The innovative chart plotter system differs fundamentally from conventional chart plotters. Instead of an all-in-one device, the complete electronics are housed in a separate Q Core Unit (black box), which can be mounted independently of the display. The display itself is extremely flat and is connected to the black box via a single Q CoreLink cable - this cable transmits both power and data.
Chart plotter with two-part architecture
This separation of display and electronics is primarily intended for motorboats, but also opens up mounting options on sailing yachts that are difficult to achieve with classic chart plotters. For example, the flat display can be mounted directly above or next to the sliding hatch - clearly visible from the cockpit. The Q Core Unit with all connections sits deeper in the boat, where there is space and where the cable routes to AIS, radar and other systems are shorter. With conventional chart plotters, there are often problems with installation depth and cabling. Up to two displays can be connected to each Q Core Unit at the same time. This allows, for example, one display in the navigation corner and a second in the cockpit - both show the same chart data, but can have different sizes.
Minimal mounting surface
The display is screwed to a small base on a flat surface measuring 180 × 70 millimetres - about the size of a smartphone. Only a small round hole is required for the Q CoreLink cable. For comparison: A Raymarine Axiom 12 chart plotter requires a cut-out of around 300 × 200 millimetres, a Garmin GPSMAP 8612 chart plotter even 329 × 211 millimetres. The Q Display Float is available in three versions: ten inch in standard format as well as twelve and 15 inch widescreen versions. All three models use the same installation bracket and mounting base.
Matt surface against reflections
An important difference to the previous Q display models is the matt display surface. YACHT had already tested the Q2 display from Q Experience in 2024 in a comparison test with B&G Zeus S and Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro chartplotters. This showed that the Q2 display responds well to inputs and offers an easy-to-understand user interface - however, previous generations struggled with reflections in direct sunlight.
The Q Display Float now has an anti-reflective, matt surface which, according to the manufacturer, should offer significantly better readability even in bright light. The chart plotter is operated via touchscreen. There is also a remote control for the basic functions - practical in the rain or when your hands are wet and the touchscreen has reached its limits.
Internet access and audio system included
Like its predecessors, which are now called Classic Displays by the manufacturer, the Float Display comes with integrated internet access and SIM card. This means that the chart plotter is always online and can be updated "over the air" or call up weather information. The plotter can also be used for remote monitoring of the boat via the Q-Guard app. The extent to which the float display supports sailing functions and whether it will also be launched on the market as an NKE version is currently unknown.
Price and availability
Nextfour has so far only published a price for the 10-inch version. Including 25 per cent Finnish VAT, the Float display is expected to cost €2,689. By comparison, the Q2 display cost around €2,600 for the 12-inch version in 2024, putting it between the B&G Zeus S chartplotter (around €1,700) and the Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro chartplotter (around €2,960). Further information: www.nextfour.com
TECHNICAL DATA:
Display:
- 10 inch (standard format)
- 12 inch wide (widescreen)
- 15 inch wide (widescreen)
- Touchscreen with matt, anti-reflective surface
- Extremely flat design with small mounting base
- Free-floating installation ("float" design)
Installation:
- Required mounting surface: 180 × 70 mm (flat)
- Only a small round hole for Q CoreLink cable
- Mounting bracket: Identical for all three sizes
- Display change: Possible in just a few minutes
Q Core Unit (black box):
- Separate electronic unit for chart plotter
- Supports up to 2 displays simultaneously
- NMEA 2000 (AIS, digital switch, engine data)
- WLAN (client and hotspot)
- Bluetooth LE
- Integrated 4G/LTE modem
- 2× Ethernet (fishfinder and radar)
Map software:
- Navionics
Radar compatibility:
- Raymarine Quantum Radar
Entertainment:
- FM radio
- DAB+ radio
- Integrated power amplifier: 2 × 20 W
- Stereo output (unamplified) for external amplifiers
- Streaming functions
- Direct connection for speakers
- 24/7 connectivity with Q Guard security system
MORE ARTICLES ON THE TOPIC:
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
