Kitting out a new (or new-to-you) boat with electronics from scratch is genuinely overwhelming — there are a dozen categories to consider and it’s easy to overspend on one thing while missing something essential. Here’s a sensible order of priority and what to budget for each category.
1. Chartplotter
Your primary navigation display is the foundation everything else connects to. See our full chartplotter buying guide for options across every budget, or our breakdowns of units under £500 and under £1,000.
2. VHF Radio
Non-negotiable safety kit for anything beyond very sheltered water. See our VHF radio guide for fixed vs handheld advice — most boats benefit from both.
3. Battery and Charging
Every other piece of electronics depends on a properly sized, properly charged battery system. Start with our marine battery guide and pair your battery with a smart charger — see our charger recommendations.
4. Fish Finder / Sonar
If fishing is part of why you’re on the water, sonar is where a genuine budget decision needs to happen. Our fish finder guide covers everything from entry-level to flagship, and our live sonar comparison covers the newest forward-facing systems if budget allows.
5. Trolling Motor (If Fishing)
For anglers, a trolling motor is arguably as important as the chartplotter. See our trolling motor buying guide and pair it with the right battery from our trolling motor battery guide.
6. Anchoring
Don’t overlook anchoring gear when budgeting a new boat — see our anchor guide for traditional and shallow water options.
7. Safety Equipment
Round out the package with a PFD for every person aboard (see our PFD guide) and, for offshore trips, a PLB (see our personal locator beacon guide).
Suggested Budget Order
- Safety essentials (PFDs, VHF, PLB if going offshore) — non-negotiable regardless of remaining budget.
- Battery and charging system — everything else depends on it working properly.
- Chartplotter — your primary navigation and information hub.
- Fish finder / sonar, if fishing is a priority.
- Trolling motor, anchor and accessories — build out from here as budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a full electronics package?
It varies enormously by boat size and ambition — a modest small-boat setup (chartplotter, VHF, battery) can be done for under £1,500, while a full tournament-ready angling setup with live sonar and a premium trolling motor can run well into five figures.
Should I stick to one brand?
Not essential for every category, but chartplotter, sonar and live sonar systems generally need to be the same brand to network together — see our brand comparison guides for details.
Can I add electronics gradually rather than all at once?
Yes, and it’s often the sensible approach — start with safety and navigation essentials, then add fishing-specific electronics as budget allows.
Planning a full electronics fit-out for a new boat? Our UK-based team can help you plan and budget the whole package — browse the full range in our online shop or get in touch.