Boat Electronics Buying Guide: What Canadian Boaters Need to Know

The right electronics make boating safer and easier. They help you find your way, spot hazards and call for help. But with so many choices, it is easy to feel lost.

This boat electronics buying guide explains each device in plain words. You will learn what it does, who needs it and how to build the right setup.

Steveston Marine has served Canadian boaters since 1941. We stock trusted brands like Raymarine, Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad, Icom and Standard Horizon, and ship boat electronics across Canada.

Quick Answer: Most Canadian boaters need a GPS chartplotter, a fishfinder or depth sounder, and a VHF radio. Boaters on busy or foggy waters should add radar and AIS. Longer trips benefit from an autopilot.

The Core Boat Electronics Explained

Each device has one main job. Here is a simple overview:

Device	Main job	Who needs it
GPS chartplotter	Shows your position on a chart	Almost every boater
Fishfinder / depth sounder	Shows depth and fish below	Anglers and anyone in shallow water
Chartplotter-fishfinder combo	Both jobs on one screen	Most small to mid-size boats
VHF radio	Talks to other boats and rescue services	Every boater
Radar	Shows boats and land in fog or dark	Coastal and night boaters
AIS	Shows ship names, speed and course	Boaters near shipping lanes
Autopilot	Steers the boat on a set course	Long-range and offshore boaters

GPS Chartplotters: Your Main Screen

A chartplotter shows your boat on an electronic chart. It helps you plan routes, avoid hazards and find your way home.

What to look for:

•             Screen size: 7 to 9 inches suits most small boats. Larger boats often use 12 inches or more.

•             Chart support: Check that it works with charts for your area.

•             Sunlight readability: A bright screen is easier to read on the water.

•             Networking: NMEA 2000 support lets it share data with other devices.

Most boaters choose a combo unit to save space and money. Compare our GPS chartplotters and fishfinder combos from leading brands.

Fishfinders and Depth Sounders

A fishfinder uses sonar to show what is under your boat. It shows depth, bottom shape and fish.

Even if you do not fish, depth matters. It helps you avoid running aground in shallow water.

Key features:

•             CHIRP sonar: Gives clearer, sharper images.

•             Down imaging: Shows detail right below the boat.

•             Side imaging: Scans wide areas on each side.

•             Transducer type: Pick one that suits your hull and mounting style.

VHF Radios: Your Safety Lifeline

A VHF radio is one of the most important safety tools on any boat. It lets you call other boats, marinas and rescue services.

Many modern radios include DSC. DSC lets you send a distress alert with your position at the push of a button.

Choose between:

•             Fixed-mount VHF: More power and range. Best as your main radio.

•             Handheld VHF: Portable and good as a backup. Pick a floating model.

Important: In Canada, you need a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) to use a VHF radio. To use DSC, you also need an MMSI number.

Marine Radar: See Through Fog and Darkness

Radar sends out signals that bounce off boats, land and buoys. It shows them on your screen, even in thick fog or at night.

Fog is common on the BC coast, especially in fall and winter. Radar gives you a clear picture when you cannot see.

Radar tips:

•             Radome: Compact and good for smaller boats.

•             Open array: Longer range and sharper targets for larger boats.

•             Overlay: Many units lay radar over your chart for easier reading.

Explore our marine radar systems to find the right fit.

AIS: Know Who Is Around You

AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. It shares boat details like name, position, speed and course.

This is very useful near busy shipping lanes, such as around Vancouver and the Fraser River.

•             AIS receiver: Shows other AIS boats on your screen.

•             AIS transponder: Shows others and also sends your details, so large ships can see you.

For the best safety, choose a transponder. Browse our AIS receivers and transponders.

Autopilots: Hands-Free Steering

An autopilot steers your boat on a set heading or route. It reduces fatigue on long trips.

It also frees your hands to trim, fish or keep watch. Match the autopilot to your boat size and steering type.

How to Build the Right Setup for Your Boat

Start with safety, then add features as needed.

•             Small fishing boat or runabout: Chartplotter-fishfinder combo and a handheld VHF.

•             Coastal cruiser: Combo unit, fixed-mount VHF with DSC, radar and AIS.

•             Offshore or long-range boat: Full network with a large display, radar, AIS transponder, autopilot and backup VHF.

Tip: Stick with one brand for your main devices. They connect more easily and share data better.

Common Mistakes When Buying Boat Electronics

•             Buying the biggest screen. Make sure it fits your helm first.

•             Skipping the VHF. A phone is not a safe backup at sea.

•             Mixing brands without checking. Some features only work within one brand.

•             Poor installation. A badly placed transducer gives poor readings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electronics do I need on my boat?

Most boaters need a chartplotter, a depth sounder or fishfinder, and a VHF radio. Add radar and AIS for foggy or busy waters.

Is a chartplotter-fishfinder combo worth it?

Yes, for most small to mid-size boats. It saves space and money and shows everything on one screen.

Do I need a licence for a VHF radio in Canada?

Yes. You need a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) to operate a marine VHF radio.

Should I choose an AIS receiver or transponder?

Choose a transponder if you can. It lets large ships see you, not just the other way around.

Do I need radar on a small boat?

It helps if you boat in fog or at night. A compact radome suits most small boats.

Can I connect electronics from different brands?

Often yes, through NMEA 2000. But some features work best within one brand.

Get Expert Help Choosing Your Boat Electronics

The right electronics protect you, your crew and your boat. Choose them with safety first, then add what makes boating easier.

Steveston Marine has helped Canadian boaters since 1941. Find top brands and a full range of marine supplies in Canada, with free shipping on orders over $120 (some exceptions apply).