Garmin, Mastervolt and Scout Boats Announce Integrated Vessel Technology
OutdoorHub 02.14.14
Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced a fully integrated vessel solution for its GPSMAP Glass Helm series as a result of a collaboration with Mastervolt, manufacturers of CZone intelligent technology. Providing simplified control and customization for the boat’s most crucial systems, CZone provides an intuitive solution that makes the boating experience more automated and fluent at the helm.
“Garmin strives to provide the easiest and most intuitive user experience on the market and we’ve taken it to the next level, integrating Mastervolt’s automated power and circuit management with our GPSMAP Glass Helm Series,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of worldwide sales. “From controlling various lighting configurations to monitoring bait well levels and more, CZone technology puts the simplicity of automated operations at the boater’s fingertips.”
CZone intelligent technology provides a boating experience that incorporates full vessel integration and automation with the boater’s chartplotter. With the ability to monitor and control multiple functions, the user gains a whole new level of digital control over the boat while at the helm.
“Today, with recreational time being limited, boaters and their families do not want to worry about the operation of the boat,” said G.R. Schrotenboer, Mastervolt Global Business Leader. “They want to turn the key or touch a button and go have fun on the water. Our CZone technology offers the kind of intuitive operation that is common in one’s home or car, providing complete control of the vessel’s environment with a single touch.”
A pivotal function that is offered by CZone intelligent technology is mode control. With mode control, circuits such as lighting, power monitoring, tank monitoring and more are bundled to simplify the operation of the vessel and improve safety by making the correct decisions at the appropriate time, whether via touchscreen, tablet or key fob. A mode bar displaying these configurations allows for quick access and can be displayed at the top or bottom of the chartplotter screen. This accessibility allows for ease of visibility and control over the most important functions of the boat.
Scout Boats will be the first boat manufacturer to boast the intelligent technology integration of the Mastervolt CZone system with the Garmin Glass Helm. Scout produces world-class sport fishing boats, known for innovation and luxury center console boats.
The first model to feature this integrated digital switching technology is the Scout 350 LXF. The 350 is a sleek center console packed with amenities and features, including a dual stepped hull for performance and fuel efficiency, and available triple or quad engine configuration. The model offers a roomy forward seating area in the bow, ample storage throughout, an optional electronic sliding hard top extension and a patented glass windshield/T-top enclosure.
“Our LXF collection is comprised of luxury sportfish models that showcase a unique blend of high-performance fish boats with high-end cruisers,” said Steve Potts, Scout Boats CEO & Founder. “The cross between these two popular recreational marine mainstays allows the boater to enjoy amenities and cool features normally found on much larger sport fishers. When we were deciding which model to introduce and integrate this new technology with, the 350 LXF just made sense. We, as consumers, use this technology in our everyday lives, whether it’s operating our cars or our homes, so now we’ve brought this technology to the marine industry.”
CZone digital switching is made available as part of a free software update available now for both the GPSMAP 8000 MFD series and the GPSMAP 8500 Black Box series. For more information regarding hardware or boat requirements, visit www.garmin.com/8000, www.mastervolt.com/czone, or www.scoutboats.com.
Garmin’s marine business segment is a leading provider of navigation and communication equipment to retail and OEM customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes the industry’s most sophisticated array of chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar, high-definition radar, autopilot, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use.
