Marine Electronics Installation

Marine electronics installation means more than mounting a screen: each device needs clean, correctly protected power, sensible antenna and sensor positions, and a network so the chartplotter, instruments, AIS, radar and autopilot share data. We plan and fit the whole package on board, whether it is a single new plotter or a complete helm upgrade.

Most electronics problems we are called to are installation problems. A plotter that reboots when the engine starts, AIS targets that come and go, an autopilot that wanders or instruments showing nonsense usually trace back to voltage drop, poor connections, a badly placed antenna or a network with missing terminators, not to a faulty unit.

We work across brands and advise on what suits your boat and sailing. On Raymarine and other makes we install and set up the equipment; we are not a manufacturer's dealer, and we say so plainly.

What we install

Typical electronics work includes:

Power comes first

Electronics are sensitive to voltage. Each unit needs a dedicated, correctly fused supply with cable sized for the length of run, so the voltage at the device stays healthy even when the engine is cranking or the windlass is running. We check the supply side before fitting anything new, because adding a radar and autopilot to an already stretched circuit is asking for trouble.

Networking with NMEA 2000

NMEA 2000 lets devices from different makers share position, heading, depth, wind and AIS data over a single backbone. It works well when it is built properly: one backbone with a terminator at each end, a single correctly fused power feed, and drop cables within their length limits. We design the layout, label the connections and leave you with a record of what is on the network.

Older equipment using NMEA 0183 can often stay in service through a gateway, which is worth considering before replacing working kit.

Antennas, sensors and cable routes

Performance depends heavily on position. VHF and AIS antennas need height and separation; a radar needs a clear view and a secure mount; heading sensors need to be away from magnetic interference; transducers need clean water flow. We plan these positions with you, route cables through the boat neatly and seal every deck penetration.

Setting up and handing over

Once fitted, we commission each device: entering vessel details and MMSI where required, calibrating instruments and compass, checking AIS transmission and making sure data flows across the network as it should. We then walk you through the system so you know how it fits together.

Planning an upgrade in stages

Not every boat needs a complete new helm at once. A sensible order is to sort out the power supply and the network backbone first, then add devices as budget and priorities allow. Building the backbone with spare tee connectors, and leaving a draw cord in the cable route to the mast or radar arch, means each later addition is a small job rather than a fresh project.

Think too about where screens will be read. A plotter at the chart table is useful for passage planning, but the helmsman usually needs the key information in view while steering, which may mean a repeater or a second display rather than one large screen below.

Frequently asked questions

Are you a Raymarine or other brand dealer?

No. We install and set up equipment from several makers, but we are not a manufacturer's dealer.

Can new electronics work with my older instruments?

Often, yes. A gateway can connect NMEA 0183 equipment to an NMEA 2000 network, so working units can stay in use.

Why does my plotter restart when I start the engine?

Usually voltage drop during cranking on an undersized or shared supply. A dedicated, correctly sized feed normally cures it.

Should I choose Class A or Class B AIS?

It depends on the boat and how you use it; our AIS comparison guide sets out the differences.

Upgrading your electronics?

Send your current setup and what you want to add, and we will plan the installation.

Plan the electrical work aboard