Every year we highlight the advancements of marine technology with the Chuck Husick Marine Technology Award. The award also remembers Ocean Navigator's singular contributing editor, Chuck Husick, who was an expert on all things nautical and technological and who wrote numerous articles for the magazine and website.
This year our judges (see below) compiled a list of interesting new marine technology products — everything from electronics to rescue ladders. Each of these products in their own way advanced the state of the art iin marine technology. The goal, of course, is to make marine voyaging safer, easier, and more rewarding, in a word, better. Below are the 2016 nominees. Soon we will announce the 2016 Chuck Husick Award top winner.
Simrad Halo solid state open array radar
The Simrad Halo radar uses characteristics of both traditional pulse and 4G broadband radar systems. It uses pulse compression technology to deliver an impressive mix of close and long range detection, precise target definition and low clutter.
Furuno DRS4D-NXT UHD Doppler radar
The DRS4D-NXT radar uses the exclusive Furuno Target Analyzer function. Targets that are approaching automatically change color to help you identify when they're hazardous. Green echoes are targets that stay stationary, or are moving away from you, while red echoes are hazardous targets that are moving towards your vessel. Echoes dynamically change colors as targets approach, or get farther away from your vessel. Target Analyzer improves situational awareness and can increase safety.
Garmin Fantom Doppler radar
The Garmin Fantom Doppler radar uses MotionScope technology utilizing the Doppler effect to detect and highlight moving targets to help avoid collisions. Pulse Compression technology provides high resolution while maximizing energy in order to enhance detection and identification of targets. Pulse Expansion setting increases target sizes to help differentiate real targets from noise. The Fantom provides radar data overlay onto charts and a detection range of 20 feet to 72 nautical miles.
Garmin VIRB XE camera boat integration
The Garmin VIRB XE camera is compact, lightweight, waterproof and easy to use. The VIRB Ultra 30 captures 4K/30fps video and features G-Metrix technology, which adds to the experience by letting you overlay gauges and graphs with action data. Built-in image stabilization makes for crisp, steady footage.
Garmin panoptix forward looking sonar
With one Panoptix Forward transducer, you can see the bottom, structure and fish swimming around in front of your boat — in real time; even while stationary. You get 2 views: LiveVu Forward and RealVu 3-D Forward.
Weems & Plath Distress light
The SOS Distress Light meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements to completely replace traditional pyrotechnic flares. Unlike traditional flares, this electronic flare never expires which solves the challenge of flare disposal.
Surhold Bucket system
An ingenious bucket-based cleaning system with a rope handled bucket holds nested parts that fit together and that carry cleaning supplies and tools.
B&G Vulcan MFD System
Vulcan is a 5-inch, 7-inch or 9-inch sailing chartplotter with multi-touch and pinch-to-zoom. B&G Vulcan integrates with your on board instruments and has features like SailSteer and Sailing Time to view important sailing data.
Dometic SeaXchange XTC Watermaker
The Dometic Sea Xchange XTC watermaker has automatic operation and a proprietary programmable logic control software monitors and regulates all system functions. The XTC series also provides remote access via smartphone, tablet or computer via the Internet.
Simrad Precision-9 Compass
The Precision-9 Compass supplies accurate heading and rate-of-turn information to Simrad autopilot, radar and navigation systems over an NMEA 2000® connection.
Balmar Altmount Serpentine Pulley Conversion
A serpentine pulley provides greater surface contact between the belt and pulley, and thus can accommodate much higher PTO requirements. The Altmount conversion kit by Balmar allows for easy changeover.
Rescue ladder – SOS marine recovery ladder
The multi-function SOS Recovery/Rescue Ladder performs two types of recovery using just one product. Use rungs as a ladder, or use entire shape to horizontally lift victim, ‘parbuckle’ recovery style.
Sirius Strobe/flare LED
The USCG compatible Sirius Strobe/flare LED can take the place of chemical-based pyrotechnic flares.
Reel Sling
Reelsling is a man overboard recovery device for everyday boaters. It helps you draw an MOB back alongside a boat, then lift him back onboard.
The OCENS OneMail app
The OCEAN OneMail app allows voyagers to use a satphone to access their gmail accounts.
The Sawafuji Swing Motor
The Sawafuji Swing Motor is a true reciprocating compressor; it has only one moving part. The piston is connected to an electro dynamic device which is powered by the use of magnetic fields. With this technology there is no need for bearings, cranks or con-rods.
2016 Judges
Ben Ellison – writer and owner of Panbo.com marine electronics site.
Ellen Massey Leonard – circumnavigator and marine writer.
Wayne Canning – ON contributing editor, marine writer, photographer and surveyor.
Jeff Merrill – marine writer, yacht broker and power voyaging expert.
Paul Exner – sail training/sea trial instructor and marine writer.
Lawrence Husick – marine writer, son of Chuck Husick.
Alex Agnew – Ocean Navigator publisher.
Tim Queeney – Ocean Navigator editor.
