Center Console Boat Electronics: What To Install?

There are a lot of options when it comes to electronics for your center console boat. The most important thing is to make sure that you have enough power—a top speed of around 50 mph is ideal. You should also consider the height of your gunwales, especially if you plan on fishing in rough water. You'll want them to be at least 26 inches high to prevent you from falling out and to save your knees from bruising!

Other must-haves include a livewell of at least 20 gallons, 360-degree fishability, and adequate rod storage. As for specific electronics, radar is essential for navigating at night or in low-visibility conditions. A good sounder and transducer are also key for offshore fishing. You might opt for a Multi-Function Display (MFD) to tie all your systems together, and you can add on features such as sonar, radar, and cameras.

When it comes to brands, Garmin, Simrad, Furuno, and Raymarine are the primary manufacturers of complete electronic packages for center consoles.

Multi-Function Displays (MFDs)

MFDs are standard fitment on most new boats and can also be used to upgrade older boats that typically have multiple individual dials and small displays. They serve as the interface for marine electronics and other digitally-enabled equipment, bringing it all together in an easily accessible way. MFDs vary in size and complexity, with some being supplied as individual units and others being bundled with radar domes. They can be placed singly or in multiples at the driving position, with larger screens offering more flexibility to tailor your dashboard. They can also be installed in other areas of the boat, such as at a co-pilot or navigator seat, out on the deck, and in the cabin spaces.

MFDs can include a range of features, such as:

• Chartplotter with marine charts and additional data like tides, currents, and port services
• Fishfinders, often with multiple frequencies and display formats
• Radar capabilities, often with plug-and-play options when adding a dome or open array
• AIS receiver capability, often with an added module
• System monitoring and display abilities, including engine performance and fuel consumption
• WiFi and Bluetooth communications with boat systems, cell phone apps, and other devices
• Video display capabilities from onboard CCTV cameras
• Control and monitoring of other integrated onboard equipment, such as electrical systems, cameras, lighting, and entertainment systems

Some popular MFDs on the market include:

• Garmin GPSMAP 8400/8600
• Raymarine Axiom 2 XL
• Furuno Navnet TZT22X and 24X
• Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+
• Simrad NSS evo3S

Fish-finding technology

• Sonar and Fish Finders: The most fundamental tool for fish finding is sonar, which uses sound waves to detect objects underwater. Modern fish finders have evolved to include colour screens, touchscreens, GPS mapping, and various sonar capabilities such as down-imaging, side-imaging, and forward-facing sonar. These technologies provide a detailed view of the underwater environment, helping anglers identify fish, baitfish, and underwater structures.
• Chart Plotters: While not immediately associated with fish finding, chart plotters can be incredibly useful. They provide detailed contour information and 3D underwater views, helping anglers identify potential fishing spots before even leaving the dock. They also include tidal information, which is crucial for understanding fish feeding patterns.
• Automatic Identification System (AIS): In certain areas, an AIS unit can help locate commercial fishing boats, which often indicate fish-rich areas. For example, tunas often follow scallop boats and draggers, feeding on discarded scallop guts and bycatch.
• Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Information: Access to SST data is crucial for fishing success. While it's not strictly an electronic tool, SST information can be displayed on multifunction displays or mobile devices if a satellite weather service subscription is available. This data helps anglers understand water composition and locate potential fishing hotspots.
• Radar: Radar technology has multiple applications in fish finding. It can be used for bird spotting, which indicates the presence of baitfish. Additionally, radar can help identify lobster pot buoys laid out across canyon edges, providing productive trolling opportunities.
• Autopilot: Autopilot systems not only free up your hands for other tasks but also enable you to replicate successful fishing patterns. "Cloverleaf" patterns, for instance, are effective when fish are holding over a specific spot.

Safety equipment

Safety should always be a top priority when boating. Here is a list of essential safety equipment you should have on your center console boat:

Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Ensure you have a wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) for each person on board. If you are towing a skier or wakesurfer, they will need a PFD as well. Children aged 12 and under must always wear PFDs on a moving vessel, and everyone riding a personal watercraft (PWC) must also wear one at all times. In an emergency, ensure that all passengers put on their life jackets immediately. While not required, it is also recommended that your pet has a lifejacket.

Throwable Flotation Devices

In addition to life jackets, you need at least one throwable flotation device (Type IV), such as a cushion or ring buoy. Although only one is required, it is better to have several. Some of these devices may have a line attached, allowing you to pull a person closer to the boat before getting them out of the water.

