Pulling Back the Curtain

Pro anglers dial in their helm system to know what’s going on around, below—and on—the boat.

Consumer-electronics companies often serve multiple market segments, making (or sourcing) a variety of tech products. Sometimes these devices all integrate with each other, sometimes they work with systems from other companies, and sometimes they stand alone. Oft en these companies improve their range by acquiring other manufacturers, subsuming them wholly or integrating their technology solutions into established lines.

Navico is a company that was built out of diverse brands to serve multiple market segments. I’ve noted it in these pages before, how Navico has the Simrad line designed for large powerboats, bluewater fishing, and cruising, the Lowrance line to serve the smaller angling segments including the burgeoning largemouth bass circuit, and B&G to be the go-to brand for sailors. Within the separate brands’ rugged case designs are hidden electronic guts that allow each product team to add features important to its user base. Of course, there’s a whole Venn