Em Trak New Zealand connects a trusted brand with a strong local distributor
Charlie Bravo Boat Co has taken over as the exclusive Em Trak New Zealand distributor, giving Kiwi boaters direct access to a respected global AIS brand along with reliable local support. It is a straightforward change, but one that matters. AIS is woven into how many New Zealand skippers now move around the coast, and having the right people behind the product makes a difference.
For more than twenty years, Em Trak has focused on building AIS gear that works in the real world. Coastguard units, commercial skippers, and recreational owners all use the same backbone technology. That breadth of use has shaped systems that handle rough weather, busy waterways, and the mix of electronics found on most boats.
Engineering depth behind the name
Em Trak is part of SRT Marine Systems in the UK, a company with long standing experience in maritime communication. Their goal is simple enough. Deliver clear AIS information in real time, build hardware that lasts, and make sure the gear talks cleanly to whatever is already on board.
Their units support NMEA0183, NMEA2000, Wi Fi, and Bluetooth. That flexibility is important here in New Zealand, where boats often have older equipment sitting next to newer displays. Easy integration saves owners time and cost, and reduces the chance of frustration at the helm.
Durability is another hallmark. AIS equipment is no good if it fails when the weather turns. Em Trak has earned its place largely because the gear keeps working.
Keeping pace with how Kiwis use their boats
One of the more noticeable shifts in recent years is the move toward using everyday devices around the boat. Phones, tablets, and smartwatches now carry charts, weather, and position data. Em Trak has leaned into this change and designed systems that pass AIS and GPS data straight into those devices.
For many skippers, this means quicker access to situational awareness. A glance at a phone can show vessel positions, names, CPA details, or traffic in the next bay. The aim is to make the information more accessible rather than adding another layer of complexity.
Why Charlie Bravo Boat Co suits the role
With more than 25 years in marine distribution, Charlie Bravo Boat Co already has strong ties with retailers, wholesalers, and boatbuilders across the country. The company understands how Kiwi owners spec their boats, and how installers prefer to work. That practical knowledge makes the Em Trak New Zealand partnership a logical fit.
Managing Director Cameron Burch says the alignment was clear from the start.
“Em Trak’s pedigree in marine electronics and its forward thinking integration with consumer devices fits with our mission to deliver innovative, reliable solutions to New Zealand’s boating community.”
Support is another part of the story. AIS installations often involve careful integration with existing systems. A local distributor with technical experience reduces guesswork for both installers and end users.
What arrives in 2026
The full Em Trak line will be available through Charlie Bravo Boat Co from early 2026. This includes Class A and Class B transceivers, AIS receivers, antenna splitters, and GPS equipped models. The variety will appeal to commercial operators, yacht racers, game fishers, and cruising families alike.
As AIS becomes more common on New Zealand boats, choice and availability matter. These units offer a strong combination of performance, toughness, and ease of use.
Support that matches the hardware
Charlie Bravo Boat Co is backing the product with national support for dealers, installers, and OEM partners. That framework gives users confidence that advice and parts are available when needed.
AIS is at its best when it is installed well, configured correctly, and supported by people who understand it. The Em Trak New Zealand partnership sets up that structure for the long term.
A tidy match for a changing industry
This collaboration between Charlie Bravo Boat Co and Em Trak lands at the right time. Onboard systems are becoming more connected, and skippers expect information to flow across multiple devices. The partnership gives New Zealand owners access to proven AIS equipment and dependable local service.
For a nation where boating is woven into daily life, that is a welcome addition to the options available on the market.
