A Modern Navigation System for the Modern Boater

Boating is a pastime rich in history, and the industry supporting it shares that legacy. However, with advancements in connectivity, the rise of electric boats, and other technological shifts, the sector is evolving. Orca is poised to disrupt traditional navigation methods with a combined hardware and software solution designed to rival contemporary consumer technology in its smoothness and usability.

The Current State of Marine Navigation

For boaters, charting a course and tracking location typically involves two primary methods: the integrated system on the boat itself, and a mobile application.

The onboard systems often feel dated and cumbersome, reminiscent of older GPS interfaces found in budget vehicles. While smartphone apps offer improved speed and functionality, they are vulnerable to the marine environment and can quickly deplete battery life.

Introducing Orca: A Fresh Approach

Orca, a Norwegian startup founded by experienced boating and chart-plotter professionals, presents a leap forward with a completely redesigned interface built from the ground up.

Addressing an Outdated Industry

“The marine navigation industry has remained largely unchanged for two decades, dominated by three major players controlling 80 percent of the market,” explains Jorge Sevillano, co-founder and CEO. “These established companies struggle to recognize the value of software innovation.

Their existing devices rely on user interfaces that are 10 to 15 years old – think of older TomTom devices, characterized by complex menus and numerous clicks. The industry hasn’t experienced a transformative moment akin to the iPhone’s redesign of mobile technology. Therefore, we decided to begin with a clean slate and create a completely new user experience.”

From Concept to Reality

Kristian Fallro, CTO and co-founder, initially developed a similar concept years ago. His company was later acquired by Navico, a leading industry player. However, his ideas weren’t pursued, leading him and his colleagues to establish Orca to bring their vision to fruition. Their first complete product became available for pre-order this week.

Overcoming Barriers to Entry

“Previously, the primary obstacle was the need for both specialized hardware and software, creating a significant barrier to entry,” Fallro clarifies. “The industry is highly protected and relatively small, making it unattractive to tech giants like Apple and Google.”

Now, with a combination of appropriate hardware and a completely rebuilt software platform, Orca believes it can gain a competitive edge and cater to a new generation of boaters who demand modern technology.

Beyond Traditional Chart Plotters

The frustrations with existing systems are numerous: transferring SD cards for chart updates, navigating menus with directional pads, and relying on separate mobile apps for weather and tide information. These methods are far from state-of-the-art.

The Orca System: Components and Integration

The Orca system consists of a ruggedized industrial tablet sourced from Samsung, a marine-grade mounting arm, a custom-designed interface for secure attachment and charging, and a central processing unit that connects to the boat’s sensors – such as sonar and GPS – via the NMEA 2000 protocol.

The system is engineered to meet or exceed the performance standards of current marine navigation equipment.

A Modern Software Experience

However, Orca’s true innovation lies in its completely rebuilt software, offering the convenience and connectivity expected from modern mobile applications. Routing is rapid and precise, displayed on clear, readable maps comparable to those found on Google and Apple Maps, but specifically designed for nautical use.

Integrated weather and tide reports, along with marine traffic information, further enhance the user experience. The system is compatible with both Android and iOS, allowing seamless route sharing and data transfer between the main unit and mobile devices.

Future Potential and Innovation

“We can develop new services that traditional chart plotters simply cannot accommodate,” Sevillano states. “By incorporating real-time tide and wind data, or identifying nearby commercial vessels, we can dynamically adjust your range and route. We release updates weekly, introducing new features and bug fixes, allowing us to respond to user feedback more quickly than any competitor.”

Expanding Beyond Navigation

These improvements to the core boating system have spurred the company to envision a future beyond simply replacing outdated helm gadgets.

Data collected from the boat can be used to update maps in near real-time, potentially alerting other boaters or authorities to hazards such as large waves, dangerous chemical levels, or uncharted obstacles. “The ‘Waze of the seas’,” they propose. “Our ambition is to become the leading provider of marine data, unlocking opportunities for boaters, marine industries, and society as a whole.”

Integration with Electric Boats and Beyond

Orca aims to integrate directly with boat manufacturers, becoming the standard operating system for new models. This is particularly relevant for the growing market of electric boats, which often attract tech-savvy early adopters who are open to new technologies.

“We’re observing a trend of successful land-based technologies being adapted for marine use. However, a common challenge remains: range anxiety – and it’s even more pronounced on the water,” says Fallro. “We’ve been collaborating with electric boat manufacturers and have found that building a boat is complex, but creating a seamless navigation experience is even more challenging.”

Addressing Range Anxiety

Determining the effective range of an electric boat is a complex problem. Even with advanced simulations and efficient designs, like those employed by Zin Boats, accurate range estimations require constant recalculation due to changing conditions.

“We believe we are among the best in the industry at calculating range at sea. Therefore, we want to provide boat manufacturers with a software platform that integrates navigation and helps them address the range anxiety concerns of their customers,” Fallro explains.

A modern and responsive operating system that accurately tracks range and provides real-time access to charging stations and other resources would undoubtedly appeal to prospective buyers of electric boats. With Orca, boaters won’t feel the need to rely on limited smartphone apps or outdated chart plotters.

Pricing and Availability

The complete Orca system, including the computing core, mount, and tablet, is priced at €1,449, with the core unit available for €449. Significant discounts are offered for early bird pre-orders. (These costs may be negligible for those purchasing new boats.)

Funding and Future Plans

Fallro reveals that Orca is backed by funding from Atomico and Nordic VC firm Skyfall Ventures, as well as angel investors including Kahoot co-founder Johan Brand. The company’s immediate focus is on fulfilling existing orders and continuing to develop and update the system as promised.

• Image Credits: Orca