A boat is simply not complete without a log, compass and depth sounder. AlthoughPlotter and GPS already today with mostSmartphones but instruments that determine navigation data directly on board without external help have a much higher value.
Without an echo sounder to an unknown coast - no skipper takes that risk.
Of course, the engine also has displays forImportant operational values. You can screw all this onto your dashboard in the form of individual devices from different manufacturers. It doesn't look particularly good and only does exactly what it says on the tin.
But today's skipper expects more.
Manufacturers are of course aware of this and offer standardised solutions. Their benefits do not end with the visually appealing standardised presentation: this is called an instrument system in theSpecialised trade. The point of the whole thing is that the devices can be used both with each other and withAutopilot, plotter or on-board computer can exchange data.
Thenpractical things The compass and logger together record the distance travelled. The autopilot maintains the selected course and if the plotter or navigation programme play along, even more is possible. However, not everything that says "networking" is actually intended to be networked.
