Innovation and Functionality in Design
The overall winner of the prestigious DAME Design Awards held at Metstrade 2025 was a product with the potential to revolutionize marine navigation: the LXNAV E360 Round Chartplotter. By transferring the precision and technological expertise of the aviation sector into marine instrumentation, the device stands out both in design and functionality. This achievement also highlights the growing demand for minimalist yet highly versatile solutions in marine technologies.
Innovation and Functionality in Design
LXNAV is a Slovenian company with roots in glider navigation. Adapting the expertise it gained in aviation to the maritime world, the company has taken a strong step forward with the E360, both aesthetically and technically. Jury members particularly praised the E360 for its “compact and well-coordinated design,” “user-friendly, intuitive interface,” and “advanced functionality.”
Compact Yet Powerful: Technical Features of the E360
The E360 features a round 4-inch (102 mm) touchscreen display. This size makes the device both comfortable to use and highly compact, offering a significant space-saving advantage, especially on the cockpit panels of luxury yachts.
Some of its key technical features include:
NMEA 2000 connectivity: Enables extensive data flow for engine data, sensor information, and more.
Preloaded OpenSeaMap charts: Ready to use straight out of the box.
Navionics compatibility: Chart support via SD card.
Fusion music control: Allows control of the onboard music system directly from the device.
Wi-Fi and GPS: Built-in modules for connectivity and position tracking.
IPX6 waterproof rating: Designed to withstand harsh marine conditions.
Customizable display: Users can configure which data is shown and set alarm thresholds.
Optional Jog Wheel: A car-style rotary controller connected via NMEA 2000 for precise control.
An Aviation-Inspired User Experience
While transferring aviation know-how to the maritime sector, LXNAV placed strong emphasis on user experience. The E360’s interface is designed with a smartphone-like logic, featuring simple menus and intuitive operation.
Thanks to customizable screen tiles called “FloatBox,” users can freely arrange different data on the display and prioritize the information they want to see at a glance.
The E360 can also monitor engine parameters, battery status, and fluid levels (fuel, water, oil, etc.) in real time via NMEA 2000. From a safety perspective, the iAssist feature automatically switches to critical screens in alarm situations, alerting the user instantly.
Sustainability and Industry Trends
The DAME jury emphasized not only the E360’s technical performance but also its contribution to energy efficiency. Reducing power consumption in marine equipment is becoming an increasingly important priority in modern yachting.
In addition, €21,900 collected by Metstrade was donated to the Ocean Conservation Trust. This step demonstrates that LXNAV’s achievement goes beyond winning an award, reflecting a broader commitment to marine environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead: LXNAV’s Maritime Vision
Winning the DAME 2025 award with the E360 clearly demonstrates how well-founded LXNAV’s strategic investment in marine electronics has been. Aviation-derived precision, minimalist design, and strong technical integration position LXNAV as a noteworthy player in the marine technology market.
Looking ahead, it is expected that LXNAV will expand its presence in the maritime world with similarly modern and compact solutions beyond the E360. Companies operating with a start-up mindset like LXNAV have the potential to reshape the traditional marine electronics industry.
