Instruments and electronics
New integrated instrument systems
If your echosounder displays the depth via spinning flashing lights (yes, we remember them too), it’s difficult to read the speed through an opaque display screen, or if your wind anemometer seems reluctant to spin, you might want to consider upgrading your entire instrument system in one go. We have experience fitting the latest digital switching CAN bus systems, NMEA N2k networks or standalone instruments, so whatever your needs, we can help. We can advise on brands and discuss your sailing routine to install the most appropriate system for you.
We’ll route the cables efficiently and discreetly, and minimise interior disruption. We’ll ensure each instrument gets the power it needs and position the displays where you want them, making any repairs where any previous instruments were located.
You might be considering adding a radar or a chartplotter/multi-function display, which is not compatible with your current instrument cluster, or perhaps you’ve inherited an unreliable set when you bought your boat. Whatever your reason for wanting to swap, we’ll fit what you need.
Adding an autopilot
It’s not only singlehanded sailors who benefit from an autopilot, but the ability for any helm to fix their course at the press of a button is invaluable, whether you’re trimming sails, tidying up warps while leaving harbour, or want to grab a jacket or a snack from down below without disturbing your crew. Autopilots can also be used on windless days under motor, or just used to give those on the helm a break or seek shelter from the elements.
Modern autopilots can be remotely controlled via a wired or wireless connection, and many new multifunction displays offer the option of controlling the yacht via the display, too. If your boat has a tiller, we can fit a tiller pilot, or a more permanent under-deck solution that’s there when you need it. We can fit systems to motorboats and sailboats and ensure they are correctly calibrated and ready to use at a moment’s notice.
Fitting a new chartplotter or MFD (Multi-function Display)
The Multi-Function Displays started life as a chartplotter but have evolved their functionality to make it the must-have accessory. Not only can you see your position on a chat, but you can also add radar, AIS, weather stations, fish finders, IR night vision video cameras, CCTV. They can display any combination of information from wind sensors and transducers, as well as use them to control your yacht’s switch panel, nav lights, and use them as repeaters. You can even watch movies on them, too! There is no end to their talents, all accessible at the touch of a screen.
Sadly, fitting a multifunction display isn’t as easy as using one. We can help you decide on the best location for the display, advise on which sensors, transducers, and cameras you need, and where we’ll place them. We’ll ensure every MFD we fit has the power and data connections it needs to give you the information when you need it.
Adding AIS (Automatic Identification System)
AIS systems come in two variants: receive-only and receive-and-transmit. Receive-only AIS takes the guesswork out of identifying shipping, and with a compatible DSCVHF, enables you to communicate directly with a target on your MFD or chartplotter. It also adds the possibility of AIS MOB SARTS to your yacht, a compact device that can be worn and activated by the MOB, transmitting the casualty’s exact position. AIS enables you to ‘see’ vessels that are transmitting AIS data, and provides your system with the vessel’s name, its position, course, speed, and MMSI number – as well as information like rate-of-turn, port of departure, destination and type of vessel, etc. Using this information gives you a clear idea about the risk of collision.
However, your vessel cannot be seen by the transmitting vessel unless your boat transmits too; for that, you’ll need an AIS transceiver (also called an AIS transponder). A transceiver transmits your vessel’s details and receives AIS data of others, so any vessel with an AIS receiver can ‘see’ your vessel on their ship’s display.
Replacing or installing new radar
After reading about the advantages of chartplotters and AIS, one might question whether you need a radar at all. The biggest advantage of radar is that it displays the echoes of what it receives; it’s not reliant on your GPS or that of other vessels, nor does it need charts or any other systems to get its information. It can ‘see’ vessels without AIS, unlit buoyage, coastal features and rain squalls. In fog, nothing really gives the peace of mind that radar does – especially if you’re using MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) to identify dangerous targets.
We can advise you on the best location for the radome on your boat and install it on the mast or on a pole, with a self-gimbal, fixed mount or wedge, depending on your type of vessel.
When used with a MFD, you can overlay radar data onto a chart, compare targets with AIS data, and see cliffs that aren’t in view where they hopefully should be. What could be a confusion of blobs on a screen many years ago can be easily identified as something that needs caution or nothing to worry about.
A better VHF installation
Whether you use your VHF for calling marinas, collision avoidance, or contacting your friends, we all hope we’ll never need to use it for a mayday or pan-pan call. Regardless of how you use it, a reliable VHF is a must. While mobile phones can be used to contact individuals, a VHF can alert all nearby vessels that you need assistance or warn them of a navigation danger. If your VHF doesn’t have the range it used to, we can help find the problem. It might be that you need a new up-to-date DSCVHF or just a new antenna; we’ll determine the best course of action.
For many, their VHF is only found at the chart table, handy if you’re at the chart table, but few sail their boats from here. We can fit a new VHF with a wireless remote or a wired handset in the cockpit. if you don’t want to be able to call from the helm, the addition of remote speakers will enable you to hear the calls that are important to you in the cockpit.
Reliable communication solutions
Over two decades, we’ve helped boat owners stay in touch with the people who matter to them by fitting all manner of communication equipment. From installing onboard SSB/HF radios to the latest Starlink internet Wi-Fi, no matter if you need 24/7 internet access, a satellite phone installation, or just you’d like to boost your yacht’s mobile phone or Wi-Fi reception, we can help.
Your cruising habit and lifestyle will determine what’s best for you. You might hop from port to port, or have the desire to cross an ocean; you could be looking for reliable technology to help you work from your boat, or just want to stay in touch via an occasional email from an anchorage. We can help you decide what’s best for you.
