·

Written in partnership with AIRMAR: Reviving Older Vessels with Modern Technology

Reviving Older Vessels

Feb 27, 2025

Upgrading an older boat doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you’re restoring a classic or refitting a brokerage find, SmartBoat® makes it easy to bring modern technology to your vessel—without a complete overhaul.

Most boats have a mix of old and new sensors, making it tricky to connect everything to today’s modern multifunction displays (MFDs). SmartBoat solves this problem by linking all your boat’s key systems—like fuel levels, temperature, pressure, and almost all analog sensors (thermistors, resistive senders, binary switches, relays, run detectors and more)—so you can monitor them in one place. No need to replace working sensors or buy costly extra modules. This makes vessel retrofit projects a straight-forward integration for bringing legacy sensors on the boat displayed on your helm’s MFD.

Setup is simple and flexible with SmartFlex™ View software. If something isn’t reading correctly, just adjust the settings in the system—no rewiring or expensive add-ons needed. And with built-in Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000 compatibility, SmartBoat makes it easy to stay connected, whether you’re at the helm or checking in remotely. Advanced modules include a second CAN network (NMEA 2000, J1939 or Airmar diesel flow meters), Ethernet and USB 2.0 capability.

Recognized as a top innovation in marine electronics, SmartBoat is the smart way to upgrade your boat for today’s technology.    MSRP: $700 – $1,445 | Up to 12 Inputs

Learn more at Airmar.com.

Related Articles


RANGER TUGS R-27

By Andy Adams

Ranger Tugs have been around since 1958 and they have developed a great formula: one boat, one price. Almost everything is included, and there is literally a fan club of owners who share stories, information and who set up events and rendezvous with other Ranger Tugs owners. www.Tugnuts.com is a community hub for owners of Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats and Solara Boats, all made by Fluid Motion!

Tugnuts.com is quite a unique resource. The online forum has quick links to a chat, info about cruises & gatherings, a channel to ask questions of the Ranger Tugs Factory, Ranger Tugs Technical Discussions, “How to” videos and more.

Read More


Destinations

Sailing into the Future at Antigua Sailing Week

By Mathew Channer

“Standby tack,” Canadian sailor Katy Campbell orders. The crew scrambles over the sheet lines and braces on the deck.

“Three, two, one, tack!”

I wait until the bow turns into the wind and the headsail snaps over, then crawl over the cabin top of Panacea X to the now windward side. The trim team smoothly sheets on the headsail and a competitor vessel shoots past our stern, feet away, as our Solana 45 beats eastward along Antigua’s south coast.

Read More