Boat electronics are vital to enhancing your boating experience, whether you rely on GPS for navigation, a VHF radio for communication, or fish finders to improve your fishing expeditions. These essential devices, however, are exposed to harsh marine environments, and without proper maintenance and care, their lifespan and functionality may be compromised. This guide covers the fundamentals of maintaining, caring for, and cleaning your boat electronics, ensuring that they remain in peak condition.
Why Boat Electronics Need Special Attention
Boat electronics are constantly exposed to saltwater, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making them more vulnerable to corrosion and malfunction than land-based devices. Given the critical role they play in safe navigation and communication, ensuring their longevity requires diligent maintenance. Proper care can also save you money in the long run, as replacing electronics can be expensive.
Key Areas of Boat Electronics Maintenance
1. Inspect for Physical Damage
Before heading out on the water, it’s a good habit to regularly inspect your boat’s electronics for signs of physical damage. This includes checking connectors, cables, and displays for wear, corrosion, or other damage. Loose or frayed wires can lead to electrical issues, while corroded connectors can result in poor performance or a total device failure.
- Price for replacement connectors/cables: Between $10 and $50, depending on the type and material quality.
- Popular option: [SeaSense Marine Grade Electrical Cable, 12 AWG, $30 for 100 feet]
2. Corrosion Prevention
Corrosion is the number one enemy of marine electronics. To prevent corrosion, use dielectric grease or a corrosion-blocking spray on all connectors and cables. Ensure that all connections are secure, and use heat shrink tubing or protective covers on exposed wires.
- Price for dielectric grease: $5-$20 per tube.
- Popular option: [Permatex Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, $10 for 3 oz.]
3. Battery and Power Management
Boat electronics depend heavily on a well-maintained power system. Check the health of your boat’s batteries regularly, ensuring that they are fully charged and not showing signs of degradation. Use a marine-grade battery charger to avoid power surges and to keep your electronics from being damaged by inconsistent power supply.
- Marine battery charger: $50 to $300 depending on features and capacity.
- Popular option: [NOCO Genius GEN5X3 12V 3-Bank Onboard Battery Charger, $200]
4. Software and Firmware Updates
Many modern marine electronics, such as GPS systems and chart plotters, require regular software or firmware updates to function optimally. These updates often provide bug fixes, enhanced features, and updated maps. Set a reminder to check for and install these updates before the start of each boating season.
- Cost of updates: Typically free through manufacturer websites, though map updates for GPS systems can cost $50 to $200 annually.
- Popular option: [Garmin BlueChart g3 Update Card, $160]
Care Tips for Boat Electronics
1. Protection from the Elements
Even though marine electronics are built to withstand moisture, it is essential to provide them with extra protection when they’re not in use. Store handheld electronics like VHF radios or GPS units in waterproof cases. Consider adding marine-grade covers for fixed electronics like chart plotters or radar systems.
- Waterproof cases for handheld devices: $20-$100.
- Popular option: [Pelican 1200 Case for Handheld Devices, $50]
2. Use Proper Mounting
Improperly mounted electronics can vibrate loose over time, especially in rough seas. Ensure that all electronic devices are securely mounted using appropriate brackets and mounts, which are specifically designed to withstand marine conditions.
- Price for high-quality marine mounts: $30-$150.
- Popular option: [RAM Mounts Marine GPS Mount, $60]
3. Moisture Control
Even though marine electronics are typically built with waterproofing features, excess moisture is always a risk. Desiccant packets or silica gel packs can help absorb excess moisture inside storage compartments, prolonging the life of your electronics.
- Price for desiccant packs: $5-$20.
- Popular option: [Dry-Packs 10gm Silica Gel Packets, $15 for 100 packs]
Cleaning Guide for Boat Electronics
1. Cleaning Display Screens
Touchscreen displays on chart plotters, fish finders, and other marine electronics are prone to smudging and dirt buildup. To clean these screens, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of mild soap and water. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the screen’s protective coating.
- Price for screen cleaners: $10-$30.
- Popular option: [iCloth Touchscreen Cleaning Wipes, $20 for 100 wipes]
2. Cleaning Connectors and Ports
Salt buildup and corrosion around connectors and ports can severely affect the performance of your electronics. Clean connectors with a soft brush and a specialized marine electronics cleaner. You can also use an air compressor to blow out debris from hard-to-reach places.
- Price for connector cleaners: $5-$15.
- Popular option: [CRC Marine Electronics Cleaner, $10]
3. Cleaning the Antenna and Radar Dome
Antennae and radar domes are exposed to the elements, which can lead to dirt and grime accumulation. Regularly clean these components with fresh water and a soft cloth, followed by a protective coating to shield them from UV damage.
- Price for cleaning and protective solutions: $15-$40.
- Popular option: [303 Marine UV Protectant Spray, $30 for 32 oz.]
Key Electronics to Maintain on Your Boat
1. GPS and Chart Plotters
GPS systems and chart plotters are essential for safe navigation. Regularly inspect and update maps, clean screens, and check connections for wear or corrosion.
- Price for GPS/Chart Plotters: $300-$2,000 depending on brand and features.
- Popular option: [Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv, $1,200]
2. VHF Radios
VHF radios are critical for communication in emergencies and general boat-to-boat communication. Test your radio frequently, ensure the antenna is in good condition, and check the power connections.
- Price for VHF radios: $100-$500.
- Popular option: [Standard Horizon GX1400G Fixed Mount VHF Radio, $160]
3. Fish Finders
Fish finders are invaluable for anglers, helping locate fish and underwater structures. Maintain clean screens and transducers for accurate readings, and ensure they are free from marine growth.
- Price for fish finders: $150-$1,500.
- Popular option: [Humminbird HELIX 7 Fish Finder, $500]
Conclusion
Maintaining your boat’s electronics is essential to ensuring they function reliably and extend their lifespan. With proper care, regular inspections, and thorough cleaning, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements. Invest in the right cleaning tools, protective measures, and follow these maintenance guidelines to keep your boat electronics performing at their best. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or venturing out into deeper waters, well-maintained electronics will provide you with the security and information you need for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Happy Boating!
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Read Basic Boat Electronics for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide until we meet in the next article.