Marine
BUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Do you need a dedicated sailing processor?
Compare display-led instruments with dedicated sailing processors, calibration support and the information your crew will actually use.
Read the guideTHE MARINEBRANDS FIELD GUIDEUnderstand your options.
Explore the 29 buying guides ↓
Understand your options.
Make a better choice.
Explore the 29 buying guides ↓Practical reading for your next purchase, upgrade or conversation with a marine specialist. At least seven guides in every category, written with Australian sailors in mind.
84SAILING & FISHING GUIDES
Make the next purchase count.
Work through the equipment choices, installation questions and local research before spending.
Choosing a fishfinder for your fishing boat →
Compare the complete system, from the view you need to installation and Australian support.
Read the guide · Build your checklist
Is live sonar the right next upgrade? →
A practical buying framework for a complete live-sonar setup, its mounting and the time needed to learn it.
Read the guide · Build your checklist
A better transducer installation brief →
What to show an installer before committing to a fishfinder or transducer upgrade.
Read the guide · Build your checklist
Setting up a small fishing boat without clutter →
Plan deck space, storage and equipment around a normal fishing day before buying accessories.
Read the guide · Build your checklist
How to research a new Australian fishing area →
Turn a broad destination idea into a documented set of local questions, without relying on old forum advice.
Read the guide · Build your checklistCard artwork is AI-generated editorial illustration.
29 BUYING GUIDESBefore you buy.
Before you buy.
Know what to compare.
Explore the options, uncover the full cost and take a clear brief to your supplier.
BUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Wired or wireless wind instruments: price the whole mast job
Compare masthead wind systems by retained displays, mast access, network connections and commissioning costs.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Choosing a navigation supplier: support beyond the sale
Compare installation responsibility, commissioning and after-sales support before selecting a marine navigation supplier.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Autopilot kit or retained drive: comparing upgrade options
Understand complete autopilot packages and electronics-only upgrades, with the compatibility evidence and installation costs to request before ordering.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Mast displays or helm instruments: where should you spend?
Choose where to put sailing information by comparing mast-mounted displays, helm instruments and existing chartplotter pages.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Two helms, two screens: planning a chartplotter installation
Compare a second chartplotter, a shared viewing position and a companion display for a twin-helm sailing boat.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Buying a used chartplotter: check support before the bargain
Assess a secondhand chartplotter’s exact model, working condition, included accessories and supported chart options.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Chart subscriptions: compare coverage before paying
Check device compatibility, Australian cruising areas and renewal conditions before buying electronic chart access.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Tablet or dedicated chartplotter: building a useful navigation setup
Compare a tablet navigation app, a fixed chartplotter and a combined setup before spending on charts, mounts, power and onboard integration.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Premium or compact chartplotter: what is worth paying for?
Compare a compact chartplotter with a premium glass-bridge display, including helm space, controls, system costs and the features your crew will actually use.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
Ordering a custom sail: measurements, milestones and delivery
Turn a sailmaker’s proposal into a clear order covering measurements, hardware, design approval, fitting and delivery.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
Buying a secondhand sail: the checks before the bargain
Evaluate a used sail through measurements, condition, alteration costs and a loft assessment before comparing it with a new sail.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
StackPack or in-mast furling: buying for easier sail handling
Compare a conventional mainsail with a StackPack-style system and an in-mast furling arrangement, especially when choosing a cruising yacht or planning a refit.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
Woven or membrane cruising sails: comparing the real trade-offs
Compare woven cloth, panelled laminates and custom membrane sails around your sailing programme, support needs and complete sailmaker quote.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Ropes & rigging · 3 MIN READ
Custom rope assemblies: buy a finished line, not just metres
Specify finished length, attachments, handling and hardware compatibility when ordering sheets or halyards from a rigger.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Ropes & rigging · 3 MIN READ
Buying a halyard and clutch together: avoid a mismatch
Compare the rope and holding hardware as one system before replacing a halyard or upgrading a clutch.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Ropes & rigging · 3 MIN READ
Manual or electric winch: what belongs in the quote?
Compare a manual winch, a compatible electric conversion and a complete powered replacement, including installation scope and crew handling.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Engines · 3 MIN READ
Build a model-specific engine spares order
Prepare a marine diesel spares enquiry using engine identity, service history, existing stock and the work you can competently carry out.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Engines · 3 MIN READ
Marine engine buying: compare local service support
Assess dealer access, parts enquiries and planned maintenance alongside an engine quote before committing to a repower.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Engines · 3 MIN READ
New or rebuilt marine diesel: comparing repower value
Compare a new engine, a documented rebuild and repairing the existing engine using evidence, complete installation costs and local support.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
Pay for diagnosis or replace the electronics?
