For centuries, sailors have had to rely on stars, compasses, prior experience, and sharply-honed instinct to successfully navigate the unpredictable conditions on vast ocean landscapes. Thanks to continued advances in boating technology, however, today’s modern seafarers have an arsenal of tools at their disposal to help make life on the water as safe, fun, and easy as possible.
From state-of-the-art navigation systems to crystal clear speakers and entertainment systems, it’s never been a better time to be a watercraft enthusiast. Let’s explore some of the best cutting-edge and essential marine electronics that are sure to make the most of your comfort and enjoyment on the water—not just for you, but your crew and guests as well!
Navigation Aids
Along with the requisite compass, sextant, radar, and navigational charts, electronic aids have come a long way in recent years, making it easier than ever to safely guide your vessel.
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
AIS is a tracking system used on many recreational and commercial boats that broadcasts your speed, position, and course. This info is displayed on a screen that also shows the positions of other boats in the area.
AIS transponders are essential when it comes to allowing you to be informed and aware of other vessels and their intentions, thus avoiding collisions or close calls. Not only does it enhance your own situational awareness, but it also alerts other vessels to your presence, giving you the confidence and opportunity to communicate with each other in order to maneuver in complicated environments.
GPS Chartplotter
While paper maps and charts are essential onboard, electronic GPS chartplotters have transformed marine navigation. These devices use satellite signals to pinpoint your exact location and chart the safest course to your destination.
Unlike static paper charts, electronic charts are regularly updated, reflecting changes like shifting shoals or new rocky areas. This real-time accuracy is crucial as storms and strong currents can rapidly alter underwater landscapes, making GPS chartplotters an invaluable piece of boating technology for modern navigation.
Autopilot
Think of autopilot as cruise control for your boat. The system lets you set a course and maintain your boat's heading and speed until you decide to deactivate it. When integrated with your chartplotter, modern autopilots can even follow pre-charted routes, giving you a break from steering and freeing up your attention to be a better lookout and monitor for your instruments.
Boat autopilot systems are also invaluable during poor visibility conditions, keeping you on a set heading and preventing disorientation. They’re essential for single-handed or short-handed sailors and boaters, acting like another crew member when necessary.
Shop quality marine navigation electronics here at Parts Via from brands like SI-TEX, Digital Yacht, Simrad, Furuno, ICOM, Raymarine, and more.
Communication
Safe boating means being able to communicate with emergency services when unfortunate events occur, but it also means being able to stay in touch with friends and family along the way, keeping them apprised of your whereabouts and progress.
Antenna and Signal Booster
In today’s modern world, connectivity is paramount—even on open water. Antennas and signal boosters greatly enhance the range and quality of your on-board communication devices, maintaining a strong and stable connection, whether you’re using a satellite phone, WiFi system, VHF radio, or all of the above.
With a reliable connection, you can effortlessly communicate with marinas, other vessels, or emergency services, ensuring safety and peace of mind while you’re at sea.
Satellite Phone
While VHF radios are pretty much a staple item on all boats and are a great option for short-range communication, they can’t beat a satellite phone when it comes to quickly connecting you with virtually anyone at anytime, anywhere around the globe.
As the name implies, these phones utilize satellites to transmit voice and data, allowing you to send texts, make calls, and access the internet whenever and wherever you need it. A sat phone is literally a lifeline in case of serious emergencies, especially when you’re far from shore. You can also use them to access valuable weather reports and possible storm or squall conditions. These rugged, waterproof devices could truly mean the difference between life and death out on the ocean.
Explore top communication equipment from brands like Shakespeare, Digital Antenna, Scanstrut, Intellian, KVH, and more at Parts Via to stay connected wherever you sail.
Entertainment Enhancements
Now that we’ve gotten the “business” of boating out of the way, it’s time to max out the fun with these modern entertainment enhancements that will have all your friends itching for you to take them out.
Marine Stereo Amplifier
No day on the water would be complete without some jamming tunes. Gone are the days of staticky AM/FM radios—today’s marine stereo systems are designed to deliver top-quality, crystal-clear sound from a variety of sources. Take that music up a notch with a marine-grade multi-channel amplifier that lets you not only hear the music, but really feel it as well.
Newer amplifier designs allow you to listen to your tunes louder and longer, with less battery drain than prior models. Many amplifiers will also automatically adjust the audio settings to achieve the best possible sound quality and can even link to your smartphone app for easy access anywhere on board. A marine-grade stereo amplifier also features rugged, heavy-duty construction that is designed to withstand damaging salt water, winds, and high temperatures.
Speakers
To complement your marine stereo and new amplifier, you’re going to want a set of state-of-the-art marine speakers that deliver powerful, clear sound while withstanding the rigors of a harsh marine environment. In fact, one could argue that a good set of marine speakers is the backbone of any decent onboard entertainment system.
Most good quality marine speakers will feature a weatherproof rating of IP65 or greater, as well being acoustically optimized for performance in a marine environment, meaning they deliver high-quality sound at all volumes, whether you’re listening to music, a podcast, or your favorite audiobook.
Satellite TV System
For those folks who like to “live aboard” their boats either on weekends, vacations, or extended seasons, having a satellite TV system is a true entertainment luxury. A user-friendly hub interface will let you access your advanced system from any laptop or mobile device.
Some hubs can support multiple satellite receivers, letting people in different cabins or salons watch different shows simultaneously, just like at home. Some satellite TV systems can also provide WiFi internet access and phone calling, making it a one-stop shop for turning your boat into a floating home away from home.
Upgrade your onboard entertainment with marine stereo amplifiers, speakers, and satellite TV systems from top brands like Fusion Electronics, Polyplanar, Clarion, Intellian, and King, available at Parts Via.
Set Sail With Parts Via!
Today’s cutting-edge marine electronics don’t just enhance your boating experience, they completely revolutionize it, making your time on the water safer, more fun, and less stressful.
If it’s time for you to upgrade some of your onboard marine electronics, check out the extensive inventory of marine electronics systems and parts right here at Parts Via. Be sure to take advantage of the FREE “Ship To Store” option at checkout the get the best bang for your buck!