DIGITAL SWITCHING
How networked control and monitoring systems make for easier boating.
One look at the helm of a modern powerboat and it’s obvious digital switching is rapidly becoming the industry standard. Traditional analog gauge arrays and the rows of toggle, push-button or rocker switches that once dominated dash real estate are fewer and farther between.
Increasingly in their place are intuitive touchscreen displays that streamline dash layouts, and combine multiple functions and indicators into one central location.
While this rise of the machines is liable to give old-timers pause, it’s not exactly unproven new technology. Digital switching has actually been common in the automotive industry for decades. Its move into the boating market has been made possible by the adoption of NMEA 2000 (often pronounced “nee-ma”), a plug-andplay communications standard created by the National Marine Electronics Association. In simple terms, digital switching replaces mechanical circuit breakers and switches with a networked control and monitoring system operating on a NMEA 2000 backbone capable of carrying both data and power. Large, expensive switch panels are replaced by compact, durable digital control modules, each of which can support multiple circuits and be customized to the needs of the equipment requiring control. Modules communicate with each other over the NMEA network, meaning communication is possible with other digital control modules and multifunction displays, even if they come from different manufacturers.
Arguably the greatest practical benefit for the end user is ease of use. Controls are typically clustered into commontheme screens. For example, engine-monitoring data is typically grouped together into one complete, easy-toread page. Individual pages can also contain touchscreen icon buttons for the many
switches—blower, bilge, navigation lights, interior lights—that normally clutter the dash, and even provide control over the sound system. Pages can also be split, taking advantage of the screen space; for example, to combine navigation data on one side, with speed, depth and engine monitoring on the other. Additional information about any one piece of data can also often be accessed by “drilling down” through successive pages.
There’s also the potential to have one visual button combine multiple actions to fit various scenarios. During a test of a Harris Crowne pontoon, we noted a Night Cruise button. With a tap of the icon, navigation, anchor and interior lights were simultaneously turned on, but exterior lighting doused. In a similar Docking setting, interior lights were turned off to improve the captain’s visibility, but docking lights were illuminated, as well as navigation and
anchor lights. Settings simplify a captain’s actions by reducing the flicking of multiple separate switches, but they also act as a backup, keeping a boater safe and in compliance with various laws.
Harris also used customer feedback to program certain actions or scenarios, even into physical buttons. After customers related young children sitting on a parent’s lap at the helm could activate the switch to lower the Crowne’s power arch,
Harris programmed in a several-second delay, preventing the tower from suddenly beginning to drop onto crew should a child inadvertently hit the switch. The ability to easily add new features also promises intriguing possibilities. For example, a sensor on the stern ladder could prevent the engine from
starting, should it note the ladder has been left in the down position.
Though digital switching is often thought of as a benefit to the boater using it, there are also numerous practical benefits for the builder. As physical cabling and wiring are greatly reduced, both equipment cost, and installation time and labor are also reduced, often substantially. Consider the common helm console. Previously riddled with the multiple holes required for numerous switches and breakers, it can now be prepped with just a few. The result is a streamlined construction process, and also cleaner, simpler helm layouts. Behind the dash, the massive jumble of wiring boaters have become accustomed to is replaced with a clean, uncomplicated layout that is also much quicker to install, as well as simpler for the owner or technician to visually navigate or troubleshoot.
And though just the mention of the word digital in a watery environment may raise concerns, reliability is actually increased. Corrosion-prone wire connections and mechanical switches are eliminated. When any feature is turned on, current draw and voltage levels are also continually monitored, allowing the system to shut down any faults before they could even trip a breaker. And like your car, a dealer technician can also plug into the system to troubleshoot problems.