Navico launches Fathom e-Power to replace marine gensets

It means for the first time, boat buyers will be able to commission a fully integrated electrical system that taps into Navico’s pool of brands that includes power management specialist Czone; electrical components brands Blue Sea and BEP; multifunction chartplotter and fishfinder brands Lowrance, Simrad, B&G; Lenco trim tabs and C-Map mapping software.

The Fathom e-Power system will offer what Navico says will be “advanced digital controls and monitoring of power consumption, delivering information on demand and providing complete control for the user”.

It will also allow boat owners to weigh up if they need to add a genset to their boat or rely totally on the Fathom e-Power system’s ability to meet all the boat’s electrical needs.

Key features of the new system include:

The systems will be optimised for everything from small day boats up to large cabin boats.

Navico Group president Brett Dibkey said the group’s portfolio of products and brands put it in a unique position to deliver advanced integrated technologies such as the Fathom e-Power system.

“We are laser-focused on our ACES [Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification and Shared access] strategy to transform the boating experience, and a major component of that is electrification,” Dibkey said. 

“The enhanced Fathom system provides reliable power management and control, allowing users to better understand and manage their power needs.”

According to Navico, the Fathom e-Power system is a fully vertically integrated solution compromised of energy storage, power conversion and digital monitoring and control. 

“The system allows users to extend time away from the charge source by providing more battery capacity and efficiently managing the electrical system, while also eliminating the noise, vibration and fumes associated with traditional generator experiences. 

“Additionally, an intuitive user interface allows end users to easily monitor and control their power on and off the vessel via multifunction displays or smart mobile devices.”

Once it launches next year, the Fathom e-Power system will be available in 12-, 24- and 48-volt fit-outs that can integrate into what Navico says will be a “wide range of boats”.

Navico plans to introduce the system as a series of customisable kits that boat-makers can select from to build into hulls.

The move comes as the marine industry becomes more attracted to energy-dense lithium-ion battery technology as both space- and weight-saving measures.

“They [lithium-ion batteries] last longer, charge faster, reduce weight and maximize space, as well as save time and money in the long run – all while minimizing negative impacts on the environment,” Navico power systems vice-president Eric Lindquist said.

“With a variety of benefits, it is no surprise that consumers are selecting lithium batteries more frequently, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this shift and provide the most advanced power management system.”

The announcement also comes two years after Navico's sister brand, leisure boat brand Sea Ray, teased the Sea Ray SLX-R 400e Outboard concept featuring a bank of lithium-ion batteries replacing a traditional genset.

Navico has also teamed up with the E1 Series that will pitch foiling electric boats against each other in what is believed to be the first battery-powered on-water championship.

The boats will feature outboard motors developed by Mercury, and feature Simrad electronics.