Tech Talk: Boating Tech | Video

Jerame Novak | 6/7/2012

Hundreds of years ago, sailors used compasses and stars for navigation. Now, modern day boaters have devices like GPS to help them navigate the waters.

"Now they`ve graduated into GPS, especially on the river system with the changing sandbars and everything like that. They want something that will keep them in a safe track down the river," said Vallely Sport and Marine Parts and Accessories Manager Ken Bleth.

Modern trolling motors can be programmed to navigate on their own.

"The current technology is where the whole autopilot system is operated off of satellite too. So you can store trails and tracks and all kinds of stuff in them," Bleth said.

With improved technology and graphics on today`s depth finders, you can get an even better picture than before of what`s beneath the water.

"Now they can physically show fish on the system. If it`s a rock, trees and weeds and everything else. You know exactly what it is before you fish it," Bleth said.

Weather plays a big factor in boating and your smart phone can help you keep tabs on Mother Nature.

"Our First Warn weather app that you can download on your mobile device is just like what you see behind me, like I use on television. You can find real-time radar, high-definition radar, in fact. And all the warnings and advisories. Search for it in the android market or the itunes store. Search for KFYR-TV weather, you`ll be glad you did," said KFYR-TV Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lawrence.

Other apps, like the Encyclopedia of Boating, can help you improve your nautical knowledge and have you talking like a pro in no time.

Bleth adds that it`s important to buy a product that can be easily upgraded using a device like an SD card. So you can update your product without having to buy a new one.

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