Have it Your Way

The elections are over, spring is not too far away, and more importantly, it’s boat show season.

If you are in the market for a new boat, there is much to consider before signing on the bottom line. Apart from the obvious decisions, such as the model of the vessel and the size of the engine(s), other vital choices must be made. One of those decisions is the electronics you want aboard. These electronics include multifunction displays with GPS, chartplotting, fish finding, audio equipment, VHF radio, radar, autopilot and more.

Forethought and planning before purchase can save money and aid in your enjoyment when on the water. Depending on the builder, dealer and salesperson, you may believe your electronics options are limited to what is initially offered. However, you have many choices.

Starting from scratch

Start by asking yourself what electronics you will want onboard. What kind of boating will you do and what will help you enjoy that time on the water? Spending time on manufacturer’s websites, YouTube and other online resources can help you decide what matters to you and what will be needed to equip your new boat to fulfill your needs.

If your boat is a custom or semi-custom build, you can configure your electronics as you desire, with your only restrictions being space and budget. This is usually the best scenario with no pre-installed electronics. Buyers can choose the brand and models that best suit their boating application and fit into their custom build. Some builders and dealers will allow the buyer to purchase their electronics and provide them during the build for installation. The benefit of doing things this way is you can save money on the electronics purchases but still have them professionally installed by people who know your new boat better than anyone.

Boat shows are often the best time to purchase electronics, as manufacturers typically offer specials and discounts to distributors and vendors. The downside is that if you have a warranty claim, you will have to deal with whoever you bought the equipment from rather than the builder or dealer. Another downside to purchasing electronics outright is that you are buying the equipment separately from the financing of the new boat. If purchased along with the boat, the cost of the package can be rolled into the loan and paid off over time. Make sure you compare the increase to your payment over the loan term versus the cost of buying the equipment outright. Also, remember that if you plan on keeping the boat longer, you will probably replace the electronics at some point, as the typical lifespan is usually 5-10 years. If this is the case, you may not want to keep paying for them long after they are swapped out.

Pre-installed situations

The most common situation for new boat buyers is the purchase of a boat with some electronics already pre-installed at the factory. In many cases, the pre-installed electronics provide the new boat owner with the basic electronics they need or want to get out on the water. These options might be all that is required for less demanding boaters but may fall short if you’re looking for more advanced or specialized features.

It is important to research the provided equipment and ensure it can fulfill and grow with your needs. If the supplied equipment does not meet your needs, you can request it be removed and have it credited either against the purchase or toward the electronics you want. In many cases, it need not be removed. Some multifunction displays can be updated by adding modules, swapping transducers, downloading software and chart updates, or even adding additional displays with new built-in features.

If you’re a first-time boat buyer and are not sure what to look for in electronics, don’t just take the advice of your salesperson. Try to find other boat owners in your area who do the same type of boating and speak with them about what electronics work for them. Local marinas and launch sites are great places to initiate a conversation, and online user groups and forums are another great place to get input. Read online reviews of the electronics offered to reveal their pros and cons.

The key to being happy with the electronics onboard your new boat is to research what you want beforehand and to ensure you are not swayed by convenience or a salesman wanting to close the deal. Electronics can be a considerable investment and should be precisely what you want and need.