Good electronics make boating on Lake Michigan safer and easier, as long as they're installed and powered properly. BoatWired installs and integrates marine electronics for Chicago boats, from a single new chartplotter to a complete helm refit.
Electronics that suit Lake Michigan
- Radar: Lake Michigan fog can roll in fast, and radar lets you see other boats and the breakwalls when you can't.
- AIS and VHF: freighters and commercial traffic use the lake and the approaches to Chicago and Calumet. AIS shows you who's out there and lets them see you. A properly installed VHF with a good antenna is your link to other boats and the Coast Guard.
- Chartplotters and sonar: up-to-date charts for the harbors and breakwalls, plus fishfinders for anglers chasing salmon and lake trout.
- Autopilots: for longer runs up the shore or across the lake.
- Cameras and monitoring: engine room cameras, and remote monitoring for boats left at the dock during the week.
Installed properly
Electronics problems are often power problems. We run each unit from a properly protected circuit with wire sized for low voltage drop, so screens don't reboot when the engine starts. Networks (NMEA 2000) are built with correct power, termination and backbone layout. We route and secure cables neatly, seal deck penetrations, and leave the system documented.
Time it with commissioning
The best time for new electronics is before launch, while the boat is accessible and before the season starts. Then everything is tested and you know how it works on your first trip out.
Request a quote and tell us what's on the boat now and what you'd like to add.