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The Easiest Way to Save Money on Marine Electronics

Visit www.OutlanderDirect.com for some great deals on all of the latest products including Color Fishfinders, Chartplotters, Marine Radio and Marine accessories.

With the advent of new technologies and products offering more and more features, the cost of marine electronics has skyrocketed in recent years. Fishing and boating electronic products can now easily cost in the thousands of dollars.

While this may not be an issue for wealthy yacht owners, it has definitely become a concern for hundreds of thousands of more frugal boaters and anglers. It is this large group that often has to decide just how badly they want the newest innovations and features in their electronic devices, and how much they are willing to spend to get them.

But, there is one simple way to cut the cost of these much-desired but pricey electronic products.

And that is to buy used equipment... or maybe you prefer the more modern term "pre-owned". If you don't mind acquiring previously owned equipment and you can safely determine the equipment is in good working order, this can be a very good option.

Much like how the value of a new car drops significantly as soon as it is driven off the car dealer's lot, the value of marine electronics drops similarly over time. But, this can be good news for you if are willing to buy used electronic products.

Remember, it is hard for the original owner to recoup much of the original purchase price. So, you can frequently buy marine radios, fishfinders and GPS systems for discounts as much as 75%.

You will be amazed at how many people want to own the best and latest devices... and are continually updating their electronic equipment. They just have to have the latest in technology and features.

So, while they are going about buying every new gadget that comes out, you have a great opportunity to buy their used equipment at huge discounts.Now, while this may not get you the latest in technology, it can very well still be a significant upgrade for you... at a drastic cost savings. In this way you will now have much better equipment at a fraction of the cost.

Just remember - buyers beware!

Make sure you can check out the equipment prior to purchase. Or at least have confidence or a guarantee that everything is in working order.So, once you have decided that this is how you're going to save some money, the next step is to locate the device you would like to purchase.

http://www.outlanderdirect.com/ has a wide selection of high quality brand name Marine Electronics for your boat. From Color Fish Finders to Radar and Marine Instrumentation. http://www.outlanderdirect.com/ is sure to have what you are looking for at an excellent price. Take advantage of free shipping on all orders over $150.00 and save!

Marine Electronics

Autopilots The first self-steering gear was introduced in the 1920's to control model yachts but it was not until 1948 that the principle was applied to full scale yachts. Standing at the helm for lengthy periods, monitoring instruments and keeping a good look out can be very tiring. An autopilot relieves the helmsman from steering the correct course leaving him free to maintain a proper watch. The autopilot can be set to either steer a compass course or a course relative to the wind. A fluxgate compass or electronic wind indicator feeds information to a microprocessor which then makes the necessary rudder movements to return the vessel to it's required course. The mechanical power is applied to the rudder by either electric linear activators, hydraulic pumps or rotary drives. GPS/Chart plotters can be used to input navigational instructions to the autopilot.

Battery Chargers will keep batteries fully charged thereby extending their working life.

Chart Plotters Typically a chart plotter consists of an antenna, mounted high on the boat, to track GPS signals and a display unit sited either at the at the navigation station or the helm of the vessel. The vessels position is sent from the antenna to the display unit which in turn shows it graphically on the chart. The Chart itself will look similar to it's paper equivalent and show depth, land mass, navigational aids such as bouys and potential dangers in the form of wrecks and obstructions. The user can add way points to the chart and zoom in and out of the display. Chart plotters can be connected to drive an autopilot and/or send GPS data to a fish finder or radar. They can also interface with a laptop enabling complex passage planning to be done away from the boat and then entered into the chart plotter after arriving at the boat.

Magnetic Transmitting Compasses work like traditional compasses using magnets to determine the vessels orientation to the earth's magnetic field they then transmit the boats heading to an electronic display. They make steering easier than with conventional compasses because they display steadier headings and do not suffer from the "lag" that occurs when making a turn. They can interface with chart plotters, autopilots and radar. Fluxgate Compasses consist of two pieces of readily saturated magnetic material with coils wound round them in opposing directions. AC current is passed through the coils and the material is saturated in one direction and then the other. The earth's magnetic field affects slightly the time at which saturation occurs, earlier in one coil and later in the other. The difference is then calculated giving an output proportional to the earth's magnetic field. They are accurate to 0.1 of a degree. Their output can be displayed digitally to the helmsman or they can interface with autopilots, chart plotters and radar.

