Versatile Dragonfly

RAYMARINE’S NEW DRAGONFLY 7 Pro MFD (multi-function display) combines advanced dual-channel CHIRP Down Vision sonar, conventional sonar, precision GPS chartplotting and built-in Wi-fi in an all-weather 7-inch high-definition LED backlit display.

The 50-channel GPS makes precise navigation a breeze while built-in Wi-fi enables live sonar streaming straight to a smartphone or tablet. Rewind, re-watch or save the day’s underwater record – or share it on social media.

Dragonfly 7 Pro has an optically-bonded display that delivers sharp colours, wide viewing angles and no internal fogging. Its Microsd memory card reader loads charts in C-MAP by Jeppesen, Navionics, and Raymarine Lighthouse formats, and also saves sonar screen shots. Dragonfly 7 Pro comes with a transom mount CHIRP transducer with temperature sensor and a ball and socket tilt swivel mount.

An optional low power consumption lithium ion battery is ideal for kayak and paddleboard installations.

Dragonfly 7 Pro is priced from $1,349. Lusty and Blundell 09 415-8303 www.lusty-blundell.co.nz

UNTIL RECENTLY SOLAR sails only caught solar wind in space, but not any longer, thanks to UK Sailmakers and Solarcloth System’s Power Sails.

Solarcloth System’s lightweight, ultra-thin solar panels – typically 65 microns thick – are laminated, glued, stitched or zipped to a boat’s mainsail.

The panels were trialled aboard an Open 50 in the 3,500-mile Route de Rhum trans-atlantic race in November 2014. Power Sails were also used aboard an Arcona 380Z (Z for zero emissions), a production boat with a tape-drive mainsail including 75 squarefeet of photovoltaic film on each side.

Because the material works well on a variety of fabrics, expect to see it on sail packs, dodgers, biminis and awnings as well. On the Open 50 the arrays could be unzipped and attached to the sail cover in port.

Currently Thin Film Photovoltaics (TFPV) cost twice as much and produce 15 per cent less power compared to solar panels, but the ability to recharge batteries from an awning or main sail, leaving the coachroof free of solid, sharp-edged solar panels, is a major breakthrough. UK Sailmakers NZ 09 430 2801

launched its newest water accessory –