Network-Capable Marine Chartplotter
Get It Right

Network-capable marine electronics are all the rage today because they can interface with a variety of equipment like radar, fishfinder, and weather receiver.

They can also perfrom a multitude of critical navigational tasks like chartplotting. Another reason these systems are prized is because they let you add capability as you need it and can afford it.

If you want to start with just a single multi-function display and add more later you can. Or you can install everything but the galley sink right away. Its your choice.

The front line component of any networked electronics system is the multi-function display. This unit displays data from all the sources connected to the network.

When coupled to a GPS sensor these units are capable of precise navigation using highly detailed charts.

They can also interface with a wide variety of other equipment.

Most will readily display radar data, couple to a black box sounder, show AIS ship locations, overlay rain and storm information imported from a satellite receiver, or play video from the engine room camera or your DVD player.

About the only thing they can't do is clean the galley sink.

You'll find a variety of models available in different screen sizes from any given maker.

So pick the one that fits your boat and needs.

Here is where you can read about how we test network-capable multi-function display units.

To keep our readers informed of happenings in the marine electronics field we're constantly on the look out for products.

Be they new just hitting the market or older products that still provide a good value to our readers.

We'll be posting more network-capable display reviews that fit this bill in the near future.