LOWRANCE VISITORS IN SOUTH AFRICA

When it comes to choosing the best equipment for their vessels, it’s not surprising that many big boat owners cast their eye in Lowrance’s direction. The world-renowned electronics giant offers a vast array of the latest in fishfinding and GPS technology to suit a huge spectrum of needs – particularly suitable for South Africa’s many diverse applications.

No wonder the recent first-time visits to South Africa by Australian Nick Munro, Lowrance Service Manager for EMEA-region and Stefan Klaassen, International Sales Manager for holding company Navico EMEA – gave the newcomers invaluable insight into our unique coastal conditions.

They soon learned about the different ways Lowrance products are used in this country. These include: surf launch, through the harbour, kayak, jetski, bass fishing and of course luxury big boats.

Accompanied by Lowrance SA's Silan and John, Nick was wide-eyed during his first-ever echilarating surf launch off Umhlanga with Dominique & Kit of CASEY Charters. Later that week he met with Hohn Eastnon of Fishtec at Inanda Dam who introduced him to the sport of bass fishing using his Lowrance HDS-12 Touch unit.

Exceptionally clear, panotamic underwater views - thanks to the Broadband Sounder and built-in StructureScan HD features - soon showed a nice fish and Nick was quick to drop a line. To his delight he hooked his first bass - a whole new experiance for this seasoned offshore angler!

His busy week included a fishing trip on the Lowrance Demonstrator Ace Glider 750 skiboat and an inspection of a dual-helm Riviera 37 (13.9m) Sport Fisher. The flybridge of this luxurious craft has recently been kitted with a new HDS-10 Gen 2 button unit and there’s an LCX-27 fishfinder in the saloon – ideal for the owner, who is an avid Marlin fisherman who spends hours at sea with family and friends enjoying the chase.

Boating World’s Derrick Levy says big boat owners will be interested in the new infra-red, mini-camera for HDS-12 Touch and HDS-9 Touch units. Connecting through a video input feature – this camera is ideal for use in low-light conditions such as engine compartments, ideal for monitoring the engines and inspecting inaccessible spots.

“A camera in the saloon or strategically placed in the cockpit will help monitor guests’ needs or fishing activities and covers the transom area while reversing.” He says.

Lisbeth and Silan also took Stefan out for a trip on the Lowrance Demonstrator for an offshore viewing of Durban.

Their sunset cruise along the beachfront was unfortuanately cut short due to bad weather and after a quick sighting of the MOses Mabhida stadium, they headed back to the safety of the Durban Marina moorings.

Stefan also met with Lowrance in Empangeni and Richards Bay and Johannesburg.