nke Marine Electronics

What nke Marine Electronics does

nke Marine Electronics is a French manufacturer of marine navigation instruments, headquartered in Hennebont, Brittany. Founded around 1984 and now operating as a subsidiary of nke Group (which joined Madrid-based Satlink in October 2025), the company designs and builds autopilots, processors, displays, sensors, chart plotters, and interface gateways for sailing vessels. The technology centers on the proprietary GyroPilot 3 autopilot calculator, the Processor X high-frequency data unit, the NavXP chart plotter, and an ecosystem of sensors (wind vanes, compasses, high-frequency GPS, ultrasonic logs, 3D sensors) connected via a proprietary nke bus and compatible with NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 standards.

The company's products target three primary customer segments: elite and amateur offshore racers (Mini 6.50, Figaro, Class40, Ocean Fifty, IMOCA), blue-water cruisers seeking safety and reliability, and OEM boat builders (Pogo Structures, Marsaudon Composites, IDB Marine, Black Pepper Yachts, Boréal, Marée Haute, RM Yachts) installing systems on new yachts. Distribution is global via exclusive and authorized partners — most notably Kohlhoff in Germany (exclusive since 2018), Clarke Marine in the USA, Manex & Power Marine in South Africa, and Wainui Marine in New Zealand — supplemented by presence at major European boat shows and sponsorship of elite racing events where nke reports more than 50% penetration at the Route du Rhum 2022.

Revenue mechanics rest primarily on hardware sales (autopilot systems, processors, displays, sensors, chart plotters, interface boxes), with secondary income from paid training via nke Academy and after-sales technical support. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. TopSailor PC configuration software is provided free of charge to retain customers within the hardware ecosystem. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified (by Lloyd's Register) and received an EcoVadis Bronze medal for RSE in 2023.

Name

nke Marine Electronics

Legal name

nke Marine Electronics

Website

https://nke-marine-electronics.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

nke Marine Electronics is a French manufacturer of proprietary marine navigation instruments and high-frequency autopilot systems (GyroPilot 3) for sailing vessels, serving blue-water cruisers, professional ocean racing teams, and OEM boat builders through a global OEM and distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Navigation Electronics

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar, GNSS, AIS) (IMAJAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring) (IMAJAJAI)

Keywords

• Marine navigation instruments
• Sailing autopilots
• Marine electronics sensors
• Marine chart plotter
• OEM boat electronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Hennebont

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Marine Electronics Hardware Sales: Sale of navigation instruments, autopilot systems, sensors, displays, processors, chart plotters, and interfaces to boat builders (OEM), dealers, and end customers. Primary revenue driver. Products sold directly and through distribution network worldwide.
2. Technical Support and After-Sales Services: After-sales technical support, repairs (including sealed remote control battery replacement), diagnostics, and spare parts supply. Services include remote diagnostics via TopSailor software and technical assistance for installation/maintenance.
3. Training Services: Training programs for installers and end users, delivered at nke headquarters in Hennebont, on-site, or via video conference. Topics include navigation solutions, autopilot calibration, and system configuration.
4. TopSailor Software (Free): TopSailor navigation software is provided free of charge to nke instrument users. Not a direct revenue stream but supports hardware sales and customer retention.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

nke Marine Electronics designs, develops and manufactures a fully integrated range of marine navigation and autopilot electronics for sailing vessels. Its core offering covers the GyroPilot 3 autopilot family, Processor X data processors, Multigraphic II / Multidisplay II displays, the NavXP chart plotter, and a complete sensor suite (wind vanes, compasses, high-frequency GPS, ultrasonic speed sensors, depth sounders, barometers, battery monitors), all connected via the proprietary nke bus and NMEA 2000/0183 standards. Products are manufactured at the ISO 9001:2015-certified facility in Hennebont, Brittany, and complemented by the free TopSailor PC configuration software.

Product overview

nke Marine Electronics develops a comprehensive suite of marine navigation instruments for cruising, racing, and offshore sailing. The product portfolio centers on the GyroPilot autopilot family (GyroPilot 3, GyroPilot 3 HR), which integrates proprietary high-frequency algorithms for superior helm performance. Navigation data is centralized and processed by the Processor line (Processor X, Processor X HR), which filters wind data and feeds the autopilot. Visual feedback is provided through display products including Multigraphic II and Multidisplay II. The Nav XP chart plotter offers full navigation, safety, connectivity, and entertainment features with built-in 4G/WiFi/Bluetooth. The ecosystem includes extensive sensor offerings (wind vanes, compasses, GPS, depth sounders, speed sensors, 3D sensors), interface modules (Box N2K, Box USB WiFi, Box Ethernet), and the TopSailor software for PC-based system configuration and diagnostics. All components communicate via the proprietary nke bus and support NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GyroPilot: Automatic pilot systems for sailing vessels, including GyroPilot 3 and GyroPilot 3 HR models.
• TopSailor
• NavXP
• Processor X
• nke Academy

