The Furuno TZtouchXL displays up to six screens at once. Configuring screens only requires a few swipes, like a cell phone.
November 25, 2024
By Ed Killer
When Capt. Jack Carlson of Two Conchs charters in Marathon drops lines back on a reef for world-class mutton snapper fishing, he wants to be sure he's in the right place. Where he sets the anchor will have everything to do with his and his anglers' success. A few feet off the reef can make all the difference.
Equipped with Furuno's new NavNet TZtouchXL multi-function displays, Carlson finds it easy to dial in on a specific spot. The TZtouchXL's ease of use and new features empower any angler to achieve their ultimate goal.
"Power, a super-fast processing unit, big screens and how simple it is use makes the TZtouchXL a must-have for me," Carlson said. "The new AI Routing, Bathyvision, and high power fish finder are tools I'm using frequently."
AI Routing works by automatically calculating obstructions in a navigable route without having to go point to point, Carlson explained. Shoals, jetties, markers, other vessels are all considered. All the boat's operator needs to do when planning a route is pick the end point. Re-routing on the fly is just as easy, too, Carlson said.
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"If I'm headed inshore on a route and decide to change my mind and head oceanside, I just push a button to program a new route," he said.
Bathyvision, a new feature in TZ MAPS, allows you to customize depth contours and display areas in 3D and generate shaded color relief. Deep-dropping for swordfish or tilefish just became much easier. More maps are accessible through the MFD itself.
TZ MAPS Bathyvision renders contour line density down to an eye-popping 3 inches of resolution. "Fish-It, Drift-It and Follow-It features really help catch fish and save fuel. The computer generates all kinds of considerations like chlorophyll, changes in water temperature and it even shows weed lines. That helps in marking mahi mahi, wahoo or blackfin tuna," he said.
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The TZtouchXL can display up to six screens at once and lets anglers choose how they would like to configure the screen. Anglers can track bottom topography, radar, course and more simultaneously.
The TZtouchXL is available in five screen sizes from 10 to 24 inches. All of the MFDs are controllable with swipes on the touch screen, similar to a mobile phone. It even has a screen shot feature making it easy to store images of data a boater or angler will need later.
"They made it to work like a phone which everyone already knows how to use. You're one swipe away—side, bottom or top. It's super simple to use," Carlson said.
The TZtouchXL networks easily with Furuno radar, NavPilot autopilot, AIS/VHF options and more. To learn more, go to furunousa.com .
This article was featured in the November 2024 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe .
