Electronics

Electronic Parts

When thinking about overall boat use and maintenance, you should also pay attention to boat electronics. Due to the everyday advancement of technology, electronics are now a huge part of boating.

From the boat’s very navigation to communication, safety and security, and entertainment, we now use electronics in almost everything we do on the water. Thus, it is important to learn how to relate with and use these boat electronics.

Here, we outline the most important boat electronic appliances and what functions they perform.

GPS/Chart Plotters

We’ve all seen the important work that GPS on our phones and automobiles performs. The technology is now being heavily used in the marine industry as well. GPS has come to replace the marine charts that the boating industry has used for years.

With the GPS tech, you can take adventures to places you may have never been to and not have any fear of ever missing your way. Apart from showing where you want to go, the GPS can tell you exactly where you are at a particular time.

You can also use it with another boat tech such as fish finders.

Multifunction Display (MFD)

This is the “brain” of the boat. All the systems used to run and operate your boat can be found in this display. All you need to do is either the keypad or screen to make settings.

The MFD on some boats may come on a single screen, but many boats now come with multiple screens. The multiple screens are for you to be able to reach all the settings quite fast.

VHF Radio

Remember we said boat electronics also included communications equipment? VHF Radio is one of the most important electronic devices and one that you must have on board.

The VHF is what you use to communicate and reach out for help in case of danger. Although you may be with your mobile phone, it may not pick proper signals on water compared to the VHF.

Depth Sounders & Fish Finders

Many times when on water, boaters are usually oblivious to what goes in the water beneath them. But it is quite important to pay attention once in a while. For instance, it is good to know how deep the water below is, as it can help you avoid hazards while mooring. That is exactly the job of the depth sounder.

Do you want to fish, and not sure if there is even fish in the water? Then make use of the fish finder. It uses sonar signals to know if there exist solid material underwater. This way, you can know where to direct your fishing energy.

Engine Monitors

The engine is a critical part of the boat, and being informed about its state is important. The monitor gives you important information, including engine temperature and fuel level.

The engine monitor may be available via the multifunction display or come in a separate screen.

Other emerging boating electronics and technology include autopilot and self-driving, the marine radar and broadband radar.