Compare a marine electronics assessment, repair proposal and replacement quote without paying twice for the same unresolved fault.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
AIS receiver or transceiver: understand the purchase
Compare receive-only AIS and transmitting systems, with antenna, display and commissioning questions for your installer.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
Building a refit budget with room for uncertainty
Separate known costs, allowances and optional upgrades before committing to a marine electronics project.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
One brand or mixed marine electronics: buying a compatible system
Compare a single-brand refit with retaining equipment from several makers, using a function-by-function compatibility schedule and realistic support costs.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
Handheld or fixed VHF: choosing your radio setup
Compare a portable marine VHF with a fixed installation, including antenna arrangements, power, crew access and the functions to confirm.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
Buying lifejacket spares: match the jacket and inflator
Build a clearly labelled order for lifejacket rearming kits and replacement accessories using model-specific instructions.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
First-season safety purchases: build a checked shopping list
Organise the safety equipment on a newly acquired boat before deciding what to retain, inspect or purchase.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
Manual bracket or float-free EPIRB: buying the complete package
Compare EPIRB mounting packages, Australian model references, registration and maintenance costs before selecting a vessel distress beacon.
Read the guide
BUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
170N or 275N lifejacket: questions to ask before buying
Compare lifejacket versions through fit, intended use, clothing, servicing and exact model documentation rather than choosing by buoyancy number alone.
Read the guide01 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗Navigation
Instruments, autopilots & on-water awareness
BUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Do you need a dedicated sailing processor?
Compare display-led instruments with dedicated sailing processors, calibration support and the information your crew will actually use.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Wired or wireless wind instruments: price the whole mast job
Compare masthead wind systems by retained displays, mast access, network connections and commissioning costs.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Choosing a navigation supplier: support beyond the sale
Compare installation responsibility, commissioning and after-sales support before selecting a marine navigation supplier.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Autopilot kit or retained drive: comparing upgrade options
Understand complete autopilot packages and electronics-only upgrades, with the compatibility evidence and installation costs to request before ordering.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Navigation · 3 MIN READ
Mast displays or helm instruments: where should you spend?
Choose where to put sailing information by comparing mast-mounted displays, helm instruments and existing chartplotter pages.
Read the guide
Navigation · 2 MIN READ
Choosing sailing instruments for your boat
Build a useful instrument shortlist around the information your crew actually needs.
Read the guideNavigation · 2 MIN READ
Understanding wind data before an upgrade
Separate wind sensors, calculated values and display choices when planning your system.
Read the guide
Navigation · 2 MIN READ
Planning an autopilot upgrade
Prepare a supplier brief that includes the steering system, drive and control locations.
Read the guideNavigation · 2 MIN READ
Cruising or racing: choosing your instrument priorities
Put readability, calculated data and crew positions into a practical upgrade brief.
Read the guideNavigation · 2 MIN READ
What to ask for at a navigation-system handover
Turn a finished installation into a system your crew can confidently understand.
Read the guideNavigation · 2 MIN READ
Depth, speed and heading: building a sensor brief
Identify what each sensor contributes before paying for another display.
Read the guideNavigation · 2 MIN READ
Do you need a second instrument display?
Compare another viewing position with a better layout on the screen you already have.
Read the guide02 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗GPS & chartplotters
Positioning, charts & route planning
BUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Two helms, two screens: planning a chartplotter installation
Compare a second chartplotter, a shared viewing position and a companion display for a twin-helm sailing boat.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Buying a used chartplotter: check support before the bargain
Assess a secondhand chartplotter’s exact model, working condition, included accessories and supported chart options.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Chart subscriptions: compare coverage before paying
Check device compatibility, Australian cruising areas and renewal conditions before buying electronic chart access.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Tablet or dedicated chartplotter: building a useful navigation setup
Compare a tablet navigation app, a fixed chartplotter and a combined setup before spending on charts, mounts, power and onboard integration.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · GPS & chartplotters · 3 MIN READ
Premium or compact chartplotter: what is worth paying for?
Compare a compact chartplotter with a premium glass-bridge display, including helm space, controls, system costs and the features your crew will actually use.
Read the guide
GPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
Choosing a chartplotter for a sailing boat
Compare display controls, chart coverage and integration before choosing a model.
Read the guideGPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
Chartplotter screen size and controls
Choose a display you can read and operate from the real helm position.
Read the guideGPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
Checking Australian electronic chart coverage
Ask the right questions about regions, updates and the chart package in your quote.
