Somebody tell me, is it just me but “has the boating industry as a whole gone overboard with their product pricing”? When I was part of the “work force”, one of my last assignments as a Computer/Communications Specialist was working in (what was called) the Advanced Technology Branch. Amoung other things, I researched computer software and electronic equipment by attending trade shows across the country for my employer (who shall remain nameless). I searched for new “stuff” available both on and off the market and looked for applications where they could be used. Some were purchased and put into use as recommended. A great job for somebody like me who loves to play with new “toys”! With that in mind, I’ve noticed how the cost of new marine electronics have gone through the roof. On a broader scale, it seems like everything having the word “MARINE” associated with it has taken the same course. In a conversation with a neighbor of mine who is a private airplane pilot and owns her own small airplane, she says they are witness to the same phenomenon (NOTE: Airplanes use similar communication and navigational devices as boaters). I know it takes a fair amount of research and development to bring a new product or feature into the marketplace but the costs we’re being asked to cover has made “up-grading” a thing of the past. Case in point, some of the newer features associated with VHS Radios or GPS/Chartplotters have gone from “required” to “who cares”! Many of us simply want to know where we are on the water (or in the air if you’re flying) and be able to call for help if needed. The thought of everything at your helm “talking to each other” can be scary. If there’s one weak link in the system, can you trust the sum of all the parts? I guess if you have money to burn (and maybe there are folks who do), it really doesn’t matter how much it all costs. But for most of use who are trying to hang in there, give us a better and more affordable choice. Give me a big and clear color display screen with up-to-date cartography . . . pure and simple! Have you priced the new GPS units lately?? And for anything under $1k, you almost need a magnifying glass to see the display! The marine (and aviation) electronics manufacturers need to get back to basics and rethink what their customers really need and have it respectably priced. And we can’t just single out the electronics industry for over pricing so called “marine grade” products. Yeah, I know some products do have enhanced engineering involved due to use in confined spaces aboard boats . .. but not everything! What are your thoughts?
If it does, it’s too deep for a dummie like me to understand!