Mariners use various electronic devices on ships, yachts, and other sea vessels, like chartplotters, marine radios, self-steering gear, sonars, fish finders, and telescopes. These are designed to resist saline water damage and are water-resistant at a basic level. Below are some marine electronic devices that are good for beginners to know about. Some of these are more useful than others, and you can decide what you need based on the features of your boat.

Safety electronics
Boats have devices like emergency beacons that emit a signal to let other ships know they are in an at-sea emergency. These signals also help the crew and passengers say hello to family and friends while away from home. Most vessels have security monitors that track the ship’s location at all times to ensure it does not deviate from its course.

Multifunctional displays
A multifunctional display is a vital marine electronic device that works like the brain of the boat. It is the first component you must familiarize yourself with if you are a novice sailor. This display provides vital information about all the systems on the boat and could be either touchscreen or keypad controlled. Most screens are designed to look like smartphones with icons for easy use.

Entertainment devices
Music equipment like speakers, CD players, amplifiers, and woofers turn any boat into a party ship. A satellite TV is a must to ensure you do not miss your favorite TV shows while at sea!

GPS and chartplotters
These are must-have marine electronic products if you do not want to be lost at sea. GPS units for boats are designed like those in a car, making them easy to use to go from one location to another. Chartplotters use GPS technology to pinpoint the exact location of your ship in the ocean and can be connected to a multifunctional display. Since there are no roads at sea, these marine navigation systems are beneficial for sailors to find directions and reach their destination.

Fish finders
Most people rent or own a boat so they can enjoy fishing with their friends during the holidays. If you use your boat mainly for fishing, invest in a fish finder if your boat does not have one already. Fish finders generally have a touchscreen and several settings that enable you to catch the best fish. They can detect fish, estimate water depth, calculate the level of suspension of solids in water, and do much more. Modern fish finders also have auto modes that do a lot of the fine-tuning automatically and do not require you to fiddle with buttons.

Engine monitors
It is a device that can check fuel levels, engine temperature, and boat speed. Most engine monitors are automatically linked to a multifunctional display, making them easy to use. Sometimes, you might want a dedicated screen to observe specific engine functions separately. Invest in this marine electronic device, especially if your boat is old and prone to breakdowns.

VHF radios
The VHF radio, or very high frequency radio, is not something you can skip. It is a safety device that can help you contact the authorities in an emergency. Cell phones are not waterproof, and getting a signal at sea might be problematic. Hence, a VHF radio is the most reliable way to stay safe. You can get fixed-mount or handheld VHF radios.

Best marine electronics repair services
The devices discussed above are prone to malfunction and may need repairs like any other electronic gadget. When a device gives trouble, it is best to visit the store from where you bought it and use your warranty to save on repairs. Also, consider stores that accept insurance, at least in part. The following are some marine electronic repair services you can consider:

Martek Marine Electronics
This full-service marine equipment dealer sells navigational devices at affordable prices and performs quality repairs. They are just one call away for installation and maintenance requests.

Seawire Marine
With many years of experience in marine electronics, Seawire Marine provides premium services. Visit their website if your boat needs repairs and get a one-year warranty on the work done!

J-TEK Marine
This company does whatever it takes to repair marine electronics. You can rest assured of quality services and excellent customer support.

To stay updated with the field of marine electronics, check websites like BoatsNews and The Maritime Executive. These websites bring you the most exciting news about the industry, which can guide your decisions about buying and updating the navigational devices on your boat.

Since the marine electronics industry is fast developing, pursuing a career in it would be a good idea. A marine engineer is a common job position requiring a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering. Firms manufacturing and selling marine electronics also hire salespeople, customer service staff, managers, and developers.