Read the guide
GPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
Preparing a route-planning workflow
Set up a repeatable review process before relying on a saved or suggested route.
Read the guideGPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
Replacing an older chartplotter
Avoid an incomplete upgrade by recording the equipment attached to the old screen.
Read the guideGPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
The costs beyond a chartplotter’s price
Build a comparison that includes charts, accessories, fitting and ongoing support.
Read the guideGPS & chartplotters · 2 MIN READ
Keeping route and settings records
Plan a supported export and recovery process before replacing or updating a display.
Read the guide03 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗Sails & sailmakers
Cruising sails, racing sails & sail care
BUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
Ordering a custom sail: measurements, milestones and delivery
Turn a sailmaker’s proposal into a clear order covering measurements, hardware, design approval, fitting and delivery.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
Buying a secondhand sail: the checks before the bargain
Evaluate a used sail through measurements, condition, alteration costs and a loft assessment before comparing it with a new sail.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
StackPack or in-mast furling: buying for easier sail handling
Compare a conventional mainsail with a StackPack-style system and an in-mast furling arrangement, especially when choosing a cruising yacht or planning a refit.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Sails & sailmakers · 3 MIN READ
Woven or membrane cruising sails: comparing the real trade-offs
Compare woven cloth, panelled laminates and custom membrane sails around your sailing programme, support needs and complete sailmaker quote.
Read the guideSails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
How to brief a sailmaker
Give a loft the boat, sailing and handling information behind a useful sail proposal.
Read the guide
Sails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Choosing a cruising mainsail
Look at construction and handling as one decision, from hoisting to putting the sail away.
Read the guide
Sails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Replacing a headsail: the questions to ask
Prepare a headsail brief that covers the furler, deck layout and the way you sail.
Read the guide
Sails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Code sails and downwind options
Compare specialist sails by their intended job and handling requirements.
Read the guideSails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Sail repair or replacement?
Prepare for a loft inspection and compare the next useful life of the sail.
Read the guideSails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Comparing sailmaker quotes fairly
Look beyond cloth names to measurements, construction, hardware and aftercare.
Read the guideSails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Building a sail inventory for a small crew
Give each sail a clear role and discuss handling before adding another bag.
Read the guideSails & sailmakers · 2 MIN READ
Preparing for a sail-loft service visit
Make a repair or inspection appointment useful with the right history and brief.
Read the guide04 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗Ropes & rigging
Sheets, halyards & deck hardware
BUYING GUIDE · Ropes & rigging · 3 MIN READ
Custom rope assemblies: buy a finished line, not just metres
Specify finished length, attachments, handling and hardware compatibility when ordering sheets or halyards from a rigger.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Ropes & rigging · 3 MIN READ
Buying a halyard and clutch together: avoid a mismatch
Compare the rope and holding hardware as one system before replacing a halyard or upgrading a clutch.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Ropes & rigging · 3 MIN READ
Manual or electric winch: what belongs in the quote?
Compare a manual winch, a compatible electric conversion and a complete powered replacement, including installation scope and crew handling.
Read the guideRopes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
Choosing sheets and halyards
Match each line to its job, handling needs and the hardware already aboard.
Read the guide
Ropes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
Planning a halyard upgrade
Consider elongation, hardware compatibility and termination details together.
Read the guide
Ropes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
Selecting blocks and purchase systems
Prepare the load-path and layout information a hardware supplier needs.
Read the guideRopes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
Rope clutch or jammer: planning a replacement
Ask how the proposed hardware holds and releases the line before changing a fitting.
Read the guide
Ropes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
Choosing a winch and planning its care
Compare the fit, rope-handling role and service requirements of a replacement winch.
Read the guideRopes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
Create a running-rigging inventory
Turn scattered rope purchases into a clear record of the lines aboard.
Read the guideRopes & rigging · 2 MIN READ
What to record when a rope shows wear
Give a rigger useful evidence without assuming every worn line needs the same solution.
Read the guide05 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗Engines
Marine engines & propulsion
BUYING GUIDE · Engines · 3 MIN READ
Build a model-specific engine spares order
Prepare a marine diesel spares enquiry using engine identity, service history, existing stock and the work you can competently carry out.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Engines · 3 MIN READ
Marine engine buying: compare local service support
Assess dealer access, parts enquiries and planned maintenance alongside an engine quote before committing to a repower.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Engines · 3 MIN READ
New or rebuilt marine diesel: comparing repower value
Compare a new engine, a documented rebuild and repairing the existing engine using evidence, complete installation costs and local support.
Read the guideEngines · 2 MIN READ
Planning a sailboat repower
Prepare an installation brief before comparing replacement engines.
