The chart plotter is available in three sizes: 10, 12 or 15 inches. The innovative chart plotter system differs significantly from conventional chart plotters. Instead of an all-in-one solution, the entire electronics are located in a separate Q Core Unit (black box), which can be mounted independently of the display. The display itself is particularly flat and is connected to the black box via a single Q CoreLink cable - this cable transmits both power and data.
Two-part architecture for easy assembly
Although the separation of display and electronics is ideal for motorboats in particular, it opens up mounting options that are almost impossible to realise with classic chart plotters. For example, the flat display can be mounted directly on the steering console - making it easy to read from the helm. The Q Core Unit with all its connections can be mounted further down in the boat, where there is more space and the cable routes to AIS, radar and other systems are significantly shorter. With conventional chart plotters, on the other hand, difficulties often arise due to the necessary installation depth and complex cabling. In addition, up to two displays can be connected to each Q Core Unit at the same time. This makes it possible to have displays at different helm stations on larger boats - both with the same chart data, but in different sizes if required.
Minimal mounting surface
The display is screwed to a small base on a flat surface measuring 180 × 70 millimetres - about the size of a smartphone. Only a small round hole is required for the Q CoreLink cable. For comparison: A Raymarine Axiom 12 chart plotter requires a cut-out of around 300 × 200 millimetres, a Garmin GPSMAP 8612 chart plotter even 329 × 211 millimetres. The Q Display Float is available in three versions: ten inch in standard format as well as twelve and 15 inch widescreen versions. All three models use the same installation bracket and mounting base. An important difference to the previous Q Display models is the matt display surface, which should be much easier to read in direct sunlight. The chart plotter is operated via touchscreen. There is also a remote control for the basic functions - practical in the rain or when your hands are wet and the touchscreen has reached its limits.
Internet access and audio system included
Like its predecessors, which are now called Classic Displays by the manufacturer, the Float Display comes with integrated internet access and SIM card. This means that the chart plotter is always online and can be updated "over the air" or call up weather information. The plotter can also be used for remote monitoring of the boat via the Q-Guard app. The extent to which the float display supports sailing functions and whether it will also be launched as an NKE version is currently unknown.
Price and availability
Nextfour has so far only published a price for the 10-inch version. Including 25 per cent Finnish VAT, the Float display is expected to cost €2,689. By comparison, the Q2 display cost around €2,600 for the 12-inch version in 2024, putting it between the B&G Zeus S chartplotter (around €1,700) and the Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro chartplotter (around €2,960). Further information: www.nextfour.com
TECHNICAL DATA:
Display:
- 10 inch (standard format)
- 12 inch wide (widescreen)
- 15 inch wide (widescreen)
- Touchscreen with matt, anti-reflective surface
- Extremely flat design with small mounting base
- Free-floating installation ("float" design)
Installation:
- Required mounting surface: 180 × 70 mm (flat)
- Only a small round hole for Q CoreLink cable
- Mounting bracket: Identical for all three sizes
- Display change: Possible in just a few minutes
Q Core Unit (black box):
- Separate electronic unit for chart plotter
- Supports up to 2 displays simultaneously
- NMEA 2000 (AIS, digital switch, engine data)
- WLAN (client and hotspot)
- Bluetooth LE
- Integrated 4G/LTE modem
- 2× Ethernet (fishfinder and radar)
Map software:
- Navionics
Radar compatibility:
- Raymarine Quantum Radar
Entertainment:
- FM radio
- DAB+ radio
- Integrated power amplifier: 2 × 20 W
- Stereo output (unamplified) for external amplifiers
- Streaming functions
- Direct connection for speakers
- 24/7 connectivity with Q Guard security system
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Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
