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Guides
Read the framing guide first if you’re planning a bigger upgrade. The rest can be read in any order, but they lean on each other: the display you want depends on your power, and your power depends on how you charge.
- GUIDE 01
Start with the electrical system before you buy a new display
The framing guide. Inventory batteries, charging, wiring, and networks first, so the new screen doesn't inherit old problems.
- GUIDE 02
Lithium vs AGM, and how to size a house or trolling-motor bank
What each chemistry asks of the rest of your boat, plus the simple math for sizing a bank from a real load list.
- GUIDE 03
Choosing a chartplotter by helm space, the brand you have, and what comes later
Measure the dash, count what is already on the network, and plan radar and sonar before you pick a screen.
- GUIDE 04
Charging when you upgrade to lithium: DC-DC, shore charger, and solar
Why the alternator is the part people forget, and how the three charging sources should fit together.
- GUIDE 05
VHF with DSC and AIS: a sensible baseline for a recreational boat
MMSI, GPS input, AIS receive vs transmit, and what makes sense on a bay boat, center console, or small cruiser.
- Electrical system first: inventory and load list.
- Batteries: pick the chemistry and size the bank.
- Charging: make sure every source can refill it.
- Chartplotter: choose the screen the system can support.
- VHF and AIS: tie the radio into the network.