The Latest in Handheld Electronics

As technology advances at its blistering speed, the devices we use every day become increasingly compact. Electronics that once took up valuable dashboard space now fit in the palm of your hand, or even on your wrist.

The term ‘handheld devices’ leads most boaters to think of GPS units and VHF radios, but there are plenty of other handheld gadgets that are useful in boats, including smartphones and tablets with their array of helpful boating apps. There are tiny handheld personal locator beacons, handheld thermal night vision scopes, satellite texting devices, remote displays and controllers, watches that can control a bevy of functions aboard, futuristic binoculars and more.

Handheld VHF radios are certainly not new to boating, but some now include GPS functions, enabling navigation and allowing you to summon help to your exact location with the touch of a button. Radios such as the Standard Horizon HX891BT not only feature a built-in GPS and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability, but they also offer the ability to connect wirelessly with Bluetooth headsets, enabling hands-free operation with no wires getting in the way. The Icom IC-M94D handheld VHF even incorporates AIS capability to alert you of nearby vessels, and can allow direct communication with specific AIS transmitting vessels. This offers a fantastic backup to an onboard AIS system, making travel in busy shipping areas less stressful. It is also an excellent option for those aboard smaller craft who still want AIS capability.

So much to see

Another handheld that has come a long way in a short amount of time is the night vision scope. At the higher end of the handheld spectrum is the FLIR Ocean Scout Pro, a diminutive, lightweight night vision scope that’s easy to operate with one hand, accessing all the functions such as zoom with one-finger controls. It utilizes a thermal imager, reading even subtle temperature changes, and does not require any light to magnify, unlike other types of night vision scopes. It works exceptionally well at identifying and detecting navigation aids and other obstructions in the water. The Ocean Scout Pro can easily locate a person in a man-overboard situation in pitch-black conditions up to 500 meters away. With 4 color palettes, you can choose the one that will give the best image for the conditions you are in. This handy (pun intended) device can really aid in situational awareness and make boating at night less stressful.

Also worth a look is the all-new Zulu6 HDX image-stabilized binocular from Sig Sauer. Small and light for one-hand operation, The Zulu6 provides a clear, sharp and stable view of whatever you need to see. Fully waterproof and fog proof, these rugged binoculars feature user-selectable scan (a wide field of view for scanning) and target modes. The unique stabilization and instant system can lock into your view in Target mode and stabilize the image by 50%.

Always in touch

Garmin’s new and updated inReach Mini 2 is another handheld that can take the stress out of boating, not only for you but for loved ones ashore. This tiny, handheld device is capable of two-way satellite texting from anywhere where your cell phone doesn’t work. With flexible and inexpensive plans, you can communicate and have push-button SOS rescue capability in a device about half the size of a pack of cards. Loved ones at home can view your location in real-time with a live tracking feature, as well as send and receive texts. You can do so directly with the inReach Mini 2 or via an app on your cell phone, which makes typing that much easier.

There are dozens of other handheld devices that can help make your time aboard even more enjoyable, stress-free and safer. Just think, you can now carry everything you need in a compact dry bag that works well for kayakers, small boat captains, or as a critical backup on much larger boats.