By Steve KatzIt seems that most everyone either has a scanning sonar or is getting a new scanning sonar. The upsurge in installations, along with a variety of brands and models, requires captains and ping jockeys to develop their technical skill and fishing methods to operate a scanning sonar for optimum results.
Signal Hill, California (January 5, 2023)—Blue Water Desalination (BWD) revealed its latest innovation in water purification during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The all-new Explorer XT is a robust, expandable system designed to fit almost any available space. With capacities from 475 to 1,800 GPD, the Explorer XT is a welcome new standard for mid-sized to large yachts.
Did you know that Spot Zero®, pioneers of the spot-free washdown, also manufactures SeaXchange® water makers? Even better, the XZII Spot Zero + SeaXchange combination system uses patented technology to integrate Spot Zero water purification with the SeaXchange water maker for one fully automated system.
As NMMA’s full lineup of consumer boat and sport shows launch in January under Discover Boating, each will feature the brand’s identity, extending digitally to provide a more connected experience for attendees and exhibitors with the launch of the Discover Boating Boat Finder. This enhanced, added-value tool—for both consumers and the industry—empowers customers to begin the boat-shopping process weeks ahead of the show they plan to attend.
Do not abandon your EPIRB or PLB yet, they are still the best way to sed an SOS in an emergency at sea (or land too). The EPIRB is waterproof, automatic and is required by design to transmit a rescue signal for a minimum of 24 hours at full power while floating on the water or onboard a boat, life raft, etc. There is no fee to use an EPIRB and no subscription. It is an official worldwide service operated by governments and international rescue authorities.
The newest Apple iPhone 14 was recently introduced and, as usual, has many improvements over the previous models. While many of us do not go out and buy a new iPhone just because a new model is available, this time boaters may want to rethink. The iPhone 14 has a Satellite SOS feature that could work in a boating emergency! Apple added an impressive feature called Emergency SOS via satellite connectivity to its all-new iPhone 14 lineup.
There are many regions where cellular towers cannot be reached. Connectivity in these areas can be achieved by communication satellites, hundreds of miles above the Earth. However, limited bandwidth is a major challenge, making it difficult to even send a text message or make a call. To overcome this, traditional satellite phones feature advanced technology, leading to bulky form factor and large external antennas as compared to a sleek and compact smartphone.
With the new iPhone 14, if you are outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage and cannot connect to cellular emergency SOS services, your iPhone AUTOMATICALLY attempts to connect you to the required assistance through a satellite connection. This built-in service shows where to point your phone to establish a satellite connection and how to stay connected as the satellite moves during the message transmission and dialogue with rescue authorities.
Because the bandwidth of iPhone to satellite connection is not capable of standard messaging protocols (SMS), Apple created a custom short text compression algorithm to reduce the size of messages to one-third of the actual data size. A satellite text message may take 15 seconds to a minute to be sent in perfect conditions with a direct view of the sky. This satellite feature is currently ONLY for specialized text messages to a Apple rescue center. Voice phone calls using satellite connection are not available nor are traditional texting to friends using the satellite connection.
Once Apple receives the SOS information, they relay your SOS to the appropriate emergency services. Once you are connected to them, you can start a text conversation with emergency responders by sharing your Medical ID and emergency contact information, along with the emergency questionnaire answers. Additionally, your location details and remaining battery percentage can also be shared to authorities.
While this feature is a powerful addition to the iPhone, its availability is subject to a few conditions. Here is the official information that Apple has provided but may change as the system matures:
Supported Devices: An iPhone 14 or later running the latest iOS 16 update. (Exception: If you purchased iPhone 14 in China mainland, Hong
Kong, or Macao, you will not have access to the feature)
Supported Regions: The U.S. and Canada (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) as well as international travelers visiting the U.S. and Canada could use Emergency SOS via satellite, except if they bought their phone in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao.
