Must Have Boating Electronics For Navigation, Safety, & Fun
When it comes to boating electronics, the variety of options on the market is so vast that it can be an overwhelming task for a boat owner to try to make the best purchase. To make your shopping experience easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top-ranked boat electronics products that you won’t regret buying.
Boating Electronics – GPS Units
A GPS navigation unit is a necessary addition to any boat. It will get you home should you lose your way exploring unknown waters, traveling many miles offshore, or boating at night. It can also be used to mark the last known position of a crewmember should they fall overboard. This can be a critical tool in case of an emergency scenario. Overall, a GPS unit comes in very handy in the following areas:
- Lakes/Rivers – fishing hollows, water ski spots, campsite locations, swimming holes/coves, meet up points
- Near Shore/In Shore – mark routes, weight points, barrier island spots, shelling locations, dockside restaurants, nearby coastal areas
Humminbird HELIX 5 Chirp DI GPS G2
– Good
This five-inch, color screen GPS unit features high sensitivity down-imaging sonar, giving you a fish-eye’s view of everything that’s happening under your boat.
With a max depth of 600 feet below your boat, you’ll be able to make the most of your fishing trip. The HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 has a range of features, including SmartStrike– a feature that takes you straight to the action by showing you where the fish are biting at any given moment. The patent pending AutoChart Live allows you to create digital, detailed maps live and on the water, or enhance existing maps in the system. Illuminated by its high definition display, your maps will look better than ever.
These features are practically unbeatable at this price point, making the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G2 a great choice for any angler.
Humminbird HELIX® 7 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G3N – Better
This GPS unit features a larger 7” display and many of the features you’d expect from Humminbird: MEGA Side Imaging, providing crystal-clear viewing out to 125 feet on either side of your boat; Dual Spectrum CHIRP; SwitchFire Sonar, which allows the user to add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature, turbulence, and more; Bluetooth capabilities; and more.
One of the benefits of a larger, ultra-wide display screen is the option to choose between pre-loaded split screen options. The 480×800 screen provides a fantastic display, so you can use the Humminbird Basemaps with spectacular clarity.
Humminbird SOLIX™ 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 – Best
When it comes to robust features and popularity amongst the PartsVu community, the SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 has both. Its features build on those of the previously mentioned HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS, including more powerful MEGA Side Imaging up to 200 feet.
Some of the added notable features include Cross Touch Interface, which allows you to control your fish finder using the touchscreen or the keypad. Cross Touch lets you quickly and intuitively access technologies on your terms, no matter your situation and conditions. With added NMEA 2000® Networking capabilities, the SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI Fishfinder/GPS Combo G2 is practical, easy to use, and fully designed with the user in mind. While the price is steeper than some may prefer, it’s well worth every penny.
SEE ALSO: SAFELY CRUISING UNKNOWN COASTAL WATERS
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Boating Electronics – Boat Stereos
Fusion MS-RA55 – Good
This stereo is one of the best entry-level options for marine entertainment. The compact MS-RA50 is perfect for smaller vessels and is capable of powering a set of boat stereo speakers. It features a large LCD display, a water-resistant seal, iPod, and iPhone playback, and it’s extremely easy to use.
Fusion MS-RA205 – Better
This compact stereo includes SiriusXM, USB connectivity, a VHF receiver, Bluetooth audio streaming, iPod/iPhone playback with video, and Android or Windows phone connectivity. It also allows you to enjoy different volumes in different parts of your boat. The water-resistant MS-RA205 was made to withstand the harsh marine environment’s salt spray and humidity.
Fusion MS-UD650 – Best
The MS-UD650 is a top of line, marine entertainment system with a widescreen display and a water-resistant charging dock. It provides loud and clear audio with Apple, Android, Windows, and USB devices, and has Bluetooth and SiriusXM capability as well. And with Multi-Zone™ Technology, you can enjoy different volumes in three separate parts of your boat.
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Boating Electronics – Handheld VHF Radios
VHF radios are another must-have for every boater, mainly because of their ability to enhance safety. The U.S. Coast Guard constantly monitors Channel 16, the international distress communication channel, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll be able to quickly find help in case of an emergency. As it’s much more reliable than a cell phone, a mantra of mariners is that the VHF radio is the first thing thrown in the ditch bag before abandoning ship.
SEE ALSO: THE BASICS OF BOATING SAFETY
Icom M25 – Good
Icom engineered the first floating VHF marine radio, and this particular model also has a flashing light feature 
that activates upon impact with the water, even if the power is off! With 11-hour battery life, convenient USB charger, and instant access to Channel 16, this radio is one of the best. It also features AquaQuake™ which drains the speaker of water.
Icom M36 – Better
Specifically designed for marine use, this VHF radio automatically detects and reduces background noise such as breaking surf and engine noise, to provide the clearest transmissions. It also floats, is waterproof, and has AquaQuake™ functionality. The M36’s slender body and large buttons make it one of the most convenient portable radios.