Products and services

• GyroPilot 3 Autopilot computer for sailing vessels featuring a high-frequency proprietary algorithm and integrated gyrometer for reactivity and route stability; offers true wind, apparent wind, compass, helm, GPS, polar and SUPER (heel/gust) modes. Sold to offshore racers and blue-water cruisers.
• GyroPilot 3 HR High-frequency version of the GyroPilot autopilot computer for enhanced precision and responsiveness in competitive sailing applications.
• NavXP Chart Plotter Chart plotter with hexa-core processor, intuitive touchscreen interface, automatic map updates via network, built-in 4G modem, WLAN, Bluetooth audio streaming and FM/DAB tuner; compatible with Navionics+ and Navionics Platinum+ cartography and NMEA 2000.
• Multigraphic II Marine display screen for visualizing and correcting navigation data, managing the autopilot and calibrating sensors; latest evolution with enhanced performance and modernity.
• Multidisplay II Marine display screen for viewing and managing navigation instruments; updated version with improved performance and feature set.
• Processor X High-frequency data processor that centralizes and processes all navigation data, providing noise-filtered wind data to the autopilot and offering an ergonomic web interface for configuration.
• Processor X HR High-frequency Processor X variant capable of processing all onboard sensor data at high frequency for competitive sailing and autopilot performance.
• TopSailor Software PC navigation assistance software for configuring nke installations, autopilot calibration, diagnostics and performance analysis; modules include installation visualization, autopilot configuration, data page recording, instrument diagnostics and data logging. Free of charge to nke instrument owners.
• Anémo-girouette (Standard and HR II) Wind vane sensor in standard or HR II high-resolution version for measuring apparent wind angle and speed on sailing vessels.
• GPS Haute Fréquence (High-Frequency GPS) High-frequency GPS receiver providing accurate position and speed-over-ground data with low latency, suitable for real wind calculation and autopilot operation.
• Box N2K Dual gateway interface (NMEA 0183/Topline to NMEA 2000, and NMEA 2000/Topline to NMEA 0183) enabling interconnection between nke's proprietary Topline bus, NMEA 2000 network and NMEA 0183 instruments.
• Box USB WiFi Data logging box with USB and WiFi connectivity for collecting and transmitting NMEA data from the nke bus.
• Box Ethernet Ethernet interface for connecting nke instruments to shipboard network infrastructure.
• Compas 9X High-performance compass for accurate heading measurement and navigation reference.
• Compas Fluxgate Fluxgate compass providing heading data for navigation and autopilot systems.
• 3D Sensor HR High-resolution 3D motion sensor for measuring vessel orientation and movement in three dimensions.
• Sondeur (Depth Sounder) Depth sounder for measuring water depth beneath the vessel.
• Loch Ultrasonic Ultrasonic speed sensor for measuring vessel speed through water outside the boundary layer, reducing bias versus paddlewheel designs.
• Battery Monitor Battery monitoring system for tracking electrical system status on board.
• nke Display App (Android and iOS) Mobile application for Android and iOS providing remote access to nke navigation systems from a smartphone or tablet.
• AIS System AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceiver module for marine vessels to integrate into the nke navigation ecosystem.
• nke Academy Training Program Training programs for installers, distributors and end users delivered at nke headquarters in Hennebont, on-site or via video conference, covering navigation solutions, autopilot calibration and system configuration.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over half of all boats at the Route du Rhum 2022 were equipped with nke Marine Electronics navigation systems.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SatlinkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025In October 2025, nke Group (parent of nke Marine Electronics) was integrated into Satlink, a world leader in technological solutions dedicated to oceans. Founded in Madrid in 1992, Satlink specializes in satellite communications and sustainable marine resource management. The combined entity forms the largest European group in ocean sciences, environmental data, and marine technology innovation, serving over 10,000 organizations in 130 countries. Alain Boschet remains as group head. nke Marine Electronics continues operating under its own brand.
• Fifty Fifty SailminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025nke Marine Electronics supports Fifty Fifty Sail at the ATL 2025 (Atlantique – Le Télégramme), organized by Fifty Fifty association (founded 2019). Fifty Fifty uses sailing as a tool for women's empowerment and recovery from violence through mixed-gender sports.
• Centre Nautique de Lorient (CNL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024nke Marine Electronics is title partner of the Grand Large nke regatta (14th edition, July 2024) organized by CNL around Île de Groix. Also partnered with CNL for ATL (Atlantique – Le Télégramme E.Leclerc) 2025, with the 'Rond Vert' (coastal) nke racing circle. Supports popular sailing events for both professionals and amateurs.
• Rallye des Îles du SoleilminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023nke Marine Electronics is partner of the 5th edition of the Rallye des Îles du Soleil (Canaries > Cape Verde > Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe), a transatlantic rally open to all sailboats.
• Installateur réseau (authorized installers)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2023Authorized installer network in France including: Concarnneau Electronique Service, ReeBoat, DEP'TRON, and ROM-arrangé. Trained by nke staff on product installation, configuration, and technical support.
• Cap-MartiniqueminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Title partner of the inaugural Cap-Martinique transatlantic race (2022), a single or double-handed ocean crossing from Martinique to France.
• WeExplore (Roland Jourdain, Sophie Vercelletto, Kaïros, Explore Foundation)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022nke Marine Electronics is partner of the WeExplore adventure aboard a 60-foot Outremar catamaran (18m28) with 50%+ flax fiber construction. Led by Roland Jourdain (double Route du Rhum winner) and Sophie Vercelletto, focused on sustainable maritime innovation and environmental messaging. Departed Route du Rhum 2022.
• QapturminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Qaptur is nke Marine Electronics' video production partner. Produced corporate videos ('Les Coulisses NKE'), event coverage (nke Evening), and regatta photography for the company.
• Kohlhoff GmbH (Germany)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Exclusive distributor for nke Marine Electronics in Germany since 2018. Organized nke workshop at their Kiel headquarters and participated in Silverrudder 2022 with over 50 Kohlhoff customers registered.
• Wainui Marine (New Zealand)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013New Zealand distributor for nke Marine Electronics, operating for approximately 10 years (since ~2013). Located ~9,389 nautical miles from nke headquarters. Installs nke systems on both cruising and racing boats.
• Pogo StructurescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder offering nke Marine Electronics instruments as standard or optional fit-out on Pogo sailing yachts. Part of nke's cruise package offering for blue-water sailors.
• Marsaudon CompositescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder partner offering nke Marine Electronics instruments on Marsaudon Composites yachts. Part of cruise package collaboration.
• IDB MarinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder partner for nke Marine Electronics cruise solutions.
• Black Pepper YachtsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder partner for nke cruise package.
• BoréalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder partner for nke cruise package.
• Marée HauteminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder partner for nke cruise package.
• RM YachtsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoat builder partner for nke cruise package.
• Clarke Marine Electrical Services (USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS distributor for nke Marine Electronics. Participated together at Newport International Boat Show.
• Manex & Power Marine (South Africa)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African distributor for nke Marine Electronics. Participated together at Cape Town Boat Show.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Maretron: Maretron manufactures NMEA 2000 monitoring, control, and sensor products for marine vessels. It overlaps with nke in the interface and sensor layer (battery monitors, depth sounders, compasses, NMEA networking) and competes in the same yacht and commercial-vessel integration use cases.
• Actisense: Actisense is a UK specialist in marine NMEA networking, gateways, and interfaces (NMEA 0183/2000 converters). Its products overlap directly with nke's Box N2K and other interface modules, particularly for boat builders and installers integrating mixed-vendor marine electronics systems.
• A+T Instruments: A+T Instruments is a UK-based specialist in high-performance sailing instrumentation and autopilots, with strong penetration in grand prix racing (Superyacht, TP52, Maxi classes). It is the closest direct competitor to nke in the high-end ocean-racing autopilot and processor niche, sharing the same customers (professional skippers, IMOCA teams) and use cases.
• Triton Marine: Triton Marine produces high-accuracy marine instruments, wind sensors, and data acquisition systems for performance sailing. It overlaps with nke in sensor and processor categories used in offshore racing and superyacht applications, competing on precision and integration with NMEA 2000.