Exceptions: Emergency SOS via Satellite is not available in: Guam or American Samoa and Places above 62° latitude like northern parts of Alaska. This satellite service is provided by Globalstar, a familiar name with boaters.
Sadly, you cannot use the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature right away. It will be available in November 2022 with an iOS 16 software update. Moreover, this is a premium service. But the good news is that iPhone 14 users can access it for free for the first two years.
Business-minded boaters will be interested to learn that Apple is investing in Globalstar by covering 95% of the capital expenditures made by Globalstar to build up its network, including new satellites, to provide the service. Apple will require Globalstar to allocate 85% of its “current and future network capacity” to support the SOS service. It looks like Apple is in the satellite business for the long haul.
This new iPhone SOS feature might just be the reason to upgrade your smartphone, though do not give up on your trusty EPIRB!
Don’t you wish you had a mate who could work 24 hours a day without tiring, in all conditions, checking on the boat and all its systems, for little pay? Well, with today’s advanced electronic remote boat monitoring and managing systems, you can have all of this and more, and let your mate get back to rigging ballyhoo!
We’ve kept it QUIET long Enough…
Walker AIRSEP® Launches NEW Thunderdome™ Silenced Air Filters.
The AIRSEP closed crankcase systems has helped to keep bilges clean from oil leaks, and free from noxious crankcase fumes for years. The system has continued to evolve with new sound mitigation technology to help reduce turbo whine, and improve vessel comfort, especially on longer cruises or trips out to the fishing grounds.
Walker first embarked on the quest to reduce diesel engine intake noise with the introduction of the Everquiet™ Air Filter Silencer over 15 years ago. A “drop in” replacement for most stock air filters, the Everquiet unit was perfect for engines already equipped with a factory CCV system, and delivered excellent results when retrofitted to DDC, MTU, Caterpillar, MAN, Cummins, Yanmar, Scania, and other engines. It is a top seller today and found on sportfishing vessels, military vessels, patrol craft, Coast Guard, and pilot boats worldwide.
Typical Sound Reduction Comparison
In true Walker fashion, the small team located just outside of Los Angeles continues to raise the bar, and when Cummins launched the QSB 6.7 engine, Walker complemented the package with the it’s NEW QT Series product line. A high performance air filter silencer that applied the latest in sound reduction technology and construction, to further improve sound mitigation for diesel engine turbochargers. The system is still included today as standard factory equipment.
Cummins QSB 6.7 Engine
Fast forward to 2022 where Walker will now offer the Thunderdome™ Air Filter as a retrofit upgrade for any CCE AIRSEP. The air filter known for it’s characteristic “dome” endcap mitigates high pitched sound at the most bothersome frequency. The new filters are available in 8”, 10” and 12” diameters, and typically run about 1-2” shorter handling the same air flow, while greatly reduce bothersome turbo whine, guaranteed.
Thunderdome™ Silenced Air Filters
The Walker CCE AIRSEP is identified by it’s V-Band clamp attaching the air filter element to the black AIRSEP body. These AIRSEP units are commonly found on Caterpillar® C30 & C32 engines, Cummins Marine Engines, and other brands of marine engines equipped with Walker CCE AIRSEPS or Everquiet Silencer units. Older AIRSEP units that use springs to attach the air filter, are not compatible.
The filters will be available mid-May 2022, on the Walker AIRSEP Superstore and have a premium price of about 20-30% when compared to the cost for the standard replacement air filter element, but well worth the investment. Want to be the first to get these upgraded filters? Send an email with “THUNDERDOME” in the subject line, and we’ll get you on the list.
(818) 252-7788 sales@walkerairsep.com
Walker Superstore: https://walker-airsep-superstore.myshopify.com/
Walker Thunderdome™ Air Filters-Two sounds enter…one sound leaves.
By Captain Kevin Deerman
Two things constantly changing our industry are technology and innovation. Fishing will always be fishing, but with all of the advancements there are many more crews traveling farther, faster and more comfortably and easily than ever before.
