Advice & How-To
Make West Marine your go-to source for all your electronics needs.
Owing to West Marine’s tremendous selection of marine electronics, boaters increasingly turn to West Marine to meet all their electronics needs. Online and in our stores, West Marine offers electronics for every type of boating activity, including navigation, marine communication, crew safety, fishing, entertainment and boat security.
Safety Electronics: EPIRBs and PLBs
When outfitting your boat, there are certain items you hope to never use but in the event of an at-sea emergency you will be grateful to have. We’re referring to EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons) and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons). West Marine offers a selection of Category I and II EPIRBs and a selection of PLBs. Brands offered include ACR Electronics, McMurdo and Ocean Signal.
Navigation Electronics
Whether you are planning to navigate a river, cross a lake or circumnavigate the world, at West Marine, you will find an outstanding selection of electronics for navigation and situational awareness. Online and in our stores, boaters find marine handheld GPS, chartplotters, marine autopilots, multi-function displays, marine radar and AIS transponders. West Marine also offers the best in sailing instruments to keep casual and competitive sailors abreast of wind speed and direction, depth and boat speed. All the top brands are represented, including Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, Humminbird, B & G, Lowrance and more.
Electronics to help you catch more fish.
West Marine is the supplier of choice for anglers who want the latest in fish finding technology. Choices include stand-alone fishfinders, fishfinder/chartplotter combos and “black box” fishfinders for use with multi-function displays. Available technologies include forward scan, side scan and down scan sonar and of course CHIRP which provides users with outstanding target separation and definition. The fishfinder selection is complemented by a large number of transom-mount and thru-hull fishfinder transducers. Of course, all the best brands are represented, including Garmin Fish Finders & Combos Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, Raymarine, Simrad and more.
Marine Audio Entertainment
Whether you just looking for an inexpensive marine stereo receiver and a pair of speakers or want to “go large” and install a cutting edge, high-powered marine stereo system that includes multiple zone control and multiple pairs of illuminated speakers, West Marine most likely has what you want. At West Marine, you will find boating’s best selection of audio gear, including stereo head units, marine speakers, woofers, amplifiers and in addition, the electrical components you need to complete your installation. Of course, all the top brands are represented, including Clarion, Fusion, JL Audio, and more.
Satellite TV
Just because you are off the beaten track, there is no reason to miss your favorite TV programs. Check out our selection of conventional TV antennas by Shakespeare and satellite TV receivers by KVH.
Fixed-Mount and Handheld VHF Radios
When boaters experience an on-the-water emergency, a VHF radio suddenly becomes the most important piece of equipment onboard. Of course, in addition to use for summoning aid, VHF radios are also used for casual communication with surrounding boats, getting the latest marine weather report and for crafty anglers, eavesdropping on radio chatter to find out where the fish are biting. West Marine offers an outstanding selection of handheld and fixed-mount VHF radios to accommodate every boater’s needs. Desirable features include DSC calling and in handheld radios, a buoyant design that floats. Quality VHF radio brands found at West Marine include Garmin, ICOM, Raymarine, Simrad and Standard Horizon.
VHF and AIS Radio Antennas
West Marine’s selection of VHF radios is complemented by an outstanding selection of antennas by Shakespeare, the world’s premier manufacturer of marine radio antennas. The selection includes 3dB and 6dB VHF radio antennas in styles that include stainless steel whip antennas and fiberglass and urethane coated models that range from the value-priced up to Shakespeare’s signature Galaxy Antennas which are designed to take just about anything the sea can dish out. Along with a great selection of antennas, West Marine also offers a variety of stainless steel and plastic antenna mounts to accommodate most any antenna or mounting situation.
Satellite Communicators
When you are out on the water or at the top of a mountain outside of cell phone coverage, a satellite communicator can be used to keep friends and family informed of your status and in an emergency, alert emergency agencies of your situation. Brands of satellite communicators offered by West Marine include SPOT, Garmin, Zoleo and ACR.
Boat Security
West Marine offers a number of vessel monitoring systems to keep you informed of your boat’s location and systems status. Choices include sophisticated monitoring systems by Garmin and Sirus Marine, a break-in alarm by T-H Marine and other devices that provide peace of mind and help to keep your boat safe.
Electronics & Navigation FAQ
West Marine provides a comprehensive range of marine electronics, including:
- GPS & Radar Systems: Devices for accurate navigation and situational awareness.
- Fishfinders: Equipment to locate fish and underwater structures.
- Marine Audio: Stereos, speakers, and amplifiers for onboard entertainment.
- Communication Devices: VHF radios, satellite communicators, and antennas for reliable communication.
- Autopilots: Systems to maintain course and reduce manual steering.
- Marine Instruments: Tools to monitor wind speed, depth, and other vital parameters.
These products cater to various boating needs, enhancing safety and enjoyment on the water.
Selecting the appropriate GPS system involves considering:
- Type of Boating: Inland, coastal, or offshore activities may require different features.
- Display Size: Larger screens offer better visibility, especially on bigger vessels.
- Functionality: Decide between standalone units or multifunction displays that integrate radar, sonar, and other data.
- Mapping Needs: Ensure the system includes or supports the necessary cartography for your navigation areas.
Assessing these factors will help you choose a GPS system that meets your specific navigation requirements.
Installing a marine radar system offers several advantages:
- Collision Avoidance: Detects other vessels, landmasses, and obstacles, enhancing safety.
- Navigation in Low Visibility: Essential for safe operation during fog, rain, or nighttime conditions.
- Weather Monitoring: Identifies storm cells and precipitation, aiding in weather-related decision-making.
These benefits contribute to safer and more efficient navigation.
Integrating multiple electronic devices can be achieved by:
- Using Multifunction Displays (MFDs): These units consolidate data from various sources like GPS, radar, and sonar into a single interface.
- Establishing a NMEA 2000 Network: This standardized communication protocol allows different devices to share information seamlessly.
- Ensuring Compatibility: Select devices from the same manufacturer or those that support common networking standards to facilitate integration.
Proper integration enhances operational efficiency and situational awareness on the water.
When choosing a fishfinder, consider:
- Frequency: Higher frequencies offer detailed views in shallow water, while lower frequencies work better in deeper water.
- Transducer Type: Choose based on mounting preferences and performance needs, such as thru-hull or transom-mounted transducers.
- Screen Resolution: Higher resolutions provide clearer images of underwater structures and fish.
- Additional Features: Consider GPS integration or CHIRP technology for enhanced performance.
Evaluating these factors will help you select a fishfinder tailored to your fishing activities.
Yes, West Marine offers support for installing marine electronics through select services:
- Professional Installation: Available for GPS, radar systems, audio equipment, and more.
- Consultation Services: Guidance on selecting and integrating compatible devices.
- DIY Resources: Access to guides and tutorials for self-installation projects.
Contact your local West Marine store to learn more about installation services.