So many more resources are opened up to sailors with the digital age. First and foremost every sailor should have a boat Global Positioning System unit, GPS. A GPS unit is able to work by receiving from GPS satellites in orbit around the earth, and at any given point, in the sky there are at least four satellites. The unit takes signals from three satellites and triangulates position. Today most GPS units are accurate to within 10-20 meters. A boat GPS unit is essential and best of all it is easy to use and straightforward.

Today, sailors also have a wide variety of boat stereos and boat TVs to choose from. Getting a weatherproof TV would be most prudent. Clutter can be kept to a minimum by using extensive wall mounts. With the advent of flat screen TVs, having a TV aboard has never been so easy and efficient. There is nothing quite relaxing as sailing while listening to some good tunes. Boat stereos have advanced significantly in the past 10 years. With better and smaller waterproof designs, upgrading to today’s stereos is definitely a good long term investment.

All advancements made in technology today serve as benefits to devices like VHF radios. Transmitting and receiving is not all that moden VHF radios are limited to. A few in fact have a level of DSC calling capability. When connected to a hailer horn, the more expensive models can act as a hailer. Bluetooth compatible boat VHF radios are also available. A digital distress signal can also transmit the boat’s location, combining the powers of GPS and VHF radios.

Sailors should have depth and speed instruments aboard. Wireless capabilities have allowed even greater latitude when it comes to using depth and speed instruments. Removing human error, an easy view digitial display shows the values. Additionally many sailors chose to purchase wind instruments as well. Today there are advancements making boat instruments easier to use, safer, and intuitive.

Sailing along side the best instruments and technology of the modern world lends to a cautious journey. Where would a sailor be without the GPS unit to direct him or her? The first electronic a sailor must buy is a GPS unit. Some sailors are reluctant to rely so readily on electronics, preferring to sail with old fashioned instruments and methods. Regardless of preference to old ways or new, the benefits of modern electronics speak for themselves again and again.

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