Electronics for Safety and Navigation

Marine Electronics for the Atlantic Dinghy Project

Introduction

One of the biggest jobs is the setting up and repeatedly testing the marine electronics setup I’ll require for safety and navigation on the open seas. Due to the nature of an open dinghy, this is a critical aspect of the Atlantic Dinghy Project. With no cabin to shield equipment from the elements, every piece of electronics must be rugged, reliable, and meticulously tested to withstand the North Atlantic’s harsh conditions—think pounding waves, relentless spray, and bitter cold. These systems are my lifeline, ensuring I can navigate accurately, avoid hazards, and stay safe during the 700-nautical-mile solo, non-stop crossing from Scotland to Iceland in August 2026. Getting this right means rigorous setup, constant checks, and backups for every critical function, including power management to keep everything running (Atlantic Dinghy Project).

Electronics Onboard

The following electronics are carefully selected to provide navigation, safety, and communication capabilities for the voyage. Each item is chosen for durability and functionality in an open boat environment.

Equipment	Purpose
Depth Sounder	Measures water depth to avoid shallow areas and hazards.
AIS (Automatic Identification System)	Tracks nearby vessels and broadcasts my position to avoid collisions.
Navigation Lights	Ensures visibility to other vessels during low-light or night conditions.
Deck Light (White/Red)	Illuminates the deck for nighttime tasks, with red option to preserve night vision.
GPS Plotter	Provides real-time positioning and route planning for accurate navigation.
Wind Speed/Direction (with Alarm)	Monitors wind conditions, with alerts for sudden changes to ensure timely adjustments.
Compass (Electronic and Magnetic)	Provides reliable heading; magnetic compass tested for deviation once boat is loaded.
GPS (High-Quality Handheld Backup)	Serves as a redundant navigation tool in case of primary GPS failure.
2 x Samsung Tablets with Navionics	Runs navigation software for charting and route tracking, with one as backup.
2 x Mobile Phones	Provides additional communication and navigation options, with one as backup.
Marine VHF Radio x 2	Enables short-range communication with nearby vessels and coastguard for safety and coordination.
1 x Satphone	Enables communication in remote areas beyond mobile or VHF range.
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)	Transmits a distress signal with GPS location to rescue authorities in emergencies.
Emergency Power Banks	Supplies backup power for critical electronics during power shortages.
Li-ion Battery x 2	Powers onboard electronics with high capacity and reliability.
Charge Controller	Regulates power from solar and wind chargers to prevent battery overcharge and optimize efficiency.
Inverter (DC to AC)	Converts battery power to AC for charging devices requiring standard outlets.
Battery Monitor	Displays real-time battery status to manage power usage and prevent outages.
Solar Panel	Charges the battery using solar energy for sustainable power.
Wind Charger	Generates additional power from wind, complementing the solar panel.

Importance of the Electronics Setup

In an open dinghy, there’s no margin for error. The electronics setup is my eyes, ears, and voice on the water. The AIS and navigation lights keep me visible to larger ships, critical in the busy shipping lanes I’ll cross. The GPS plotter, backed by Navionics on tablets and a handheld GPS, ensures I stay on course, even in fog or storms. The depth sounder helps me avoid underwater hazards, while the wind speed/direction monitor with its alarm lets me react to sudden weather changes—vital when I’m alone and sleep is a luxury. The compasses, both electronic and magnetic, are my fail-safes for navigation if electronics fail, and I’ll test the magnetic one for deviation once the boat’s loaded to account for metal gear. Communication is critical: the marine VHF radio lets me talk to nearby vessels and the coastguard for safety and coordination, while the satphone connects me to the outside world when I’m beyond mobile or VHF range, with mobiles as backup. In a dire emergency, the EPIRB sends a distress signal to rescuers, giving me a lifeline if things go wrong. Powering all this is the Li-ion battery, managed by the charge controller to maximise solar and wind input, with emergency power banks as a last resort. The inverter lets me charge devices needing AC power, while the battery monitor keeps me informed of power levels, so I never run dry. Every piece is waterproofed, secured, and tested repeatedly to ensure it won’t let me down when I’m 700 miles from help. This setup isn’t just equipment—it’s what keeps me safe and on track to realise this dream (Atlantic Dinghy Project).

Testing and Preparation

Setting up the electronics is only half the battle—testing is where the real work happens. Starting in August 2025, I’ll integrate these systems into my Wayfarer dinghy and test them on Loch Venachar under all conditions: rain, wind, and cold. I’ll simulate failures, like a dead battery, GPS outage, or inverter fault, to practice using backups. The battery monitor will help me track power usage during tests, while the charge controller ensures stable charging from solar and wind sources. The magnetic compass will be checked for deviation once all gear is aboard, as metal objects can skew readings. I’ll also train with the EPIRB, satphone, VHF radio, and AIS to ensure I can operate them under stress. Every test is a chance to refine the setup, making sure it’s bulletproof by August 2026. This preparation is part of my broader training programme, ensuring I’m as ready as the boat for the North Atlantic’s challenges (Training Programme).

Conclusion

The marine electronics setup for the Atlantic Dinghy Project is the backbone of my safety and navigation strategy. From the AIS keeping me visible to the GPS guiding my path, the VHF radio ensuring communication, and the EPIRB and satphone linking me to help. These tools are critical for a solo, non-stop crossing of 700 nautical miles. With the charge controller, inverter, and battery monitor managing power, I’m prepared for the voyage. Through careful selection, rigorous testing, and robust redundant systems, I’m building a setup that can handle the North Atlantic’s worst. This isn’t just about gear—it’s about trust in the systems that will carry me from Scotland to Iceland, pushing the limits of open boat voyaging and realising a lifelong dream.