Product & industry review

Entry level VHFEntry-level marine VHF

Icom Australia has released a new entry-level marine VHF transceiver into the Australian market. The new transceiver, the IC-M411, completes Icom’s range of marine communication products, with the company now having a marine product to suit the budget of any boating enthusiast.
A more affordable product does not mean lower quality, as the IC-M411, like all Icom radios, is still made in Japan, adhering to strict quality standards.
The new transceiver boasts a strong IPX7 design, meaning the unit is waterproof to a depth of one metre for 30 minutes. Powerful class-D DSC is also featured in the transceiver, meaning the unit has a dedicated DSC receiver.
Other features include the AquaQuake draining function, which emits a buzzing noise to clear water from the speaker, favourite channel function and dual/tri-watch functions.
The unit can also be connected to Icom’s MXA-5000 AIS receiver, allowing on-screen visual marine safety with a compatible chart plotter.
RRP $374.
Icom – (03) 9549 7500;
www.icom.net.au.

Holmatro Winches by Riggtech

The new Holmatro Winches have been reinvented by sailors for sailors.
Winch efficiency is how muscle power on a winch handle is transmitted to a sheet or halyard. Holmatro winches optimize input with a maximum exchange to useable sail power.
Holmatro uses the proven Meissner concept of one-piece, self-lubricating bearings resulting in less friction, longer life span and virtually no bearing maintenance.
The forged aluminium drum provides strong, lightweight construction with optimal protection against corrosion. Using high-tech aluminium alloys, advanced composites and innovative design Holmatro winches are up to 50% lighter than comparable models on the market.
The self-tailing jaws offer perfect grip to a variety of lines including modern line of smaller diameter as well as more traditional cordage.
All Holmatro winches are designed to be easily upgraded to hydraulic or electric power with no changes to the winch necessary.
Riggtech – 02 9997 8100;
www.riggtech.com.au

Muir winches exported to the Middle East

Muir Engineering have exported the first of its new range of winch equipment to the Middle East.
Managing Director John Muir said the order, the largest components the company designs and manufactures, is destined for a 141-metre vessel under construction in the Middle East, comprises an anchor winch, a chain compressor and four docking capstans.
“The project took eight months to complete from start (design) to finish (delivery),” he said.
The winches have a maximum pulling power of 11.5 tonnes and continuous pulling capacity of 8.5 tonnes with multi speed from 3-20 metres per minute.
Mr Muir said “big winch” equipment was an area Muir Engineering wanted to expand into further.
“The company has been designing and manufacturing the highest quality anchoring equipment for more than 40 years, establishing a strong global brand within the superyacht, defence and work boat section of the highly competitive marine engineering sector.”
Muir Engineering – 1300 652 877; www.muir.com.au

LED replacement bulbs

Marine LED Solutions has launched a comprehensive range of LED replacement bulbs designed specifically for boats.
These bulbs are 100% interchangeable with their old-fashioned counterparts and reduce energy consumption by 80-90%. The product range covers cabin lights, navigation lights and deck lights.
The range uses thermally conductive circuit boards to ensure optimum heat dispersion from LED chips. This gives a life expectancy of up to 50,000 hours. The range will accept either polarity as well as most units offering a wide voltage tolerance of 8-30V. This means they are suitable for use with 12V and 24V systems.
In the past one criticism of LEDs has been the colour of the light they produce. The entire Marine LED Solutions Australia range is available in warm white for use in cabin lights.
Marine LED Solutions – contact Arnold on 0404 856 824;
www.marineled.com.au

Invisible Communications

Invisible Communications specialises in marine electronics, providing a mobile service throughout Sydney and its waterways.
As a dealer for BlueRay Marine, they design and install leading Australian made security systems for your vessel. They also specialise in VHF and HF radio, Northstar Broadband Radar, GPS and sounders, B&G instruments, and on board networking and internet.
The Northstar 8000i is a premier electronics suite designed for effortless integration, display and control of all your onboard electronic systems, at remarkably competitive prices.
From your 12 or 15-inch touchscreen, access speed, temp, depth, wind instruments, GPS and maps, engine and system monitors, radar, and even on-board cameras and DVD. Multiple user stations are easy for this innovative fully-networked system.
A proud member of the Boating Industry Association, Invisible Communications will gladly provide a free quote and design and install a custom-made system for your vessel.
Invisible Communications – 0424 847 853; www.invisiblecommunications.com.au.

New Hanse 320 package by WindcraftNew Hanse 320 package by Windcraft

Windcraft have launched a promotion of their Hanse 320 – the smallest of the Hanse range of German yachts. In celebration of the new breeze of confidence Windcraft have packaged this 32ft sailing yacht to be completely ready to sail for under $200,000.
Many items that are usually optional extras are included in the price.Hanse Yachts AG ran a similar offer over the European summer with great success – selling 100 packages – and that was mid-crisis.
The Hanse 320 has been in Australia for 18 months and is proving popular with a broad market from first boat owners to retired racers.
The Start Line offer is targeted at people who have been dreaming of buying a yacht but never quite made the decision – the concept being that now is the right time to buy a yacht and start sailing.
Windcraft – 02 9979 1709;
www.windcraft.com.au