5 minute read
Electronics
New Boat, New Electronics
Get your desired electronics installed on your new boat.
Top: A Lowrance Elite FS 9 multifunction display. Middle: One of many complete but simple multifunction displays, the Garmin Echomap UHD 94sv chartplotter and fishfinder. Bottom: A very wellequipped helm (left) and a nice, clean, well-laid-out helm (right).
So, you decided to buy a new boat. Congratulations! But before signing on the dotted line, think about the electronics onboard and how they can help make that time afloat even better and more relaxing. With a little forethought and planning, you can save money and end up with exactly the system you want and need.
Some new boats will come bare, meaning they have little or no electronics aboard and the console or helm is a blank canvas. Some will have some electronics installed at the factory or at the dealership prior to being put up for sale. If there are electronics already installed, you can add to them or negotiate to replace them with something of your liking. With any of these scenarios, you have the choice of having your dealer install electronics, or having an independent electronics installer do the job. There are advantages to both, and you need to weigh which option is best for you.
Dealer install Having the dealer set up the electronics means you have a single point of contact for any warranty and service issues with your new boat. And should you need updates or additions to your system, the dealer knows both the electronics and the boat. The dealer is intimately familiar with the boat and where and how best to install and wire the system for your model of boat. Some dealers even have loaner units available should your electronics need to be sent back to the manufacturer for warranty service. While dealer prices on individual electronics can be higher than a local big box store, negotiating as part of a new boat package is sometimes possible, bringing prices down and still receiving all the benefits of a dealer install.
Independent installers The other option is to go through an independent installer. Some will allow you to purchase your own electronics with them installing it. Beware if you decide to go this route that if there are any warranty issues, you may be on your own in having to deal with it. Other installers will insist they obtain the equipment and handle the installation. Either way, make sure your installer has good references and is experienced. NMEA and ABYC certifications are a good indication that they are knowledgeable in their field. Those that are certified will generally have experience in a wide range of manufacturers, products and systems and can bring that knowledge to customize and integrate systems and brands that otherwise might not be available through a dealer. These folks are always a good option to add and customize equipment down the road as you learn your new boat and its quirks.
Selecting equipment Selecting what electronics to have onboard is also an important decision. “Standard equipment” on most boats today includes a chartplotter and fishfinder/sounder combination. These multifunction displays will show electronic charts and various forms of depth and sounder images. If you are not stuck with a pre-installed display,
do some research. If you can, push buttons and play with different models to get a feel for what works for you. By doing so, and speaking with knowledgeable sales staff, you can learn the equipment’s limitations. There are a bevy of YouTube videos out there that show the different models in action and instructional videos on how to use them. Look at those videos, or play with one at the dealership to see if it’s what you want.
Take a close look at the charting and make sure it’s sufficient for your boating area. If not, are there electronic chart cards that you can add for more features and good cartography? Decide if you want a simple unit without a lot of bells and whistles or a more sophisticated unit that you can add features and multiple displays to. Do you want one large display or maybe two smaller units networked together at the helm? Is there a remote station that you would like to have a networked display? Can the models offered have those expansion capabilities? Many displays also allow the expansion of the sounder features with the addition of a sonar module (black box) and an additional transducer. Forward scan, 3D, enhanced bottom images and live active sonar imaging are all possible additions with some units. If you want any of these, it may be a good idea to have them installed before delivery of your new boat, that way you can enjoy them from day one. Also, don’t forget to add a VHF radio and some form of satellite beacon, such as a PLB or EPIRB.
No matter what electronics you end up with on your new boat, don’t settle with what is offered unless that works well for your application. A little research, knowledge and negotiation will help make those days afloat in your pride and joy even more pleasurable. ★
A typical electronics package for a new boat.
GLENN HAYES is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world. He can be reached at
HAYESSTUDIOS.COM .
