display / touch / bonding solutions
When it comes to outfitting your boat or yacht, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right marine display. The displays you choose will serve as the control center for navigation, safety, and entertainment, giving you visibility into essential systems like charting, radar, sonar, and entertainment options. A well-chosen marine display can transform your boating experience and keep you safe on the water, so it’s essential to be strategic in selecting the right one.
Unlike regular computer monitors, marine displays must handle a challenging environment. Boats and yachts face constant exposure to water, sunlight, and vibration, which quickly degrades standard monitors. Investing in marine-grade displays not only improves functionality but also saves money by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Here’s a closer look at marine displays and the features you should consider to make the best choice for your vessel.
Marine displays serve multiple roles on boats and yachts, including navigation, monitoring, and entertainment. They typically feature a robust design to withstand harsh marine environments while providing clear visibility of navigational data, such as maps, radar, sonar, and real-time weather information. Some displays even include multifunctional capabilities, combining navigation with entertainment options like movie streaming or web browsing.
Marine displays are engineered to address common issues found on boats, including sunlight readability, durability against saltwater and air, and resistance to shock and vibration. These features make them a vital addition to any boat’s equipment.
It’s tempting to use a regular computer monitor on a boat, especially considering the lower cost. However, typical computer screens aren’t designed for the rigors of the marine environment, and this can lead to issues. Bright sunlight can render standard monitors nearly unreadable, and exposure to moisture or salt can lead to rapid degradation or malfunction.
Marine-grade monitors, although more expensive, are specifically designed to handle the elements. They’re built with robust waterproofing, enhanced brightness, and anti-glare technologies to provide clear and reliable performance in all weather conditions. By investing in marine displays, you’re not only ensuring optimal visibility and performance but also avoiding the hassle and cost of frequent replacements.
When choosing displays for your vessel, you’ll find two main types: multifunction displays (MFDs) and dedicated displays.
Multifunction Displays (MFDs)
Multifunction displays are highly versatile and allow you to integrate multiple systems into one screen. MFDs can display charts, radar, sonar, and engine information, providing a centralized interface for all your data. Many MFDs can be connected to additional sensors or modules, making them ideal for complex navigation and monitoring needs. This is particularly beneficial for larger yachts, where having a single control hub is a great convenience.
Dedicated Displays
Dedicated displays focus on a single function, such as navigation or engine monitoring. These displays may offer more straightforward operation and can be more affordable than MFDs. Dedicated screens are a good option if you prefer to keep your navigation data separate from your engine metrics, or if you want to ensure uninterrupted access to a particular system without switching between screens.
Marine displays are available in various screen technologies, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the three main options:
LCD Displays
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology is common in marine displays due to its reliability, energy efficiency, and affordability. LCD screens are typically backlit with LED lighting, making them suitable for daytime and nighttime use. However, traditional LCDs can struggle with visibility in direct sunlight, so look for models with high-brightness ratings or anti-glare coatings.
LED Displays
LED displays are essentially a type of LCD screen but use LED backlighting for brighter and more vibrant images. Marine LED displays are energy-efficient, have better brightness levels, and often include features like dimming for low-light conditions. For outdoor and marine use, LED displays offer excellent visibility and are durable in various lighting conditions, making them a popular choice.
OLED Displays
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays offer superior color accuracy, higher contrast, and thinner designs than LCDs and LEDs. OLEDs are well-suited for indoor use or shaded areas due to their vivid image quality but may struggle with direct sunlight exposure. They’re also typically more expensive, making them an option primarily for high-end yachts or luxury vessels where aesthetics and display quality are top priorities.
For marine displays, brightness is one of the most critical factors. The screen must be easily readable under direct sunlight, yet dimmable for comfortable night use.
Optimal Brightness Levels
Look for displays with a brightness of at least 800 nits for sufficient sunlight readability. High-brightness displays, typically over 1000 nits, are ideal for outdoor viewing, ensuring clear visibility even in the harshest sunlight conditions. Additionally, screens with adjustable brightness settings or an automatic dimming feature are beneficial for evening and night conditions.
