Mastervolt, the Dutch-based pioneer of electrical independence, is proud to announce the ongoing development of a new vision for the future, where domestic loads and marine electrical propulsion are all sourced and managed from a single on-board ‘power station’. 

Although still work in progress, the eventual result will be a design ethos for a complete system based around the ground-breaking GPX, an ultra-compact unit combining a generator, battery charger and inverter hub.

Mastervolt first launched the GPX concept at the METS marine equipment show in 2010, and the fact that all of a boat’s electrical needs could come from one easily-installed ‘box’ caught the imagination of yachtsmen and boat builders alike. 

Following the Handy fully automatic five-stage battery charger, WhisperPower introduces its Orange Label Combi, sine wave inverter / battery charger. Products under WhisperPower's Orange Label are lightweight, easy to operate and available at an attractive price.

The WP Combi is a power system with a built-in, extremely powerful, distortion free sine wave inverter, enabling it to operate ANY 230 V AC appliance, including sensitive electronics, from a 12 or 24 VDC battery.

The output power for the 12 V unit is 2 kW, while the WP Combi 24/3000 supplies 3 kW power. The efficiency of the units is approximately 90%, so the conversion process from DC battery power to AC power takes place with virtually no power loss.

It’s not surprising that the iPad and other WiFi consumer devices have caught the eye of most boat owners with their gorgeous, touch sensitive, colour displays and interesting range of navigation apps.

But getting data from the boat’s system has been tricky – up until now. 

At the Southampton Boat Show (CA Clase stand G091), Digital Yacht, will introduce a revolutionary new product called NavLink which takes NMEA2000 data and makes it available via WiFi, so devices like an iPad or iPhone can be used to display on board navigation data. 

Existing laptops or netbooks can also link wirelessly to NavLink.

McMurdo, a business of the Orolia Group (NYSE Alternext Paris – FR0010501015 – ALORO) has extended its range of leading emergency distress beacons with the launch of the NEW Fast Find 220 PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).

Available from May 2012, the ground breaking Fast Find 220 satellite PLB is a stylish and versatile 406 MHz GPS emergency beacon with GPS as standard, enabling a typical positional accuracy of +/- 62m.

The 220 also benefits from new contemporary styling, including retro refelective detailing for improved visibility in low light, a six year battery storage life and float pouch included as standard making it a must-have safety device for anyone who spends time on the water for work or leisure purposes. 

With more and more users deciding to install an AIS receiver or transponder, the biggest issue surrounding the equipment is the installation of the extra antennas that are required. 

An AIS receiver or transponder requires a VHF antenna, but Digital Yacht's new SPL2000 AIS-VHF antenna splitter allows an existing antenna to be used for both the AIS and DSC VHF and even with an AM/FM radio. 

Unlike most simple splitters, it can also be used with a class B transponder system and it incorporates special circuitry to ensure safe operation of the two transmitting devices.