Modern technology, such as marine electronics, has made maritime transportation safer. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy fishing on your boat or yacht. You can rely on these instruments to make the experience safer and more enjoyable. There are many options for these devices. They include radars, audio systems and VHF systems. Sonars and transducers are just a few.
These devices can be confusing for novice boaters who are looking to purchase their first boat. Secondhand boats are an option if you have a tight budget. These purchases can come with a catch. Equipment may need to be upgraded or may not be complete.
Keep reading to learn how to select the best marine electronics perth company. These are some factors and tips to consider when choosing a company.
Marine Electronics Installation
Many electronic gadgets can be used to make boating safer and more enjoyable. Many companies offer marine electronics installation as a part of their business.
Do you prefer DIY or service providers?
Boat owners, novice or experienced, often use the services of marine electronics companies to save time and avoid costly mistakes.
Although DIY isn’t bad, it takes a lot of effort to do the job right. You also run the risk of making mistakes that could cause permanent damage to your boat or cost you more than if you hired a professional. Regardless of whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional marine electronics installer, you need to be familiar with the device and ask questions throughout the process.
Many tedious tasks would be involved in installation, including drilling holes in fiberglass hulls, installing electrical wiring and ensuring that they are safe, arranging connections and determining the position of sensitive devices. Although it may be possible to do it yourself, it is highly recommended to hire qualified installers to properly and securely install your marine electronics.
Selecting a Service
Checking if reputable people recommend a service is the first step to choosing one. For more information, you could consult the National Marine Electronics Association. The NEMA, a US-based marine electronics association, has published many standards about the use of marine electronic devices. NEMA offers training courses to potential installers, and has a list accredited marine electronics installers.
The shop might also recommend professionals if you have just purchased your boat. Ask about pricing details and indicators of good or bad service. Reach out to your boating friends or family. You could ask them to refer you to any local places that can install common equipment like marine GPS, marine audio, or any other marine electronics.
Doing Background Checks
Apart from safety, there are usually two reasons to install marine electronics: enhanced fishing or entertainment.
The marine technology may be included in the final phases of boat building if you are an angler. Please consult your boat builder about this. It is a good idea to verify the crafts used by the company that installed the boat. You can visit their showroom to see if they have any. It is a great idea to search for the company name online and read their reviews.
Experience is a sign that a company has been in business for a long time and can provide professional customer service and management. Marine Tech has more than 25 years experience in working with almost every size and type of watercraft.
Brands Available
Service providers may offer you the option of choosing between brands. Some people may experience “analysis paralysis”, which can delay the installation. You may need to do some research on the brands you are considering, or ask your provider for their recommendations. You can choose the brand you like if you are willing to replace one component every two-three years. We recommend you choose a brand that is compliant with NMEA2000 standards.
If you are looking for a boat electronics installation, boat dealers may be able to assist you. It is possible that the dealership has a vested interest. However, it is a good idea to research any service provider before you make a decision. Marine Tech, for example, offers many reputable brands to choose.
Pricing
The marine electronics shop may also recommend the brand. Some services include the installation cost in addition to the price. Others offer a complete package that includes the item, installation and orientation. Depending on where they are located, some installers charge $150 per hour. The majority of marine electronics shops in Miami, or Fort Lauderdale, charge an hourly rate. Instead, they offer packages, as previously mentioned.
The rule of thumb is that larger systems will require more complicated installation procedures, so expect to pay a higher price. Installing a transducer to an old boat can be as difficult as surgery. A transducer is an important part of the sonar system. The transducer converts electrical energy to a high frequency sound that bounces off an underwater object. This would be received back by the sonar receiver and converted into a readable frequency. It is expensive to install a transducer and it is not recommended that you do so yourself.
You can also look for other things
If this is your first boat, you should look into warranties. A third-party professional or an experienced user should inspect and test the equipment before it is installed.
It is essential that the product be installed correctly the first time. Although warranty coverage is sometimes offered by dealers, it is important to read all the fine print. Marine electronics are not meant to be altered and should only ever be repaired by authorized personnel. Installers who do not have extended warranties or other services may be tempted to alter the equipment, which can cause damage and reduce its service life.
You can ensure only authentic products are purchased by visiting the official website of the brand and looking for their certified dealers. Check to make sure that the Marine Electronics Installation Company that you are commissioning is on that list. They may also provide certified installers who have been trained by their testing program.
It is important that marine electronics, particularly those mounted on the dashboard, are user-friendly. Installers must ensure that everything is neat and tidy, such as cables and switches. It should not have any loose cables and be easy to operate.
Last words
This is where the adage “You’re the captain of your ship” takes a literal twist. There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the right marine electronics company. The best company for you will be based on cost, reputation, brand, and experience. It is important to not make rash decisions.