Read the guide
Engines · 2 MIN READ
Shaft drive or saildrive: questions for a repower
Understand how the existing propulsion arrangement shapes the replacement project.
Read the guide
Engines · 2 MIN READ
How to compare marine engine quotes
Put equipment, installation and handover into a consistent comparison.
Read the guideEngines · 2 MIN READ
Building a marine diesel maintenance record
Organise the information a service technician needs before the next appointment.
Read the guide
Engines · 2 MIN READ
Preparing a marine generator brief
Describe the electrical demand and installation constraints before selecting a generator.
Read the guideEngines · 2 MIN READ
Service access before an engine replacement
Include everyday inspection and future repair access in a repower assessment.
Read the guideEngines · 2 MIN READ
A repower handover checklist for owners
Know which documents, demonstrations and follow-up details to request.
Read the guide06 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗Electronics
Marine displays, sensors & communications
BUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
Pay for diagnosis or replace the electronics?
Compare a marine electronics assessment, repair proposal and replacement quote without paying twice for the same unresolved fault.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
AIS receiver or transceiver: understand the purchase
Compare receive-only AIS and transmitting systems, with antenna, display and commissioning questions for your installer.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
Building a refit budget with room for uncertainty
Separate known costs, allowances and optional upgrades before committing to a marine electronics project.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
One brand or mixed marine electronics: buying a compatible system
Compare a single-brand refit with retaining equipment from several makers, using a function-by-function compatibility schedule and realistic support costs.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Electronics · 3 MIN READ
Handheld or fixed VHF: choosing your radio setup
Compare a portable marine VHF with a fixed installation, including antenna arrangements, power, crew access and the functions to confirm.
Read the guideElectronics · 2 MIN READ
Planning a marine electronics network
Map the devices and information that need to work together aboard.
Read the guide
Electronics · 2 MIN READ
Choosing a marine VHF radio
Compare installation, access and support alongside the radio’s feature list.
Read the guide
Electronics · 2 MIN READ
Scoping a marine electronics refit
Build a practical project list with priorities, exclusions and acceptance checks.
Read the guideElectronics · 2 MIN READ
Planning marine electronics software updates
Prepare records and a recovery route before changing an onboard system.
Read the guide
Electronics · 2 MIN READ
Planning marine audio for a sailing boat
Choose listening zones and controls before selecting entertainment equipment.
Read the guideElectronics · 2 MIN READ
How to report an intermittent electronics fault
Collect observations that help an installer reproduce the problem.
Read the guideElectronics · 2 MIN READ
Writing a useful brief for a marine electronics installer
Turn a list of desired features into an installation conversation.
Read the guide07 / PRACTICAL EQUIPMENT GUIDES
Explore brands & products ↗Safety gear
Lifejackets, beacons & personal protection
BUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
Buying lifejacket spares: match the jacket and inflator
Build a clearly labelled order for lifejacket rearming kits and replacement accessories using model-specific instructions.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
First-season safety purchases: build a checked shopping list
Organise the safety equipment on a newly acquired boat before deciding what to retain, inspect or purchase.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
Manual bracket or float-free EPIRB: buying the complete package
Compare EPIRB mounting packages, Australian model references, registration and maintenance costs before selecting a vessel distress beacon.
Read the guideBUYING GUIDE · Safety gear · 3 MIN READ
170N or 275N lifejacket: questions to ask before buying
Compare lifejacket versions through fit, intended use, clothing, servicing and exact model documentation rather than choosing by buoyancy number alone.
Read the guide
Safety gear · 2 MIN READ
EPIRB, PLB and AIS: understanding the roles
Separate vessel beacons, personal beacons and local locating functions before comparing products.
Read the guide
Safety gear · 2 MIN READ
Choosing a lifejacket for sailing
Compare fit, intended use and service support with the exact model in front of you.
Read the guideSafety gear · 2 MIN READ
Organising lifejacket checks and servicing
Create a model-by-model record instead of assuming every jacket has the same requirements.
Read the guide
Safety gear · 2 MIN READ
Keeping beacon registration and service records
Organise ownership details, expiry information and official support links.
Read the guide
Safety gear · 2 MIN READ
Harnesses, tethers and the deck layout
Prepare a whole-system discussion about moving around the boat while attached.
Read the guideSafety gear · 2 MIN READ
Build a pre-season safety-equipment inventory
Bring equipment records, current requirements and service dates together.
Read the guideSafety gear · 2 MIN READ
Buying a boat with existing distress beacons
Check ownership records and service information before relying on inherited equipment.
Read the guide