X
WHERE TO BUY
March 20, 2025

The Big Question: What should I buy?

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

Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question. Different boats have different requirements, and their uses largely determine the necessary equipment. Alongside this, it also depends on the size of the boat.

  • A small craft or RIB is not going to need the same equipment as a 50ft yacht.
  • A 50ft yacht doesn’t need the same equipment as a passenger ferry.

Essential Electronics for Every Boat

Regardless of the vessel type, there are a few pieces of equipment that every boat should have on board.

  1. VHF Radio – Your Lifeline at Sea

Despite there being various factors influencing equipment choices, one piece of equipment is constant and should be on every vessel — a VHF radio.

  • Fixed VHF: Powered from the boat’s battery or power system.
  • Handheld VHF: Battery-powered and portable.

In the case of an emergency, a VHF is essential for sending out a distress (mayday) call to the Coast Guard.

  1. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) – An Added Layer of Safety

Fixed VHFs also offer the option to use Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which sends a distress call to the Coast Guard and includes your GPS location.

  • For this to work, the VHF either needs its own internal GPS or an external GPS feed.
  • Without a position fix, the call won’t provide precise information.

  1. GPS – More Than Just Navigation

A GPS is another critical piece of equipment that boaters should have on board.

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

Aside from the safety benefit of having your lat/long position available, GPS systems also improve navigation, enhance efficiency, and provide added confidence.

On board boat computer

  1. MFD – Your All-in-One Display

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

  • Combine GPS with a decent MFD, and you can plot waypoints and routes.
  • Have visibility of the area around your boat, even in poor weather conditions.
  • Set pin and marker locations for spots to return to, which is especially useful for fishing vessels.

  1. Depth Sounder – Avoid Running Aground

A depth sounder determines how far the bottom of the boat is from the water bed.

  • Depth sounders help avoid running aground, but they only show what’s below, not what’s ahead or around the boat.
  • Depth sounder data can be fed into an MFD, enabling shallow water alerts and early warnings.

Single vs. Multiple Depth Sounders

  • Smaller Boats: Usually equipped with one depth sounder, as they can adjust course or slow down quickly.
  • Larger Vessels and Commercial Ships: Often use multiple depth sounders (typically 2-4) to provide depth information at the bow, stern, port, and starboard.

Other Useful (But Optional) Electronics

While not essential for safe travels, additional electronics can improve navigation and overall boating experience:

  • Weather Vanes: Monitor wind conditions.
  • Autopilots: Maintain a steady course.
  • RADAR: Detect nearby vessels and obstacles.

boat navigation instruments

Summary: The Must-Have Electronics

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

  • VHF Radio
  • GPS
  • Depth Sounder
  • MFD

While other instruments can enhance navigation and safety, these four are the core essentials for any boat.