Broad incumbents

• Garmin: Garmin is a global consumer electronics giant with a substantial marine division (chartplotters, autopilots, radar, instruments) targeting recreational and offshore boaters. It competes directly with nke across autopilots, multifunction displays, and integrated navigation suites, but at vastly greater scale and price-performance reach.
• Raymarine (Teledyne FLIR): Raymarine, owned by Teledyne FLIR, is a long-established marine electronics brand offering autopilots, chartplotters, radar, AIS, and instruments. It targets the same cruising and offshore segments as nke and competes head-to-head through global dealer networks and Axiom-series MFDs.
• WÄRTSILÄ SAM Electronics: Wärtsilä SAM Electronics supplies integrated bridge systems, navigation, and automation for commercial marine and naval markets. While nke operates at the recreational/small-commercial end, Wärtsilä represents the broader marine navigation and automation systems category relevant to the Satlink group's commercial ocean-tech ambitions.
• Navico (B&G / Simrad / Lowrance): Navico owns the B&G, Simrad, and Lowrance marine electronics brands, with B&G specifically focused on sailing and offshore racing — directly overlapping nke's core market of IMOCA, Class40, and blue-water cruisers. Navico's H5000 instrument and autopilot system is the most direct competitive analog to nke's GyroPilot and Processor ecosystem.
• Furuno: Furuno is a Japanese marine electronics leader in radar, sonar, navigation, and communication equipment serving commercial and recreational markets. While its strength is more in commercial/commercial-fishing instrumentation than sailing autopilots, Furuno competes in overlapping sensor, display, and integrated navigation categories.

Emerging players

• Vesper Marine: Vesper Marine specializes in AIS transponders and marine safety communications, with strong penetration in offshore sailing. While narrower than nke's full-stack offering, it represents a category-adjacent peer in safety and communication electronics on sailing vessels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/nkemarineelectronics
• LinkedInfr.linkedin.com/company/nke-marine-electronics
• Instagraminstagram.com/nkemarineelectronics
• Xx.com/nkemarine

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about nke Marine Electronics