Echo Sounders work on the same principle as sonar. A transducer emits a narrow beam of high frequency sound. This is reflected by any solid objects and the time between transmission and receipt of the echo is measured. The speed of sound through water is know and so the range or distance to the sea bed can be calculated. That is then displayed in metres. Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) enables you to see the underwater hazards before you're actually on top of them. A typical range for a FLS is 150 metres.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a piece of equipment designed to float free of a vessel in distress. It then sends a radio signal that can be detected by Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) satellites. They relay a message to a ground station that in turn can instigate a search and rescue operation.

Fish Finders use the same technology as sonar. A narrow beam of high frequency sound is transmitted by a transducer, this is reflected by solid objects such as the sea bed. By developing this technology fishfinders provide displays that show where the fish are and they can differentiate between bait fish and larger species

Global Positioning System (GPS Receivers) - This system was originally designed for military purposes and is owned and operated by the United States Department of Defence. 24 satellites are arranged in a "birdcage" around the globe, they are positioned in such a way that at any place on the earth's surface a direct line of sight can be established to a minimum of 4 satellites. A fix is obtained by measuring accurately the distance between a satellite and the GPS receiver at a precise time. Because the exact position of the satellite is known, these distances provide position lines which are converted by a microprocessor within the GPS receiver to read outs of latitude and longitude.

The log is used to measure the boats speed through the water. A paddle wheel or impeller, mounted below the waterline is turned by the flow of water, this generates electrical impulses that are fed to a microprocessor that displays both speed and distance run.

Inverters - On most boats today you will find domestic equipment of one sort or another. For on board entertainment there are televisions and stereo systems. With the popularity of chart plotters comes the PC or laptop. Maintenance often requires the use of power tools. Liveaboards might have a washing machine, dishwasher or microwave. Can take 12v, 24v or 48v supply and convert it to a stable 110 v or 220v AC supply.

Navtex can perhaps best be described as a continuously updated telex service providing navigation and weather information within specified areas. An on board receiver, tuned to 518kHz, the worldwide Navtex frequency, if left turned on will either print out or display the latest massages sent from a local station. The service is available up to 400 miles from the coast.

Radar enables you to see what otherwise would be invisible. They offer greatest benefit at night and in fog or rain and are of particular value when close to shore or in busy shipping lanes. They consist of an antenna and a display. The antenna sends out a stream of RF energy which is reflected back off hard objects. When this energy is bounced back it is converted to a signal which displayed to the user. The antenna rotates every few seconds, the display continuously calculates the direction of the antenna and so a precise bearing to the target is calculated. The time is measured for the energy to be reflected and so the distance of the target is also displayed.

Satellite Phones consist of an antenna, a modem and a normal handset. They are powered by an iridium battery. Their range is anywhere covered by in Inmarsat Mini-M satellite. Voice, fax, email and data can be transmitted.

The Easiest Way to Save Money on Marine Electronics

With the advent of new technologies and products offering more and more features, the cost of marine electronics has skyrocketed in recent years. Fishing and boating electronic products can now easily cost in the thousands of dollars.

While this may not be an issue for wealthy yacht owners, it has definitely become a concern for hundreds of thousands of more frugal boaters and anglers. It is this large group that often has to decide just how badly they want the newest innovations and features in their electronic devices, and how much they are willing to spend to get them.

But, there is one simple way to cut the cost of these much-desired but pricey electronic products.

And that is to buy used equipment... or maybe you prefer the more modern term "pre-owned". If you don't mind acquiring previously owned equipment and you can safely determine the equipment is in good working order, this can be a very good option.

Much like how the value of a new car drops significantly as soon as it is driven off the car dealer's lot, the value of marine electronics drops similarly over time. But, this can be good news for you if are willing to buy used electronic products.

Remember, it is hard for the original owner to recoup much of the original purchase price. So, you can frequently buy marine radios, fishfinders and GPS systems for discounts as much as 75%.

You will be amazed at how many people want to own the best and latest devices... and are continually updating their electronic equipment. They just have to have the latest in technology and features.

So, while they are going about buying every new gadget that comes out, you have a great opportunity to buy their used equipment at huge discounts.Now, while this may not get you the latest in technology, it can very well still be a significant upgrade for you... at a drastic cost savings. In this way you will now have much better equipment at a fraction of the cost.