Anti-Glare and Anti-Reflective Coatings
To improve readability, many marine displays come with anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings. These coatings help reduce the reflection of sunlight on the screen’s surface, preventing washed-out visuals. If you plan on installing displays in direct sunlight, be sure to choose models with these protective coatings.
Marine displays must withstand saltwater, humidity, extreme temperatures, and vibrations from the boat’s movement. Durability and waterproofing are essential features that should not be overlooked.
IP Ratings
Waterproof ratings, indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, are crucial for marine electronics. For instance, an IP67 rating means the device is protected against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. Choosing a display with a high IP rating, such as IP65 or IP67, ensures the unit can handle water splashes, rain, and high humidity.
Corrosion Resistance
Since marine displays are exposed to saltwater, it’s important to select screens that use corrosion-resistant materials. Look for displays with sealed connectors and corrosion-resistant casings, which help to prolong their lifespan in a harsh marine environment.
The size and placement of your display are key to ensuring easy readability and accessibility. For larger vessels with more advanced control systems, bigger displays (10 inches or more) may be suitable, while smaller boats may benefit from compact screens that fit limited space.
Choosing the Right Size
Display size should match the distance between the viewer and the screen. Larger screens are easier to read at a glance and allow more data to be displayed simultaneously. For MFDs, 12-16 inch screens provide ample space to view multiple functions at once. Smaller boats, where the captain is close to the display, may only need a 7-9 inch screen.
Optimal Placement for Accessibility
Displays should be positioned in areas where they are easy to read without causing distraction. Consider mounting displays within the cockpit for easy access, and ensure they are angled for optimal viewing. Some displays are compatible with swiveling mounts, which allow you to adjust the angle based on seating position and lighting.
Modern marine displays can integrate with a variety of systems, such as GPS, radar, sonar, and engine monitoring. The more integrated the display, the better the convenience and user experience.
NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 Compatibility
The NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 standards are communication protocols that allow marine electronics to share data. Choosing displays compatible with these standards ensures you can connect various devices, such as GPS and fish finders, to create a unified system. NMEA 2000 is the newer standard, offering faster data transfer and easier installation than NMEA 0183, so it is often preferred for modern setups.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Capabilities
Some marine displays come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for wireless updates, app integration, and the use of mobile devices as secondary screens. Wi-Fi-enabled displays let you download charts, monitor real-time data, and even control the display from a smartphone or tablet.
The usability of your marine display can significantly impact your experience on the water. Displays with an intuitive, user-friendly interface make it easier to navigate menus, access essential data, and customize settings.
Touchscreen vs. Physical Buttons
Touchscreens are becoming increasingly popular for marine displays due to their ease of use and quick navigation. However, they may be challenging to operate in rough conditions or while wearing gloves. Physical buttons, on the other hand, provide better control in wet or choppy environments. Some displays offer hybrid controls, allowing you to use both a touchscreen and buttons depending on the situation.
Customizable Interface Options
Look for displays that offer customizable interfaces, enabling you to set up the screen layout to match your preferences. Customization may include choosing which data to display prominently or arranging apps based on frequency of use. An intuitive layout saves time and keeps critical information accessible.
The price of marine displays can vary greatly, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on factors such as screen size, resolution, brightness, and connectivity options.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you’re on a budget, consider opting for a dedicated display rather than a multifunction unit, or choose smaller screen sizes that fit your needs. Many mid-range displays offer high durability and decent visibility without the premium features, making them suitable for recreational boaters.
For larger vessels or those needing advanced functionalities, investing in a premium MFD with all-weather capabilities, integration options, and high-brightness screens can offer a more comprehensive experience. High-end displays are particularly advantageous for professional captains or frequent sailors who require reliable, feature-rich systems.
Choosing the right displays for your boat or yacht involves evaluating multiple factors, including display type, screen technology, weather resistance, connectivity, and user interface. By understanding these key attributes, you can select a display that not only enhances your boating experience but also ensures safe navigation and effective monitoring. Whether you need a single dedicated display or a multifunctional setup, the ideal marine display will cater to your vessel's requirements and provide reliable performance on every journey.
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