Essential Electronics to have Aboard a Sailboat

So many more resources are opened up to sailorsreceiving is not all that moden VHF radios are limited to.
with the digital age. First and foremost every sailorA few in fact have a level of DSC calling capability.
should have a boat Global Positioning System unit,When connected to a hailer horn, the more expensive
GPS. A GPS unit is able to work by receiving frommodels can act as a hailer. Bluetooth compatible boat
GPS satellites in orbit around the earth, and at anyVHF radios are also available. A digital distress signal
given point, in the sky there are at least four satellites.can also transmit the boat’s location, combining the
The unit takes signals from three satellites andpowers of GPS and VHF radios.
triangulates position. Today most GPS units areSailors should have depth and speed instruments
accurate to within 10-20 meters. A boat GPS unit isaboard. Wireless capabilities have allowed even
essential and best of all it is easy to use andgreater latitude when it comes to using depth and
straightforward.speed instruments. Removing human error, an easy
Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boatview digitial display shows the values. Additionally many
stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting asailors chose to purchase wind instruments as well.
weatherproof TV would be most prudent. Clutter canToday there are advancements making boat
be kept to a minimum by using extensive wall mounts.instruments easier to use, safer, and intuitive.
With the advent of flat screen TVs, having a TVSailing along side the best instruments and technology
aboard has never been so easy and efficient. There isof the modern world lends to a cautious journey.
nothing quite relaxing as sailing while listening to someWhere would a sailor be without the GPS unit to direct
good tunes. Boat stereos have advanced significantlyhim or her? The first electronic a sailor must buy is a
in the past 10 years. With better and smallerGPS unit. Some sailors are reluctant to rely so readily
waterproof designs, upgrading to today’s stereos ison electronics, preferring to sail with old fashioned
definitely a good long term investment.instruments and methods. Regardless of preference to
All advancements made in technology today serve asold ways or new, the benefits of modern electronics
benefits to devices like VHF radios. Transmitting andspeak for themselves again and again.