Collection: Navigation Equipment

The right navigation equipment depends on your boat, where you operate, and how you use it. Many boaters start with a marine GPS or chartplotter and may add radar, AIS, sonar, a compass, or other navigation instruments depending on their needs. Offshore cruising, fishing, nighttime operation, and boating in unfamiliar waters may require a more comprehensive electronics setup.

Before replacing or upgrading equipment, check the available mounting space, power requirements, wiring, connectors, network compatibility, transducers, antennas, sensors, existing displays, and other components you plan to keep. A newer display may not automatically work with every component from an older electronics system.

Consider the features you need as well as the complete electronics ecosystem. Display options, chart compatibility, radar and sonar capabilities, networking, transducer support, autopilot integration, expansion options, and compatibility with equipment already aboard your boat can all influence the right choice.

Radar can provide additional situational awareness by helping identify vessels, land, and other targets around your boat. It can be particularly useful when operating at night, offshore, or when visibility is reduced. Whether you need radar depends on your boating environment, vessel, and typical operating conditions.

AIS, or Automatic Identification System, allows appropriately equipped vessels to exchange information such as identity, position, course, and speed. An AIS receiver can display information transmitted by nearby AIS-equipped vessels, while compatible AIS transceivers can both receive and transmit information. AIS can be a valuable addition to a vessel's overall navigation and situational-awareness system.

Some electronics can be installed by experienced boat owners, while more complex systems may benefit from professional installation. Radar, transducers, networking, antennas, autopilot integration, and multi-display systems can require careful placement, wiring, configuration, and calibration. Always follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.