MCI SECURES US 3D SONAR SYSTEM DEAL

Marine Components International (MCI) has been chosen to supply an EchoPilot 3D sonar system to American boatbuilder, Fleming Yachts.

MCI became an international distributor for EchoPilot’s Forward-Looking 3D sonar system (FLS 3D) in November 2019. Fleming Yachts will fit the system to its latest Fleming 65 cruising yacht, currently under construction at the Tung Hwa boatyard near the port city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan.

“Fleming Yachts are renowned for their high-quality build and attention to detail, so I am delighted they have selected the EchoPilot to be fitted to their latest 65,” said MCI MD, Andy Scott. “The inclusion of the FLS 3D with its ability to map a vessel’s surroundings in real time will no doubt prove invaluable, especially when cruising off the beaten track.”

3D representation

While 2D sonars give a representation of only what lies directly below and what has already passed a boat’s keel, the FLS 3D displays a three-dimensional representation of the underwater scene up to 200m ahead of the hull and 100m below.

The system’s 20x depth ratio means it is capable of scanning 100 metres ahead when there is only five metres of water beneath the boat. Additionally, the FLS 3D’s one-second refresh rate means information on potential hazards is displayed almost immediately.