STAY CONNECTED
1. MCMURDO smartfind g8 ais epirb • $875 • mc murdogroup.com
Now available for the U.S. market, the Smartfind G8 AIS EPIRB is the first of its kind to include the AIS frequency. When activated, the unit will not only signal the distress to the Cospas-sarsat satellite networks, but also alert all the AIS receivers in the local area, increasing the chances of a faster rescue.
2. FURUNO • furuno.com fm4800 vhf • $595
The clean, simple look of the FM4800 VHF radio belies its impressive functionality. The radio features a built-in GPS receiver, so no external source is necessary to utilize its digital selective calling capabilities. Its internal AIS receiver can share data over your boat’s network. The radio is waterproof to IP68 standard and also can be used as a loud hailer, intercom and even a fog horn.
3. GARMIN inreach mini • $350 • garmin .com
Small but mighty, the inreach Mini measures just 4 inches tall by 2 inches wide and weighs 3.5 ounces. However, it’s still a full-fledged satellite communicator offering two-way messaging and SOS functions. The unit can be paired through Bluetooth with smartphones and also works with Garmin’s line of smartwatches.