Power in the palm of your hand

The new MAP handheld boat control device from MAP Marine Technologies will be available in Australia through AMI Marine.

Photography by AMI Group

12 September 2017

On the 28^th of July this year, MAP Marine Technologies signed an exclusive territory agreement with AMI Marine to distribute its products in the Asia-Pacific region.

MAP Marine Technologies’ new marine autopilot, also known as MAP, was showcased at the Sydney International Boat Show, where the announcement of the exclusive deal was made. It is an autonomous boat control device that enables users to fully control their vessel’s movement through an app on their handheld device. The mobile app interfaces with a compact, marine-proofed unit, housing a GPS module, Wi-Fi, INS and solid state compass.

The unit connects via wi-fi to a handheld iOS or handheld app device that expedites battery monitor, rudder control, and other steering commands. This allows the vessel to travel along a pre-selected route to its destination, and at any moment the skipper has the capacity to take control with optional remote steering.

AMI Group Managing Director Vince Tranchita said AMI are also excited to represent the MAP Pro system. The system is a conversion kit built by MAP-Tech that transforms regular boats into Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) operated from the remote ground control station.

Vince added, “At AMI, as a forward-looking organisation, we are continually eyeing developments in the maritime industry. Moving into the USV sector is a natural progression and this project is something we are excited to pioneer. We are proud to be associated with such an innovative product as MAP Tech.”

MAP Tech’s Australia Director Matt Howarth commented on the compatibility of the partnership: “We are very happy that a well-known and respected company like AMI Marine have chosen to distribute our product range in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to bringing this exciting technology to the market.”

Customers appreciate the simplicity of the system and the convenience of using their own devices. “I always carry my mobile phone with me so I love how easy it is to use my mobile device to plot waypoints and  to remote steer the boat. This is a truly innovative solution that is easy to use and enhances my boating experience,” said Omar Aker, UAE Boat owner and MAP systems user.

MAP comes pre-loaded with navigational charts, and enables the user to manage unlimited routes and waypoints. The horizontal accuracy of the GPS system is highly precise, being within 2.5 metres. MAP has the potential to be a digital crewmate, combining a navigator’s expertise with a steady hand at the wheelhouse.

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