Navigation

Marine Navigation: Know Where You Are, Know Where You're Going

Whether you're cruising coastal waters, fishing offshore, or navigating inland lakes and rivers, reliable marine navigation equipment is the foundation of every safe voyage. From traditional magnetic compasses to digital chartplotters and detailed electronic charts, the right navigation tools keep you oriented, aware of your surroundings, and prepared for the unexpected. This category covers the full spectrum of marine navigation gear—from the timeless to the cutting-edge.

Why Marine Navigation Equipment Matters

The open water presents unique challenges that land-based travel simply doesn't. Landmarks disappear, weather changes rapidly, and the consequences of getting lost or running aground can be severe. A well-equipped navigator relies on layered tools: a paper or digital chart to understand the waterway, a compass to maintain heading, and electronic instruments to provide real-time positional data. No single tool replaces the others—the best mariners use them in combination. Even in the age of GPS, a well-calibrated magnetic compass remains critical as a backup when electronics fail.

Top Navigation Subcategories

Explore our full selection of marine navigation products organized by type:

• Charts and Maps — Detailed nautical charts for coastal, offshore, and inland waters, available as digital card-based products and traditional paper formats. Essential for route planning, understanding bottom contours, and identifying hazards.
• Navigation Parts & Accessories — Mounting hardware, compass compensators, chart holders, protective covers, and other supporting gear that keeps your navigation suite in top working order.
• Compasses — Magnetic binnacle and bracket-mount compasses for vessels of all sizes. A reliable compass requires no power, no satellite signal, and no internet connection—making it the ultimate failsafe on board.
• Log Books & Reference Books — Voyage logs, tide tables, and piloting references that complement electronic tools and satisfy regulatory record-keeping requirements.
• Hand Bearing Compasses — Portable, handheld compasses for taking quick bearings on landmarks, buoys, and other vessels to plot a precise position without relying on fixed instrumentation.

Leading Navigation Brands

Navionics is one of the most recognized names in digital marine cartography. Founded in 1984, Navionics introduced the world's first marine electronic chart plotter , and today provides a wide range of digital marine charts, including Navionics+, which integrates detailed cartography for coastal, inland, and offshore waters.

Ritchie Navigation has been building compasses since the mid-19th century. Founded in 1850 by Edward S. Ritchie, Ritchie Navigation has been at the forefront of marine compass technology for over 170 years—developing the first U.S. manufactured marine compass using a revolutionary liquid-filled design. Today, still privately held by the Sherman Family in Pembroke, MA, Ritchie Navigation continues to be the marine industry leader in the manufacture of recreational and commercial magnetic compasses.

Furuno is a Japanese marine electronics powerhouse with a legacy stretching back to 1948. For decades, Furuno has been building an excellent reputation as a manufacturer of innovative marine electronics in the areas of nautical navigation and communications in commercial shipping, fishing, marine research, and watersports. Furuno has demonstrated this with numerous awards received from the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA).

Davis Instruments is a trusted name in practical, affordable marine navigation tools and accessories, offering everything from hand bearing compasses and sextants to chart instruments and plotting tools favored by both novice sailors and seasoned offshore voyagers.

Raymarine is a global leader in marine electronics, known for their multifunction displays, chartplotters, and autopilot systems that integrate seamlessly with leading chart providers to deliver a complete, connected navigation experience for recreational and performance boaters alike.

Choosing the Right Navigation Gear

When building out your vessel's navigation system, consider the type of boating you do most. Coastal cruisers and offshore anglers benefit greatly from detailed, regularly updated electronic charts and a full-featured chartplotter. Day sailors and powerboaters on familiar waters may prioritize a high-quality mounted compass and a reliable set of paper charts as backup. Whatever your needs, the best navigation setup combines redundancy with ease of use—so you can focus on the water ahead, not the instruments in front of you.