Tested for you: new B&G Zeus SR and S Ultrawide chartplotters

At Navico“s Experience Center in Alicante, we were able to touch and experience B&G” s range of chartplotters in action: here’s how the latest generation Zeus SR and S Ultrawide work!

B&G Zeus SR and Zeus S Ultrawide, our test

Unveiled in Miami last February, the new B&G Zeus SR chartplotter features a new 8-processor Qualcomm processor and a completely redesigned interface.

“The new Zeus SR is an exciting addition to the B&G product portfolio and represents a significant step forward in sailing technology,” said Kevin Steinbraker, vice president and general manager of Digital Systems at Navico Group.

What changes on the new Zeus

The Zeus SR ushers in a new development in computing power in chartplotters; thanks to the high number of processors, the speed of switching between apps, or the classic zoom in & out are lightning fast: it now takes only a few tenths of a second to enlarge a map (C-Map) and see the information needed for navigation, making the use of the plotter quite comparable to that of any smartphone in our pockets.

The graphical interface has been revised and is now much more familiar and immediate, since it is based on an Android operating system; it took us very little time to learn all the secrets about using the new software, and we really liked the absolute possibility of customizing the screens and the ability to create shortcuts to open the apps you use most often, without having to navigate through menus and submenus.

Sailors also have full control of the Zeus thanks to the three control modes: via touchscreen, rotary knob or keypad. This means that even with the screen completely wet or with gloves on you always have full control of the plotter. Another feature we appreciated is the brightness of the IPS SolarMAX screen: under the midday sun and with (polarized) glasses on, we never needed to change the angle of our view because everything always remained perfectly readable.

Nice and useful are the different modes of use that can be selected based on boat use: one for cruising, one for racing , and one for use at anchor. Simplified data sets for occasional cruising complement features such as LayLines and SailSteer, which in sailing help to stay on course. To the racers is dedicated the race mode, which gives access to advanced B&G tools and dedicated racing apps useful for managing the race course, start line and timers.

Anchoring mode, on the other hand, provides peace of mind during anchorages since, for example, combining data such as tides and depths ensures that the boat does not run aground or go outside the radius of the anchor circle set by the skipper.

The Zeus SR is available in 10-, 12- and 16-inch sizes, with prices starting at 3,292 euros.

For larger boats

For larger boats with a lot of cockpit space, however, the Zeus S ULTRAWIDE is dedicated ; its installation creates an impactful cockpit, cleaner and more refined in design, because the ultra-wide, flush-mounted screen immediately catches the attention of anyone who comes aboard. The features are the same as those we used on the Zeus SR, as well as the maps are those of C-Map. Available in two sizes-12 “” and 15 “”-the price of the B&G Zeus S Ultrawide starts at 3,658 euros.

• More information about the new B&G Zeus SRs.
• More information about the new B&G Zeus Ultrawide

Federico Lanfranchi