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The integration of a multifunction display on board remains a concrete issue for many boatyards and installers, particularly on RIBs, open hulls and day boats. On these units, the volume available in the console is limited and often requires compromises between legibility, display size and ease of installation. This is precisely where the Nova Display Float intends to set itself apart, with a formula that separates the screen from the main module and reshuffles the deck on the layout side.
The console no longer has to be drawn around the screen
It's a well-known fact in the marine industry. When a manufacturer designs a console, especially for a small unit, he or she must first take into account the dimensions of the screen, the cut-outs to be made and the installation constraints. In practice, the console's design is dictated by the electronic hardware. This is still acceptable on large cruisers or on units with generous surface areas, where flush-mounted screens easily find their place.
On more compact boats, the situation is different. Motorboat consoles rarely have enough space to accommodate a large screen, while maintaining a clean, accessible layout. In some cases, space constraints even prevent the integration of a display of a size deemed useful for navigation. The advantage of the Nova Display Float is that it reduces this mechanical constraint and opens up new possibilities for console design.
An installation designed for narrow consoles
The Nova Display Float is available in three formats: 10", 12" Wide and 15" Wide. All three versions are housed in titanium-finish aluminum. But for the installer, the most notable feature is not so much the finish as the installation method. The manufacturer claims that a simple flat surface measuring 180 x 70 mm is all that's needed to mount the floating screen, even on the up to 15-inch version.
In practical terms, this eliminates the need for large console cut-outs. It is no longer necessary to make a large recess in the panel, nor to provide a square hole. Installation involves just a few screws and a circular hole for the Nova CoreLink cable. On a new boat, this can simplify work at the boatyard. When retrofitting, this approach can also limit the need for re-lamination or heavy modifications to an existing console.
Another practical point: the installation bracket is identical for all screen sizes. The choice of format no longer needs to be made at the boat manufacturing stage. It can be postponed until the time of sale, or even changed afterwards, without the need for a new console or additional special tools. For dealers and boat owners alike, this standardization provides an interesting margin for manoeuvre.
Of course, this bracket makes it easy to remove the screen in the evening, when the fishing trip is over, so that it doesn't get stolen. For screens that are to be recessed, a protective cover is also supplied.
A two-part architecture that shifts the constraint
The package consists of two distinct elements: a floating front screen and a separate Nova Core unit. This architecture makes it possible to install the display and the main module several meters apart using a single cable, the Nova CoreLink. In practice, the console no longer has to accommodate all the electronics behind the display.
This is an important point on boats where internal volume is reduced. The Nova Core unit can be positioned in a more favorable location, outside the console, or closer to the engine and connected equipment. This shifts the space constraint to a more suitable area, which can simplify the passage of harnesses and the distribution of equipment. For professionals, this separation between the visible interface and the heart of the system is not insignificant: it allows them to optimize the layout according to the boat, instead of having to make do with the only available space behind the front panel.
Connected functions that go beyond simple displays
All Nova Displays feature a touchscreen interface that is presented as intuitive, with fluid navigation and immediate ease of use. The system also features 24/7 connectivity via Nova Guard, as well as a 4G modem. The latter enables Internet access and point-of-interest searches on Google Maps. The manufacturer also mentions the possibility of controlling certain equipment remotely.
This new Nova range is distributed by Navicom :
- Nova 10F: ?2,699 incl. VAT
- Nova 12WF: ?3,099 incl. VAT
- Nova 15WF: ?3,589 incl. VAT
