A Primer on Marine Electronics

Historically, sailors and anyone who operated a boat had to come up with their own strategies for tasks like navigation, reading waterways, finding fish, and knowing the weather. Today’s boaters are fortunate to have access to a wealth of marine electronics that can provide them with accurate data quickly on various factors such as water depth, temperature, nearby facilities, and hazardous conditions.

Multifunction Displays

Also known as MFDs, multifunction displays incorporate multiple electronics systems into a single user interface that’s not unlike your smartphone. Various apps can be activated that will allow you to do whatever tasks or gain whatever information you need. You can also get digital switching, which lets you turn off other devices from the MFD, such as lights, pumps, or electric windows.

GPS

Global positioning systems, also known as GPS, have been around since the system of satellites that powers them was established in the 1990s by the United States Department of Defense. Also known as chartplotters, a marine GPS system allows you to navigate your boat accurately and safely around both seen and unseen obstacles in the water, while providing you with various other parameters regarding your journey.

VHF Radio

This crucial marine electronic allows you to communicate reliably with authorities in the event of an emergency. A VHF radio is more reliable than a smartphone is on the water and it’s easy to operate from basically anywhere.

When you’re ready to shop for a new boat or for marine electronics and accessories, visit our dealership located in Clackamas, OR. Our sales team will be happy to help you find whatever it is you’re after. Portland Marine & Electronics serves greater Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA.