A Guide to Boat Electronics

Whether you are wishing to go boating for pleasure on your own craft, you are the owner of a yacht or you wish to go out for a day of fishing, you will need to make sure that you have the proper boating electronics gear to man your vessel. You will need to be aware of that which surrounds you, both above and under the water. In addition, the brilliance of knowing your exact locatoin. There are several choices of boat electronics available for your use.

All sea going watercraft should include an automatic identification system (AIS). This is a device that works similar to a transponder on an airplane. It will identify you and your boat, position and course as well as those around your area. The Vessel Traffic Service station will record information from your AIS to notate on a screen where you are located and who you are. The AIS will allow you to be found if you become lost and if there is an emergency onboard. The possibility of boating accidents would decline as well.

Other dynamic duo in the boat electronics field are the GPS/Plotter and the depth sounder. Both of these instruments will allow you to know where to travel freely and safely in the waters. The GPS/Plotter comes in different styles to fit any size craft from a dingy to a cruise ship. When you are ready to go fishing, go looking for treasure, performing scientific research or cruising in shallow water this multifunctional gadget will show you your position, can have radar for watching the weather and other hazards and also can include a fishfinder. Those of you needing to know the depth of the water will be depighted to have a depth finder.

Displays are made to match your need as well, complementing the other electronics you have on board. Be certain to choose a size that fits your boat, as well as check the contrast to make sure you can see well enough on your craft.

Boat electronics are also made for the party animal in you. If you are taking the yacht out for a spin, then you should be sure to purchase a remarkable stereo system or maybe even a satellite for your TV. From an entire music system to the DVD player, boat electronics run the gamut for your entertainment needs.

Bigger vessels such as cruisers and commercial ships would find it best to outfit their rigs with autopilots. This would alleviate the drain on your crewmen and enable a very precise course. Chart plotters set the course you are taking on your screen as you could put a course on paper. A steadier heading can be found with the use of a magnetic compass.

Scientific expeditions define an echo sounder as an must have piece of electronics. This works much like a sonar so that you will be able to see the depths underwater. A Forward looking Sonar usually can forecast around 150 kilometers ahead.

Satellite phones and emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB) are a great suggestion for any boater. When you end up in a tight spot, have an emergency on your hands or find yourself lost these devices could be your lifesavers.

There are other types of equipment available for your boat. Depending on the type of your rig what you wish to achieve should determine what devices you need to install.