AI in Boating: The Future of Smart Navigation, Fishing, and Vessel Control
When it comes to boating, AI is certainly a hot topic! The truth is, brands like Yamaha, Minn Kota, and Garmin have been quietly working on smart new features powered by AI-style tech — all designed to help make your time on the water even better.
1. Modern Fish Finders
One of the reasons that modern fish finders are so effective is that they can help to differentiate between rocks, seaweed and vegetation and those fish you’re chasing! AI-like algorithms can help you to track moving targets (like fish or bait balls) which means you can adjust your lures and improve your haul.
Leading fish finder brands including Lowrance, Garmin, and Humminbird are creating new tools with advanced technologies to continue to improve your fishing experience -whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. The latest chart plotters and fish finders don’t just help you find where the fish are, they can reveal changes in the underwater landscape like drop-offs, contours and reefs. These tools can also show you how the fish are responding to your lure or bait in real time. By being able to see what’s working (and what’s not!), you’ll have better chances of catching fish, plus you’ll improve your knowledge of local fishing spots.
2. Boat Motors that make your life easier
Yamaha Helm Master EX is a joystick control system that gives you precise command over your boat—sideways, diagonally, or even pivoting in place. That means docking in wind or current becomes a whole lot less stressful, especially at a busy boat ramp. It also includes built-in autopilot (like cruise-control), so you can hold a course or navigate to waypoints hands-free.
Minn Kota Spot-Lock® also uses GPS to "anchor" the boat in position, continuously adjusting motor output to compensate for wind or current.
These innovations mean you’re still in control, but the system gives you a hand by making a series of small corrections so you can focus on your fishing while the boat stays steady or on course in any conditions.
3. More accurate weather forecasting
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) uses AI to complement its weather forecasting processes and systems. Last year their spokesperson said the bureau had been "proactively and safely engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for several years… This area of research is one of many initiatives the bureau actively pursues to improve its services to government, emergency management partners and the community."
By using a combination of historical modelling, expert advice and prediction tools, The BoM continues to improve and fine-tune their weather forecasting which means fewer ‘surprise storms’ and more tools to plan your day on the water.
These latest tools, improved technology and new prediction models will continue to transform and improve the boating experience – giving us a better catch, ensuring a smoother ride and increasing boating safety.
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