When it comes to boat accessories and tech, the rules can be different. For instance, out on the sea, phones aren’t much of use. In fact, there are devices that are traditionally used on boats to be able to communicate with your crew when you’re out and about on the water. They’re called marine Bluetooth radios.

Bluetooth marine radios work by transmitting sound electronically through the air. They’re a lot similar to your typical VHF radios, but they’re meant for boats. While there are a lot of differences, they both do the same basic thing. They allow you to communicate with other people or stations through radio frequencies.

If you’re going on a long boat ride or you are just curious and want to know about the use of the various marine Bluetooth radios, stick around and read on.

How Exactly Do Marine Radios Work?

Marine bluetooth radios work in a similar way to your cell phone. They send and receive signals via a radio antenna which allows you to communicate with other boats using the same channel or frequency. The difference between your cell phone and marine radio is that your phone uses a land-based cell tower to transmit those signals, while marine radios use repeaters located on land and offshore to relay messages from one vessel to another over long distances. This makes cellular connections unreliable at sea, which is why every boat needs to be equipped with at least one properly functioning marine radio.

VHF marine band frequencies are in the 156 to 174 megahertz range. This is an internationally recognized frequency band for marine use. It’s also used for ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and coast guard communications, as well as certain types of commercial communications.

Two kinds of communication channels exist:

• Simplex is one-way communication. For example, channel 16 is reserved for emergency communication only, so only one person can talk at a time on that channel. Getting help through a mayday call is an example of simple communication.
• Duplex communication means you can transmit and receive on the same channel simultaneously — like a two-way conversation. All channels below channel 13 are duplex channels while all channels above 13 are simplex channels except for 67 and 68, which are duplex channels reserved for digital selective calling (DSC)

Marine Radios Are an Essential Piece of Equipment for Boating

Since boats are often far from dry land, it is important to have the ability to communicate if something goes wrong. Marine radios allow users to call for help if needed due to an emergency or if there is some other type of problem on the boat. For example, if an engine fails or there is a leak in the boat and it is taking on water, marine radios can be used to call for assistance.

In addition to being an emergency device, marine radios can also be used to communicate with other boats in the area or with shore control centres and other establishments that are near water where boats go. This allows people to coordinate with others when they are out on a boat. It also provides a way to monitor weather conditions and hear any warnings that may affect boaters in the area.

They Have Superior Audio Quality

Marine radios have superior audio quality, allowing you to hear transmissions over the noise of the engine, wind, and waves. Even if you have a strong cellular signal in your area, you can still experience choppy connections and muffled audio. With a marine stereo bluetooth receiver, you can expect crystal-clear sound at all times.

Marine Bluetooth Radios Are Compact And Easy To Install

Compact, easy to install, and powerful, marine stereo receivers have a built-in amplifier and Bluetooth connection, and they don’t require a lot of wiring or professional installation knowledge. Marine Bluetooth speakers are designed to resist the elements and perform in the harshest environments, built to withstand the salt, fog and UV rays of the marine environment. However, one thing to make sure they stay intact and last longer is to pick the right batteries.

Remote Control and App Integration

Many marine stereos with Bluetooth also feature remote control and app integration. You can buy a separate wireless remote for some models, but many of these units come with a wired remote included as part of the installation kit, or they’re compatible with remotes made by the same manufacturer, so you can easily add more remotes around your boat if you like.

Some marine stereos even have apps (for both Android and Apple iOS) that allow you to control them from your phone or tablet. This adds a layer of convenience and ease — especially if you have multiple users on your boat — that was not previously possible with standard wired remotes, which are often limited in number and often mounted in hard-to-reach locations.

As you can see, there are several reasons that Bluetooth radios for boats can help better connect you to the hobby and lifestyle you love. These devices are affordable, easy to install, and easy to use—and they offer a whole host of benefits. If you’re looking for clearer communication between your fellow boaters a marine radio is bound to have everything you need.