What electronics do I need on my boat?

The Big Question: What Should I Buy?

The question "what should I buy?" has been around for many years in the marine industry. As more people buy boats and take on DIY projects, the topic has become broader than ever.

Why There is No Universal Answer

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to this question. Different boats have different requirements, and their use largely determines the necessary equipment. Additionally, it also depends on the size of the boat.

A small boat or RIB will not need the same equipment as a 50-foot yacht. A 50-foot yacht does not need the same equipment as a passenger ferry. Necessary electronics for every boat Regardless of the type of vessel, there are some pieces of equipment that every boat should have on board.

VHF Radio

Your lifeline at sea Despite the various factors that influence equipment choice, one piece of equipment is constant and should be on every vessel – a VHF radio.

• Fixed VHF: Powered by the boat's battery or electrical system.
• Handheld VHF: Battery-powered and portable. In an emergency, a VHF radio is crucial for sending out a distress call (mayday) to the coast guard.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

An Extra Layer of Safety Fixed VHF radios also offer the ability to use Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which sends a distress call to the coast guard and includes your GPS position.

GPS

For this to work, the VHF radio needs to either have its own internal GPS or an external GPS feed. Without a position fix, the call will not provide accurate information. GPS – More Than Just Navigation A GPS is another essential piece of equipment that boat owners should have on board.

• Internal GPS: Built into a display.
• External GPS: Uses an antenna for better signal strength.

In addition to the safety benefit of having your lat/long position available, GPS systems also improve navigation, increase efficiency, and provide greater peace of mind.

MFD – Your All-in-One Display

A Multi-Function Display (MFD) integrates various systems and displays important information.

Combine GPS with a good MFD, and you can plot waypoints and routes. Have visibility over the area around your boat, even in bad weather. Set pin and marker locations for places to return to, which is especially useful for fishing vessels. Sonar – Avoid Running Aground A sonar determines how far the bottom of the boat is from the seabed.

Sonar

Sonar helps avoid running aground, but they only show what is below, not what is in front or around the boat. Sonar data can be fed into an MFD, allowing for shallow water alerts and early warnings.

Single vs. Multiple Sonars

• Smaller Boats: Typically equipped with a single sonar, as they can adjust course or slow down quickly.
• Larger Vessels and Commercial Ships: Often use multiple sonars (usually 2-4) to provide depth information at the bow, stern, port, and starboard. Other Useful (but Optional) Electronics

While not necessary for safe travel, additional electronics can enhance navigation and the overall boating experience:

Other Useful (but Optional) Systems

• Weather Data: Monitor wind and weather conditions.
• Autopilots: Maintain a steady course, follow a route.
• RADAR: Detect nearby vessels and obstacles.

Summary: The Essential Electronics

In summary, for the essential equipment to implement on board, we recommend:

• VHF Radio
• GPS
• Sonar
• MFD

While other instruments can enhance navigation and safety, these four are the basic necessities for every boat.