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NavigationSeaworthy: chartplotter even without a touchscreen

Hauke Schmidt

 · 16.01.2017

Navigation: Seaworthy: chartplotter even without a touchscreenPhoto: Hersteller
The Zeus 3 chartplotter from B&G
With the Zeus 3, the English company presents the next generation of devices. The display has been improved and the touchscreen can now be locked

The Zeus chartplotter were convincing due to their sailing-orientated concept, but touchscreen operation was not everyone's cup of tea and not possible in all weather conditions. The new Zeus 3 generation is now set to remedy this shortcoming. The newly developed display with so-called Solarmax HD technology and an extremely wide viewing angle plays a key role here. It is available in four sizes from 7 to 16 inches and is designed to enable unrestricted use of the navigation functions under all circumstances.

The display of the Zeus 3 chartplotter is said to be particularly easy to read and the touchscreen also works in wet conditionsPhoto: Hersteller The display of the Zeus 3 chartplotter is said to be particularly easy to read and the touchscreen also works in wet conditions

The all-weather touchscreen should still work even when wet. In addition, all functions of the Zeus 3 can also be called up using a rotary control and a keypad, so that the plotter can be operated even in very harsh weather conditions. Both options can be used simultaneously, but the touchscreen can also be locked.

Of course, the Zeus 3 also offers the tried-and-tested Sailsteer display, which summarises the most important wind and course dataPhoto: Hersteller Of course, the Zeus 3 also offers the tried-and-tested Sailsteer display, which summarises the most important wind and course data

The plotter's processor performance has also been improved, so that the charts can be rebuilt at lightning speed while travelling or zooming. The centrepiece of the Zeus 3 is the B&G software, which features the practical Sailsteer display. Laylines, i.e. the approach courses, are displayed directly on the chart, and the Sailing Time function also calculates the time still to be sailed at the cross. In addition, the race panel offers a range of race-proven functions that were previously reserved for Grand Prix racing yachts, including the integration of B&G H5000 systems.

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Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi, internet hotspots can be used to download additional nautical charts, weather data or software updates directly to the plotter. The Zeus display can also be mirrored on smartphones, and the plotter can also be controlled remotely using a tablet. The predictive echo sounder Forwardscan is supported, as are broadband radar and AIS solutions. Autopilot operation is also integrated and the plotter works with Navionics, C-Map and raster chart formats.

The Zeus 3 chartplotter will be available from March 2017. Depending on the display size, prices will range from 1784 euros for the 7-inch model to 6544 euros for the 16-inch version.

Further information at www.bandg.eu

Hauke Schmidt

Hauke Schmidt

Test & Technology editor

Hauke Schmidt was born in Hanau, Hesse, in 1974, but moved to the coast at the age of an Opti and grew up sailing dinghies and tall ships. School and semester breaks were used for extensive Baltic Sea cruises. During and after his oceanography studies in Kiel, he took part in various international research trips to tropical and polar regions. The focus was on ocean currents and their influence on climate change. Eventually he was drawn back to his home coast and to YACHT. He completed a traineeship there and has been working as an editor in the Test & Technology department since 2009. His core tasks include equipment and boat testing, as well as practical topics relating to electronics, seamanship and refits. As a passionate DIY enthusiast, he loves to spend his summers on the water with his family and winters working on his boat

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