Just remember - buyers beware!

Make sure you can check out the equipment prior to purchase. Or at least have confidence or a guarantee that everything is in working order.So, once you have decided that this is how you're going to save some money, the next step is to locate the device you would like to purchase.

5 Ways To Find Used Marine Electronics

Here are 5 easy ways to find used electronic equipment:

1) Check with boating and angling friends and relatives who may be looking to buy new equipment. They will likely be very interested in selling their old equipment to partially fund their new purchases.

2) Watch the classified ads in your local newspaper.

3) Go to local marinas and ask them if they have any used electronic items for sale.

4) Check with local boating and yachting organizations.

5) Search online for the equipment you are looking for such as "used fishfinder" or "used Lowrance chartplotter".

Marine Electronics Are Must-Haves For Boaters

The boating industry is continuing to boom big time. Everyone wants a boat these days, as boating can be very relaxing and exciting both. There are literally thousands of boat supplies, parts, equipment, and accessories to choose from. Some are intended for the safety of the boat and all the passengers, while others are intended for enjoyment. If you're uncertain as to what all you should invest in, you can read reviews on boating products and ask for advice on boating message boards.

You're probably aware of all the mandatory boat equipment that you'll need for safety precautions, but what you may not know about are all the boating "extras", such as marine electronics. Online marine electronic stores offer great deals on hi-tech gadgets that will help enhance your boat and boating experience. Some popular quality marine electronics include fish finders, waterproof equipment, GPS systems, VHF radio, other various communication devices, and more. Not only can marine electronics enhance your boating experience, but they can help save your life as well!

Electronic navigation aids, for instance, will help you stay on course. It can be an enjoyable experience mapping out your course with hi-tech navigational equipment, including GPS chartplotters. They are easy to read. There are many GPS devices to choose from, and you can either choose to install them on your boat or use a hand-held one.

If you enjoy fishing, you'll find fish finders to be really neat. A marine electronic fish finder gadget will find fish for you, but it will show you exactly where the fish are on a full color map! You can even record details about each location to share with others.

There are obviously a lot of hi-tech marine gadgets out there for you to install on your boat. All you need to do is do research to find out what type of marine electronics would be best for your boating needs.

The latest and greatest in marine electronics

Today's trend in consumer electronics is products that make the most of the little leisure time we have. From televisions and DVD players in the car, to wireless phones with built-in cameras, we want products that are simple, convenient and functional.

GPS receivers, which were introduced to boating consumers only 15 years ago, have undergone tremendous improvements: Each year new models are introduced which contain features which were only dreamt of a few years earlier. Looking at the current batch of GPS receivers, we see the following trends:

Color, color, color. In the world of laptop computers, color displays pushed monochrome displays out of the market a few years ago, and it's happening with GPS models right now. Virtually all color models over 5" are "daylight readable" which allows these new generation chartplotters to be mounted (and seen) virtually anywhere.

Smaller color displays are also taking over, with models available down to a 2" diagonal size. Many of the smaller displays are "transflective color," meaning that they utilize the ambient light to make them visible rather than a bright backlight. This allows them to run on battery power, and they have a lower intensity backlight to help when there's less ambient light. On a recent informal test of GPS receivers during Miami's boat show, the display that was dramatically the most legible on our test boat was a 4" model from Raymarine. Using a transflective display, the little RC400 at $599.99, had the most opaque, paper-like appearance and the widest viewing angle.

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Displays are getting larger. We find models in the 7"-8" range offer more real estate to show a map without taking up so much space that you have to upgrade your boat accordingly.

Finally, integrated instruments are very common. All of the major GPS manufacturers offer combination products that combine GPS with radar or sonar or instrument repeaters. Imagine for a second that you're heading out on a fishing trip with a Raymarine C Series installation, including radar, sonar and chartplotter capabilities. You head out of the foggy harbor with the radar on full-screen to avoid collisions and to spot the approach buoy a mile offshore. As you get into open waters, you select a split screen with the radar on the top half, and a chartplotter with an offshore waypoint on the bottom half. When the fog clears up, use half the screen for the sonar, to detect any bait balls or schools of fish as you head out. Finally, when you're near your favorite fishing area, use the sonar full-screen to find your prey.