain paper plans. All the charts are the latest
versions from Land Information New Zealand and are produced with the authority of LINZ copyright. The charts cost $38.50 plus GST each. Contact Repro-Online Ltd call toll-free 0800 737 764 or see www.repro-online.co.nz
