Marine NavigationAustralia · 2026

Choose with confidence

Top marine electronics picks

Ranked shortlists with a clear boat brief, reasons for each position and examples that change the order. Documented editorial choices, not sea-trial scores.

Radar · 1Fishing electronics · 1VHF communication · 1AIS systems · 1

Radar

From scanner selection to a useful first practice session.

A radar display showing range rings, a rotating sweep, a coastline return, an approaching vessel with a velocity vector, a receding vessel and a rain cell. 6 NM · DOPPLER

Ranked shortlist

Top 3 compact marine radars for a cruising-yacht refit

A ranked compact-radar shortlist for a cruising yacht, with explicit selection criteria, ecosystem exceptions and links to detailed model comparisons.

Best for A new power-conscious cruising-yacht helmCheck first Order changes with retained equipment; no comparative sea trial or installed-price test.Also needed Complete regional package and a comparable installation quote

Buying Guides2 min read

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Fishing electronics

Match the display and transducer to the fishing and expansion plan.

A cross-section of the water beneath a hull: the transducer cone spreading downward, a dashed thermocline layer, arch-shaped fish returns and a contoured seabed. THERMOCLINE CHIRP

Ranked shortlist

Top 3 fishfinder picks for Australian trailer-boat setups

Rank three fishfinder approaches for a trailer boat, comparing expansion, simplicity and motor integration with exact chart and transducer checks.

Best for A genuine future sonar expansion planCheck first Order changes with retained equipment; no comparative sea trial or installed-price test.Also needed Complete regional package and a comparable installation quote

Buying Guides2 min read

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VHF communication

Choose equipment the crew can reach, operate and support.

A yacht masthead antenna radiating to a coast station across the horizon, with a separate satellite communication path shown from above. VHF · DSC · SATELLITE

Ranked shortlist

Top fixed VHF radio picks for three Australian boat setups

Rank three fixed VHF candidates for a networked cruising refit, then see how a compact console or simpler requirements change the shortlist.

Best for A networked cruising refitCheck first Order changes with retained equipment; no comparative sea trial or installed-price test.Also needed Complete regional package and a comparable installation quote

Buying Guides2 min read

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AIS systems

Plan antennas and the path from transceiver to each display.

A plot of two AIS targets on converging courses, with the closest point of approach circled and CPA and TCPA values labelled. CPA 0.2 NM TCPA 8 min CLASS B · SOTDMA

Ranked shortlist

Top AIS transponder picks for wired and tablet-based boats

Compare three AIS installation choices and a transparent shortlist, with guidance on separate antennas, splitters and tablet data connections.

Best for Wired plotter with a dedicated AIS antennaCheck first Order changes with retained equipment; no comparative sea trial or installed-price test.Also needed Complete regional package and a comparable installation quote

Buying Guides2 min read

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All buying guides · Transducer selection · How marine radar works · Our editorial method