Electronics

Lessons on Layout

Master the placement and layout of your onboard electronics.

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 The old real estate adage of “location, location, location” turns out to be true for placing marine electronics on your boat. If the equipment doesn’t reside in the right spot it can end up being a frustration and affect the bottom line. Planning out a marine electronics system and deciding the best location for your equipment can not only make time on the water more enjoyable but can also increase safety, functionality and the value of the boat itself.

Single vs. multiple displays The heartbeat of any marine electronics system is the main display. Many newer displays are multifunction displays (MFDs) and, as the name implies, are capable of performing multiple tasks, such as chartplotting, fish finding, radar and displaying engine information. These screens are a great option if real estate is tight and there’s not a lot of dash space. Some MFDs are capable of networking with other displays and sharing information and graphics, so the possibility of having them connected together either side by side or at different helm locations make them a great option.

Most marine electronics manufacturers offer many of their displays in 7-, 9-, 12- and 16-inch versions, with higher-end systems going even larger than that. Depending on available space and budget, a decision should be made as to whether one larger display or multiple smaller displays should be utilized for the installation. While larger screens can be split for multiple data, sometimes it can be more effective to have multiple screens displaying dedicated information at the same time. To decide, take a look at what the display looks like in the split-screen mode, then look at the same information displayed on side-by-side screens. While the natural tendency and urge is to go with the biggest screen that budget and real estate will allow, sometimes multiple smaller screens may be a better option that also adds redundancy should one display fail.

Display location The location of your single or multiple displays is also very important. You want the screen to be located where you do not have to take your eyes off the water in front of you for too long. If it’s mounted too low and off to one side of the helm, you will find yourself straining to look at it. You also don’t want to bracket-mount it so high that it obstructs your vision, blocking your view of the water. Mounting a primary display up high in an overhead console or box is also generally not a good idea, as you will find it awkward and uncomfortable to operate.

To help design the layout of your electronics system, measure the overall dimensions of the displays you are considering and make cardboard templates of them to help visualize in your space. If you are going to flush-mount them, remember to check depth clearance as there may not be enough clearance behind the dash for the unit and cables that plug into them. If bracket-mounting the displays, keep in mind that there are great versatile mounts from companies like Scanstrut, Ocean Equipment, Sea View and RAM that allow for a much smaller footprint than the supplied bracket and can allow for a range of angles and placement. If your dash has no room and only has engine gauges, it may be worth considering an MFD that can display all your engine information, replacing analog or digital engine gauges. In addition to saving space, it can also give your helm an attractive “all glass” cockpit aesthetic.

Last thoughts When it comes to VHF radios, placement should depend on whether you are right or left handed, as you do not want the microphone cord crossing the helm and getting in the way of the wheel and throttles. When deciding on a location for the VHF, keep in mind that you want the microphone in an easy-access location where you don’t have to take your eyes off the water too long looking for it.

With a good supply of capable electronics and mounting options, it’s now easier than ever to have a comfortable, attractive and functional helm. All it takes is a little planning and forethought. ★