What electronics do you need on your boat?

Your boat electronics may end up being your lifeline on a "three hour tour" when the weather starts getting rough!  Choose wisely, make sure you have the equipment you need to arrive safely home.  Also, it is advisable that the Skipper read the instruction manuals and learn how to use the equipment, otherwise your resident "Gilligan" may be taking you to his own island…

This article is not exhaustive.  As soon as I write it, new products will become available.  Of course, the ancient mariners used the stars and landmarks for navigation… be sure to learn about alternative methods of navigation INCLUDING READING YOUR CHARTS and plotting your course as a backup to GPS navigation.  

Variables to consider in your marine electronics choices are: Where are you?  (GPS) What is your destination?  (Chartplotter)  How deep is the water?  (Depth Sounder)  How far are you from land and other people? (Radar and AIS)  How do I contact them?  (VHF Radio.  Cell phones do not have reliable, consistent off-shore coverage)

Multifunction displays are helpful in taking in the required information efficiently and effectively.  The larger the display, the better.  7" is a good minimum size display.  10-12" even better.  You do want to SEE the data, in the sun's glare and in a heavy storm and rolling swells. 

Now you have your display, you need to consider the peripherals.  This is like choosing a DVD player, the cable or satellite TV receiver, etc.  These peripherals are usually mounted out of sight to keep clutter to a minimum.  Peripheral electronics to consider would be a GPS sensor, radar scanner, AIS receiver, depth sounder module and weather module. 

This peripheral based system has the advantage of overlaying the displays from the different components.  This makes the data easier to understand, and more relatable to the actual conditions.

An AIS is a system used by ships and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) principally for identification and locating vessels. AIS provides a means for ships to electronically exchange ship data including: identification, position, course, and speed, with other nearby ships and VTS stations. Every boat that has an AIS transponder sending data within the reception range of the AIS receiver will show up on the display screen.  This is great in the fog, at night, and near islands and inlets. 

The AIS B is an upcoming transponder for smaller vessels.  It will transmit information from your vessel so other AIS-equipped boats will know where we are as well.  With this new technology, more and more small boats will show up on the display so in the fog you'll not only know where that tug and tow are but the other recreational vessels near you as well.

Depth sounders and an autopilot are important components to install in your cruiser to help ensure your safety and an enjoyable day at sea.  When the weather starts getting rough and your little ship is getting tossed around in the fog, it will be comforting to rely on the autopilot in sync with the overlay systems to get you to shore safely. 

With this type of minimal clutter system, you will have your display, the autopilot controller and the VHF radio.  You can always mount your cool looking components so they are seen by all with gadget envy, that's up to the individual Skipper.  You would also want to consider an electronic compass to determine a heading for the navigational system and to check your general direction.  You may as the Skipper want to add a stereo system for your listening enjoyment.

You may want to consider a laptop specifically designed for the marine environment.

In addition to the normal functions you use the laptop for with the installation of a software package like RayTech RNS 6.1 and an Ethernet connection to the E-series Raymarine system your laptop can become a fully functional additional station in your navigation suite.  And, it means you can work with your laptop at home for route planning or trip review as well.

Please email or call us at the Skipper Store with your questions!