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Simply putting normal grayscale autopilot data onto a bright 3.8-inch color screen would have made the 3380 unique and easier to understand, but Navman’s interface designers went much further. The Dodge screen, for instance, clearly animates where the function is taking your boat and possible follow-up commands. Other screens range from the conventionally numeric to the info-rich, aeronautics-style graphics seen on the unit, and even to “wizards” that lead you through complexities like swinging the pilot’s fluxgate compass. Let’s hope that all electronics manufacturers study this innovative man/machine interface. The 3380 system includes a rate gyro in the $1,900 base price, with drive kits available for most any size vessel. Besides the color screen, it’s also the first pilot to offer an optional SmartCraft gateway able to display gauge and diagnostic info from Mercury and MerCruiser engines.

Navman ( (866) 628-6261. www.navman.com.

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