Service Group 7: Communication, Navigation, & Networks

Onboard your vessel few elements are as critical as your communication and navigational equipment. Reliability and ease of use while underway are essential.  There are more connections here than any other segment of a boat’s electrical system, which gets confusing fast.  If wired incorrectly, operational issues with networked devices will arise.

We will plan the network and wiring connections for any of the six major marine equipment manufacturers: Garmin, Furuno, Simrad, Raymarine, B&G, and Lowrance.  We can also assist with troubleshooting or adding equipment to your current system.  There is much to consider in the installation of navigation equipment such as:

• • Locations and quantities of displays, sensors, and controls.
  • Network cables for both NMEA and the manufacturer’s proprietary network.
  • Wiring into the boat’s DC power distribution with proper overcurrent protection and switches.
  • Older boats might have a mix of NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 equipment, which will require specific wiring.
  • Matching connector types and required adaptors, cables, and splitters.

The design & materials list will include:

• • Equipment recommendations & selections based on compatibility & reliability.
  • Lengths and locations for primary & secondary backbones based on LEN values.
  • The placement of power drop cables for best network performance.
  • Number and length of NMEA drop cables and proprietary network connections for each device.
  • Power wire run lengths, wire size, overcurrent protection, and switches are based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, NMEA, and ABYC guidelines.
  • Transducer selections and connections.
  • Mounting considerations for displays, antennas & sensors.

How to choose a service level:

• If you have an issue with your existing NMEA network or aren’t sure what service level to choose, we recommend starting with Service Level 1: Design Consultation.  During the proposal review meeting, we will review your situation and offer guidance on the best way to take advantage of our services.
• If you would like professional design consultation for a new NMEA network or help to make changes to an existing navigation & communication system, as well as a custom wiring diagram and equipment list, choose Service Level 2: Design and Diagrams.
• If you want us to complete a custom design, wiring diagram, equipment list, and a detailed bill of materials listing exact quantities of wire, connectors, conduits, and enclosures, select Level 3: Design Build Installation.