Furuno provides electronics suite for new National Park Service boat

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(CAMAS, Wash.) — M/V Serac, a 45-foot semi-displacement catamaran built by Armstrong Marine (now Brix Marine) and delivered to the National Park Service, has been equipped with a suite of Furuno marine electronics. Designed for use in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, the mission of M/V Serac is primarily as a pilot boat/escort for the many cruise ships navigating Glacier Bay. It will also ferry park rangers and crew to and from cruise ships. Additionally, M/V Serac is well equipped for use as a research vessel for park rangers studying the pristine, natural habitat of Glacier Bay.

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Furuno photo

Dual 12-inch Furuno TZTL12F multifunction displays are the centerpiece of M/V Serac’s helm. The multi-touch interface on these NavNet TZtouch2 MFDs is augmented by dual MCU004 remote controllers, offering navigators multiple options for interacting with the networked systems. Accurate position is provided by a GP330B GPS receiver.

Two DRS4DNXT solid-state Doppler radars are connected to the NavNet TZtouch2 network, affording M/V Serac the safety of redundancy in this navigation system. The 24-inch dome radars provide safety features such as target analyzer and fast target tracking, ensuring M/V Serac can track multiple radar targets with ease. The FA170 AIS transponder with dedicated 4.3-inch display enhances its ability to keep track of other vessel traffic on the water.

M/V Serac’s helm suite relies on the NavPilot 711C autopilot to maintain course. The LH5000 30-watt loud hailer allows for communication with passengers on deck as well as nearby vessels. Radio communication is provided by the FM4800 5-in-1 VHF radiotelephone and Class D DSC, which also provides a backup GPS receiver, AIS receiver and simplified loud hailer.

Nobeltec Timezero software further enhances her complete Furuno helm suite.

– Furuno

By Professional Mariner Staff