Do You Trust Your Marine Electronics?
Your boat talks to you. Did you know that? But sometimes we aren’t really listening. So, do you trust your marine electronics?
Sure, we have the latest in vessel communications. Some of us can even check our boat when we are thousands of miles away using one of the many computer apps that allow us to monitor our boat when we cannot be aboard. But as the saying goes garbage in, garbage out.
(Before you stop reading or go so far as to call me a technophobe please invest a few more moments and I promise you will see the value of your consideration. At least scroll through the photos below before you totally give up.)
ah…you’re still here! Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Technology is King… or is it?
First, you must understand the basics of the electronic technology. What do you want to accomplish? Do you really know the limits of each piece of equipment?
Having a fundamental comprehension of navigation for example is essential before you ask for waypoints around the waterway…to follow like a road map. Yes, we have been asked that very question as we attempt to teach the basics of navigation to a novice who believes everything he reads.
Following the magenta line on a chart plotter will at some point lead you astray. Your equipment may be top of the line in accuracy but it’s not always that accurate as some of these photos below will show you.
Gauges
And then there are the gauges, notorious for failure in many marine applications. My favorite is the black water holding tank that goes from 1/2 empty to FULL in one flush. But it’s a 40 gallon tank you say.
Next, try to ascertain what is being measured and from where on the engine or tank. Before you trust the information you must first be certain that it has been installed properly and is giving you accurate information. A terrific example of this is when you think you are pulling from one tank and can’t understand why you have a list to the other side. Did you know that unused diesel fuel is returned to your fuel tank? Just not always the same one from which you are pulling fuel in the first place.
Trust but verify!
Ask Captain Chris about the FUNdamentals of Cruising and how to understand all your Boat Systems. So when your boat talks…you can listen and hear what’s really being said.