So you've found the perfect boat. You are now ready to outfit it with baoting electronicsYou have a vast array of choices, which is great, but it may make it seem overwhelming choosing from among them. Much will depend on the kind of boater you are and the type of electronics you use in general. Can you read charts and the stars, or will you only want the best in electronic navigation? When you're on your boat, do you plan to leave civilization behind, or will you want phone or email contact? Do you have a favorite marine electronics brand, or would you rather cherry pick the best from several different brands? Know yourself, your boating plans, and your general attitude toward electronic gadgetry, and you'll have an easier time choosing how to outfit your boat.
Choosing the most suitable marine electronics can not only make your boating trips more fun and your fishing more productive, but it can be relative to your well being as well in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right equipment is the first step, but learning to use it properly is equally as important. And that means you will need to take the time to learn how to use the equipment regardless of whether it's from manuals, instructional videos, or having someone show you how to operate it.
Besides, you should know how to navigate by other means in the event of your electronics failing. Knowing how to read charts and plan your course is still an important skill. That being said, here are some tips to help you choose your electronics.
1. The boat electronics you should choose should be an automatic identification system, or AIS. It is used by boats and by the Vessel Traffic Services to find and identify boats. Your AIS gear is the most important electronic device you'll buy. It allows vessels to exchange electronic data including position, identification, and course. Vessel Traffic Services stations cause your vessel to show up on computer screens if you have an AIS transponder. If you have an emergency or should become lost this is critical.
2. A GPS system is another important piece of boat electronics your boat should have. One popular option is a multifunction GPS/plotter, which puts multiple functions into one device. Such multifunction machines can even allow you to run radar and fishfinder data through one display. They are also relatively easy to expand for other functions and displays.
3. If you have a choice of displays, remember that the larger it is, the easier it will be to see. Remember, that on a boat, screen viewing can be far from optimal during sun glare and rough weather conditions. You should choose at least a 7" display, but if there is room and it will fit your budget a 10" or 12" will be much better.
4.When there is an interest in onboard entertainment you may want to coordinate your mutifunction display for several perifheral electronic devises. Other devises like satelite recievers, computers, DVD players and music systems can be connected. These are great extras to have, but don't get them at the expense of choosing inferior safety equipment. Be sure to mount your navigation equipment in an easily accessed area on the helm.
5. A depth sounder is another good investment in the safety of your boat. When the weather turns bad a depth sounder combined with your GPS can help find the way back safely to shore.
6.There is an ever changing selection of marine electronics products made available for the boating industry. There are now laptop computers designed specifically for use in boats. These computers do what normal laptops do, but they can also be equipped with special software like RayTech RNS 6.1, which allows multi-format charting, hsb2 electronics integration, and worldwide tides and currents among its many functions.
In summary, GPS plotter, your AIS device, and depth sounder are the most important pieces of marine electronics for your boat because they pertain to your safety and the safety of your passengers. Have these pieces in place first, and if it's in your budget, there are plenty of extras you can add in the way of entertainment equipment and fish finding devices that you can have fun with.
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