Doug Dukeson recently put Searebbel’s MobilePilot Smart Assisted Navigation System through its paces, and says it’s every bit as impressive as the buzz suggests.
From the moment we unpacked the unit, it was clear this was designed for simplicity without compromising on its cutting-edge technology. Installation was remarkably straightforward. On our 7m Rayglass test boat, the unit swapped directly onto the hydraulic steering wheel with nothing more than basic tools. No cutting into dashboards, no laborious dialling in, no hydraulic bleeding, just a clean, clever fit. In fact, we had the system fully operational in less than 20 minutes, and it’s compatible with 98% of steering helms on the market.
Once installed, the system felt intuitive and natural to use. The Searebbel app instantly connected via Bluetooth, letting us switch seamlessly between manual control and assisted navigation. (The app – MobilePilot, also allows you to use your phone to plan your routes.) The Adaptive Guidance Engine impressed immediately, providing straightforward guidance while keeping us fully in command. We experimented with the system within the busy Westhaven Marina, then out on the harbour, setting a locked-in waypoint and then a series of waypoints. All actions felt very natural on and off the plane, with the boat following each course set through Searebbel’s own charting system.
I was told integration with existing electronics can be as smooth. With an optional Actisense module, the MobilePilot connected effortlessly via Wi-Fi to the onboard MFD, bringing GPS, depth, hazard detection, and weather data (when available) together in a single, intuitive display. The manufacturers report they are currently working with radar connectivity. In our demonstration, the mobile phone’s screen was bright and readable even in full sun.
For trailer boats and small power boats between 4 and 9 meters plus, this system looks to be a game-changer. It delivers advanced autopilot functionality, situational awareness, and onboard convenience at a fraction of the complexity of some traditional systems. Add in the built-in battery, optional boat power connection, CE/RED/RoHS compliance, and a two-year warranty, and you’ve got a system that’s both innovative and practical for the price.
I left the helm genuinely impressed. The Searebbel MobilePilot isn’t just an accessory; it’s making boating smarter and more effortless. With a retail price of $6999, it’s set within reach of most trailer boaties. Demonstrations and trial installations are rolling out nationwide, with a full showcase planned for the Auckland Boat Show this March. Keep an eye out for it.
NZ Distributor: Boatgear Marine Wholesale, 241 Ti Rakau Drive, Auckland, Phone: 0800 273 9180
