Top 6 Reasons to Get a Multifunction Display

There are so many different instruments that can and should be used for marine navigation. You need a chart plotter, depth finder, radar, AIS, and the list goes on. All of these systems and their displays can start to pile up and crowd the helm. All of the displays may start to confuse you too. Not only does all the equipment start to pile up, but the cost starts to go through the roof when you buy them one at a time. But there is a way to reduce clutter and save money, all while keeping all the important systems that you need.

An instrument called a “Multifunction Display” is changing the way maritime navigation is performed. It has all the instruments that you need built into it. Some of them even include 3D satellite imagery so that you can really get a feel for how to plot your course. At the push of a button you can layer radar, AIS, depth sounders, and even a fish finder over the chart you are viewing. They aren’t just astonishingly useful but they are easy to use and practical. This would make one think that multifunctional displays are the navigation systems of the future. If this is the case, then the future is now.

If you are tired of the clutter around the helm of your yacht or sailboat, then you should switch over to a multifunction display. Here are some great reasons why you should get one:

1) You will have less clutter around the helm.

2) You will save money.

3) You won’t use as much of your boat’s power.

4) You will still have all of your navigational instruments.

5) All you will need to do is push a button in order to view another feature.

6) You will have cutting edge technology that will last for years to come.

You don’t need to worry much about what to do with your old equipment. You can sell it for a decent price to someone who is just starting out in the maritime world. Or, if you want to keep a certain piece of equipment because you like it better than the system that the multifunction display uses, then you can simply interface it into the new display.

If you haven’t bought any navigation equipment for your boat yet, then you should really look into one of these fantastic instruments. If you buy all of the instruments that you need individually, you will spend several thousand dollars. A multifunction display also costs a few thousand dollars, but it would cost less than individual instruments and, like I’ve said before, it will keep your helm area a lot less cluttered. Of course, whatever you buy is all up to you and what you need. But it wouldn’t hurt to compare.