Fire Extinguishers

The type and number of fire extinguishers you need depend on the size of your boat. Vessels under 26 feet require at least one B-1 type extinguisher, while boats 26 to 40 feet need two B-1 types or one B-2 type. Discuss with your passengers how to operate an extinguisher: pull the pin, squeeze the handle, and aim at the base of the flames.

Visual Signaling Devices

Visual distress signals come in various forms, and the requirements depend on the size of your vessel and local regulations. Boats under 16 feet must have flares or nighttime signals, while boats over 16 feet must carry visual signals for both day and night use. Examples include orange or white smoke flares and aerial light flares. For night-time use, a strobe light can be used, while flags are suitable for daytime use.

Sound Signaling Devices

Portable or fixed horns and whistles are essential for all boats to generate sound signals and attract help, especially in foggy conditions. Larger vessels over 39 feet should also carry a bell to be rung at regular intervals during limited visibility.

In addition to these must-haves, here are some other important safety items to consider:

• Medical kit for treating minor injuries and seasickness
• Anchor with a line to hold your boat in place
• Bailing device or bucket to remove water from the boat
• Oars or paddles in case of engine failure
• Cellphone and VHF radio to call for help
• Knife to cut fouled lines
• Snorkel mask for inspecting the underside of the boat
• Heavy-duty flashlight
• Diver down flag
• Working running lights
• Weather updates

T-top electronics boxes

When choosing an electronics box, consider the size of your T-top and the amount of space you need for your electronics. Boxes come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits neatly under your T-top. For example, the Stryker T-Top Electronics Box measures 9.5" x 25.25" x 22.8" and is designed to mount to their SG300, SG600, and SG900 universal center console boat T-tops.

In addition to size, you may also want to consider the features that enhance security and protect your electronics from the elements. The Stryker T-Top Electronics Box, for instance, is waterproof, dustproof, and features a foam gasket weather seal to keep moisture out. It also has a smoked plexiglass door for added privacy and corrosion-resistant stainless steel spring hinges for durability.

Other features to look for include mounting hardware and installation ease. The Stryker box comes with stainless steel hardware for mounting and only requires four drill holes, making installation quick and easy.

When it comes to the electronics themselves, there are a variety of options to consider depending on your specific needs and budget. Essential electronics for navigation and fishing may include multi-function displays (MFDs), sounders, transducers, autopilots, radar, and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology.

For instance, Simrad's NSS evo3 12-inch displays offer GPS, sounder, Wi-Fi, and HDMI out capabilities, while Garmin's GPSMAP 8612xsv is a 12-inch touchscreen monitor that is NMEA 2000 network capable and offers sonar, radar, and camera functionality.

To summarize, T-top electronics boxes provide a secure and convenient storage solution for your boat's electronics and valuables. When choosing a box, consider the size, security features, and installation process, and don't forget to equip your boat with essential electronics like MFDs, sounders, and radar to enhance your navigation and fishing capabilities.

Autopilot systems

There are a variety of autopilot systems available for center console boats, including:

Garmin

Garmin offers a range of autopilot systems, such as the Reactor 40 series, which comes in various configurations, including:

• Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with SmartPump v2 and GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument Pack
• Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot with GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument
• Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot without GHC 20 Control/Display
• Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack with GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument Pack
• Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with GHC 50 Instrument Pack
• Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with SmartPump v2 with GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument
• Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with GHC 50 and Shadow Drive Technology Pack
• Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with GHC 50 Instrument Pack
• Reactor 40 with SmartPump v2 without GHC
• GHC 20 Marine Autopilot Control Display Unit

Raymarine

Raymarine also provides a range of autopilot options, such as:

• EV-100 Wheel Evolution Autopilot
• EV-100 p70 Wheel Pilot Pack
• EV-100 A/P with p70R Power Pack
• EV-200 Sail Evolution Autopilot
• ST2000 Plus Tiller Pilot
• ST4000mk2/ST4000+ Wheel Drive Only (not a complete pilot)
• Pilot, EV-100 A/P, p70s, No Drive
• ST1000+ 3.3-Ton Tiller Pilot
• Pilot Raymarine T70281 Pilot, EV-100 A/P, p70s, No Drive

Simrad

Simrad offers autopilot systems such as:

• AP44 VRF Medium Capacity Autopilot Pack
• TP10 Tiller Pilot
• NAC-1 Outboard Pilot Hydraulic Pack, Mkii Pump-1 Includes Precision-9

Other Options

Other autopilot systems are available from brands like Octopus and Mercury. Additionally, Furuno offers autopilot systems as part of their comprehensive electronics packages for center console boats.

Frequently asked questions