Last week marked the debut of a new product for Bonnier: the Best Marine Electronics & Technology e-zine, an enhanced digital content resource that steers clear of the traditional trappings of digital replica editions. Instead, the quarterly e-zine is a wholly new and original compliment to the brand’s annual print buyer’s guide.

“It’s not print, it’s not digital, and it’s not e-news,” says editorial director Shawn Bean. “Our goal is to create a resource that’s not a replica of a magazine or website. It has to deliver a dynamic and unique content experience right into our audience’s pocket.”

“There are a couple key ingredients,” explains Eric Powell, the project’s art director. “For starters, we want to make it mobile-friendly. E-zines that are simply digital replicas of print are frustrating. The pinching and zooming leaves readers looking for the exit.” For Powell, that meant being mindful of type size, visual restraint, and reduced copy length. 

Another key factor is positioning the e-zine as part of the consumer’s educational journey – not the destination. “It’s a chance to introduce new products, first looks, and emerging trends, not be the final word,” says Bean, likening the e-zine content more to time-sensitive breaking news than evergreen information. “We package video, gifs, animations, and high-level overviews together to create an engaging entry point. Should the reader want more depth and detail, we send them to our websites for full coverage.”

The spring “elex-zine” (as Bean refers to it) debuted in mid-March, with the next edition slated for early June. The e-zine is part of Bonnier’s growing marine electronics portfolio which includes the annual buyer’s guide and forthcoming website set to launch in April.

Raymarine Axiom+ Takes Top Prize

Today,the four leading titles in marine media—Boating, Yachting, Salt Water Sportsman and Cruising World—announce the winners of their first-ever joint awards program. The 2021 Best Elex Awards honors standout marine-electronics products that have been reviewed and approved by a panel of judges that includes the editors-in-chief and electronics editors of the aforementioned titles. In the end, seven products set themselves apart. The Editors’ Choice Award, presented to the best overall product in the competition, was awarded to the Raymarine Axiom+. 

The judges were effusive in their praise of Raymarine’s award-winning innovation:

• “From a nanocoated water- and impact-resistant display on the outside to a fast-operating quad-core processor on the inside, Raymarine’s Axiom+ multifunction displays provide improved GPS, vivid 3D sonar imagery, dual-channel functionality and more.”
• “These units have more memory than your mother-in-law. They run a multitude of apps, using an intuitive GUI ripped from a smart TV and, thanks to Wi-Fi, no pulling radar cable through pipework. What’s not to like?”

Other winners were:

Leading-Edge Technology: Furuno NavNet TZTouch3 9F. “Its frequency-agile radar paints targets like a Picasso.”

Best Integrated System: Garmin GPSMap 1243xsv. “Brings state-of-the-industry features to a midrange instrument that can be easily refit as an upgrade.”

Most Innovative for Sailing: Airmar DST 810. “Provides complicated speed calculations along with easy installation and setup at a very affordable price.”

Best in Entertainment: Rockford Fosgate 12-inch Color Optix M2 subwoofers. “With the ability to pump out up to 1,600 watts of power, a lack of volume should never be an issue.”

Most Innovative for Power: Dometic Optimus outboard electric-steering actuator. “Brings marine-steering technology into the 21st century.”

Best in Communication: Standard Horizon GX2400 Matrix. “Combines every feature you need in a fixed-mount VHF radio.”

“Bonnier inspires its readers to expand the possibilities of life on the water, so technology and electronics are essential,” says Glenn Sandridge, vice president, managing director of Bonnier Corporation, publisher of Boating, Yachting, Salt Water Sportsman and Cruising World. “Manufacturers are no longer just delivering the basics, but are also creating innovative ways to improve safety and enjoyment for boaters of all kinds. We are proud to honor the best of these innovators.”

The 2021 Best Elex Awards will be featured in the forthcoming Marine Electronics & Technology quarterly e-zine, and at these links across all four participating websites:

https://www.boatingmag.com/story/gear/best-electronics-awards-2021/

https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/story/gear/best-electronics-awards-2021/

https://www.cruisingworld.com/story/gear/best-electronics-awards-2021/

https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/story/electronics/best-electronics-awards-2021/