Tech gadgets changing the trailer boat game

Electric motors, advanced sonar units and even live-scanning poles are now part of the everyday boating conversation.

Let’s take a close look at three pieces of technology and explain what they do, who they suit, and the value proposition.

We’ll also touch on some of the broader innovations now filtering down to trailer boats in Australia.

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If there’s one absolute must on any new boat, it’s a bow-mounted electric motor.

Brands like Minn Kota and MotorGuide have dominated the Australian market for years, and now we are seeing new and innovative advancements from companies like Lowrance. These motors allow you to control the boat with a handheld remote or foot pedal, completely independent of the outboard.

The big win? Stealth and precision. Rather than starting an engine to reposition, you can glide silently into a bay or along a rock wall. Hit the anchor lock button (often called electronic anchoring) and the motor will use GPS to hold the boat in place within a metre or so, compensating for wind and tide automatically.

On the Lowrance Recon models, positions can be held for hours without touching a rope, and even ‘jog’ over a few meters if you want to adjust your position or tie up to a wharf.

From a practical perspective, this tech is a game-changer for fishos and boaters alike. Instead of throwing out an anchor every time you want to stop, you just tap a button. It’s equally handy for families pulling up for a swim – no muddy ropes or scratched gelcoat. Prices for quality bow mounts start around $2000-$3,000, climbing north of $5000 for high-thrust saltwater models.

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

I run two sonar units on my boat, and they do far more than just mark fish.

Modern examples from brands like Lowrance now double as full navigation suites. Built-in charts let you view contour maps, river systems and seafloor topography before you even launch. That’s a massive safety benefit, especially if you’re exploring new waterways.

Then comes the sonar itself. Using CHIRP and side-imaging technologies, they show what’s beneath in remarkable detail – timber snags, weed beds, rocky outcrops, bait schools and predators.

Lowrance’s latest Elite FS 2025 units even include Active Imaging HD and Genesis Live Plus mapping, creating detailed depth maps of favourite spots on the fly.

For serious anglers, this information is priceless. But even if you’re just a casual boater, an entry-level unit around $500-$800 will give you depth, temperature, GPS mapping and basic sonar features that double as safety tools as much as fishing aids. Premium multi-screen setups can run over $5000, but they’re not necessary unless you’re truly obsessed.

My advice: if you fish every weekend, invest in a top-tier unit. If you only cruise and swim, a small chartplotter is more than enough.

The newest – and most debated – bit of kit is live sonar. Mounted on a rotating pole, this transducer sends out a beam and gives you a real-time video-like image of fish and structure directly in front of the boat.

Garmin calls it LiveScope, Humminbird has MEGA Live, and Lowrance offers ActiveTarget 2. Whatever the name, the concept is the same: you can literally watch fish swim, track your lure, and adjust in real time.

For tournament anglers, this has been revolutionary. It allows you to “sight fish” underwater, something unheard of even five years ago. But it’s specialised tech. Units can cost upwards of $3500-$5000 once you include the pole, black box and compatible head unit.

For families or casual boaters, it’s probably overkill. But for passionate anglers looking to take their craft to the next level, live sonar is addictive – and deadly effective. I personally run the Lowrance Active target II units, and have a lot of fun chasing barramundi and bass around our inland impoundments.

Boating is different for everyone. If your idea of a perfect weekend is chasing barra in the Top End or snapper off Sydney, then an electric motor and sonar might feel essential. If it’s about cruising Pittwater with the kids, maybe all you need is a reliable chart plotter and some cold drinks in the esky.

The good news is there’s something out there for every style and budget. Entry-level versions of most of these technologies are now affordable, and the high-end models are only getting smarter.

Personally, I wouldn’t launch without my bow-mount. I rely heavily on my sonar units when fishing. And while the live sonar pole is more of a luxury, it’s a toy I love. But you make your decision – what do you have on your boat?

We’re living in a golden age for boating technology. The kind of systems once reserved for offshore cruisers and big game boats are now being bolted onto trailer rigs all over Australia. It makes our time on the water safer, more efficient, and – most importantly – more enjoyable.

So next time you’re standing at the ramp and see someone holding a remote while their boat sits perfectly in place without an anchor, or spot a screen glowing in the cabin, you’ll know exactly what’s going on.

Boating isn’t about having every toy. It’s about having the right gear for your lifestyle. And right now, there’s never been more choice to make your boat work better for you.