Marine Electronics Upgrades

A boat's navigation system is often made up of several interconnected devices. Besides the chartplotter, it may include for example a sounder, radar, GPS antenna, AIS, autopilot, engine data and the boat's data network.

When one device becomes outdated or starts having problems, it is worth reviewing how the whole system works at the same time. Sometimes a software update or replacing a single device is enough. Sometimes the most sensible solution is to upgrade several components at once.

GMT Marine helps you explore the options and plan a solution that suits your boat.

When is an upgrade worthwhile?

It is worth considering renewing your navigation electronics, for example, when:

• —the plotter or another device is slow, starts unreliably or no longer meets your needs
• —charts or software need updating
• —the necessary updates or spare parts are no longer available for your current equipment
• —you want to take advantage of new navigation or safety features
• —you want to connect the boat's devices and view information centrally on one display
• —repairing the old device does not seem sensible in terms of cost or reliability.

Not every problem requires buying new equipment. We first find out what is causing the situation and which options are available.

Get more out of your boat's electronics

A modern multifunction display can show charts and depth data, but a properly designed system offers much more.

Depending on the devices and their features, the display can show for example engine data, radar, AIS targets or autopilot information. It may also be possible to integrate other onboard systems.

Not every feature is available on every device, and not all older devices can be connected to new ones as they are. That is why the whole system should be planned around your existing equipment, how you use the boat and your budget.

Compatibility is key

Choosing a new plotter is not just about screen size or price. Before buying, it is wise to check your current device models, connections, cabling, sensors and how data is transferred in the system.

We assess what can possibly be kept from your existing equipment, what should be renewed and what changes the installation requires. The aim is to avoid unnecessary purchases and surprises during installation.

Keeping software and charts up to date

Manufacturers' software updates can improve a device's performance, fix problems and add new features. Up-to-date nautical charts are also important.

Based on your device model, we find out which updates are available and how they can be carried out. The availability and compatibility of updates depend on the device, the manufacturer and the software version.

Electronics do not replace the skipper's own responsibility for navigation. Safety practices for using the equipment and for navigation must always be observed.

How we work

1. 1.

   Reviewing the current situation

   We look at your boat's current devices, how they work and any problems. You can start by sending us the device models and photos of the current installation.

2. 2.

   Defining your needs

   We go through what you want to improve: for example the chart display, sounder, radar, visibility of engine data or data transfer between devices.

3. 3.

   Assessing options and costs

   We assess possible equipment options, compatibility, the installation work required and the total costs before you decide.

4. 4.

   Installation and function check

   Once the solution has been agreed, we carry out the agreed installation work and check the system's operation according to the scope of the work.

Let's plan the right solution for your boat

You don't need to know in advance which device to buy or what needs to be renewed. Tell us about your boat, your current equipment and what you would like to improve.

GMT Marine helps you find a technically sound and cost-effective solution.

Request an assessment of your navigation electronics upgrade – let's work out together the most sensible next step for your boat.