BUYERS GUIDE Which chartplotter?

Furuno’s NAVNet TZtouch 3 range is available in 10in and 13in screens. An ‘XL’ version is available in 16, 22 and 24in all-glass MFDs. ‘Hybrid control’ means you can edge-swipe and tap for the menu, or use buttons in rough sea conditions.

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Fruno

The TZ Cloud app means you can plan routes at home, which are then automatically saved to the MFD, or you can buy and update charts directly from the MFD as long as you have internet access. The TZtouch 3 comes with a built-in fish finder with side scan. It can be linked with autopilots, AIS, GPS, sat compasses, and transducers for depth speed and temperature, and you can monitor engine data and other custom instrument data.

Raymire

The Element S is Raymarine's entry-level model, and the Element HV is the HyperVision sonar version of this. You then progress up to the Axiom+ with Lighthouse 4 software, giving you greater connectivity to use the display as a chartplotter, sonar, radar, autopilot, engine integration and more; the Axiom+ also has higher processing power, and touchscreen usage.

Next up the ladder, the Axiom 2 Pro brings HybridTouch technology to the interface, which is a benefit on rough passages and on outdoor spray-covered areas. This product is most popular with the sailing market, and also features advanced sailing integration such as polars and dynamic laylines, race timers etc. At the top of the range is the Axiom 2 XL, which is the most powerful processing unit with superior networking. Raymarine's Lighthouse software can be integrated with everything from lighting to Netflix and Spotify, so you can control your yacht's electronic eco-system from the display.

B&G