Arvor boats are a European pilothouse design with a wide beam that is carried well forward to create a large cockpit and a surprisingly roomy cabin space in the forward pilothouse. They also have a wide walkway in either side of the cabin creating easy access to the short but functional bow area that houses a large anchor locker and winch. They are also available with the option of inboard or...

Arvor boats are really quite unique. Designed in France and built in Poland, they have gradually created their own market niche here, winning plenty of accolades from those who understand and appreciate the Arvor concept. None of the boats in the range are intended to break speed records, but instead to provide a stable and extremely capable fishing or diving platform.

Fishing sometimes takes us into some rugged waters and the Arvor 810 Diesel is one of those boats that can handle those rough conditions better than most. They have been designed for the rigours of the North Sea and while they aren’t the sleekest looking vessel you can’t argue with their pedigree. In Australia, they have are high on the shopping list of those consumers who...

Marine technology is moving at a rapid pace in the affordable radar segment with Garmin releasing its new GMR Fantom radar, a 40W solid state, pulse compression, Doppler radar. A Doppler radar uses the Doppler Effect (change in frequency waves) to detect objects. Garmin calls it its MotionScope technology. This type of radar is often used in meteorology but it also has applications in several...

We are in the middle of a technology revolution in the marine industry. Over the past two years we have seen fishfinder/GPS combos develop into command centres that can run everything from the boats electronics to lights and entertainment. Even engine gauges and autopilot systems can be monitored through the latest multifunction display systems. We are even starting to see the introduction of...

It may be way too early in the year to start thinking about Christmas presents but Garmin has just released the perfect gift for any boatie, its new generation quatix 3 GPS watch. But is far more than just a watch with a full navigational and marine toolset for fishing, cruising and sailing. It can also be used to stream NMEA 2000 data from compatible onboard Garmin marine electronics as well...

Everyone wants to be able to create their own maps of areas they fish most often. It would enable you to fully explore, and record, your favourite fishing spots recording exact details of the ground below. Now, new software released by Garmin,Quickdraw Contours, will enable you to do just that.

Garmin has started 2016 with a flurry of new releases including the latest generation Striker and echoMap CHIRP fishfinders.

GME has released a new, compact VHF Marine Radio ideal for use in above windscreen installations in hard-top boats. The compact GME GX700 marine radio is also a great solution for boats with limited space. And being waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means spray coming over the side is not going to have any impact on its performance, it will be suitable for smaller dinghies and runabouts.

There are five models in Haines Hunter’s Offshore range, each of which is designed to carry big horsepower and travel quickly to blue water fishing grounds. These boats are very angler-orientated and, as such, come with plenty of handy inclusions in the standard package

Thankfully grabbing the safety gear in the case of a marine emergency is a relatively uncommon event. However, doing so quickly can often save lives so it’s surprising how frequently safety items are stored in separate areas and often in locations that none of the other parties on board the boat are privy to. That can now be a thing of the past.

Lowrance, a world-leading brand in fishing electronics since 1957, has announced the launch of the High Definition System (HDS) Gen3 fishfinder/chartplotter series. The next revolutionary step forward for the world’s top-selling and award-winning multi-function display, HDS Gen3 is available in 7-, 9- and 12-inch models and combines a faster processor with enhanced, built-in fishfinder...

Earlier this year we told you about Mercury Marine’s new automatic Active Trim system that was launched at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show. Now the technology is available in Australia. The new GPS-based system will not only make boating easier but will ensure that your engine, whether it be an outboard or sterndrive, is always running at its optimum performance level.

If you haven’t heard of Lowrance, Simrad or B&G we’d suggest you’ve been living under a rock such is the awareness of these brands among boaters and anglers. What you may not know is that they are all owned by parent company Navico, the largest manufacturer of marine electronics in the world.

Garmin has just made it easier, and cheaper, to add autopilot to your offshore fishing boat. The GHP Compact Reactor Hydraulic autopilot is ideal for outboard powered boats fitted with hydraulic steering and up to 9.0m long. While autopilot systems for outboards is not new Garmin has made its latest offering available in three specification levels with a starting price of under $2000.

Garmin has released its new GPSMAP 8400 series that sets a new benchmark for screen resolution and is the first multi-function device that provides consistent, accurate colours that can be seen from any angle. 

Poly boats have been around for quite a while now, but for some reason haven’t created the sort of impact they deserve. I have owned a couple over the years, and have been generally impressed by what they have to offer. The New Zealand-built SmartWave range seems to be making some inroads here, but this market sector has been ‘owned’ by aluminium for many years and it’s...

With the inshore/estuary sport fishing scene expanding at such an incredible rate, it comes as no surprise that our bigger boat manufacturers continue to come up with an ever-growing selection of purpose-built craft. The choice has never been so great in the 4-5m range, especially for those looking for a blend of versatility and affordability.

Plate aluminium is certainly riding a wave of success right across the Australian trailer boat market. Most manufacturers now offer a great range and the general standard is first class. Stacer, one of the brands under the giant Telwater umbrella, manufactures a terrific series of plate boats, including the new 539 Sea Runner.

If you are prepared to deal with getting wet occasionally, centre consoles make the perfect fishing platform. The console provides some protection but the real appeal in the design comes from the space that is available on-board and by removing the cabin, the entire boat is usable from the bow to the stern. And it simply can’t be beaten for guys who love to throw large lures about for...