THE complex world of marine electronics is becoming more perplexing and advanced by the day.

It has become commonplace to see boats loaded with the latest electronic componentry in the hope of increasing their catch and maintaining the highest level of safety.

Most boats have at least one depth sounder utilising sonar technology.

These days many of these units incorporate down imaging, side imaging and Global Positioning System facilities to enhance images of what's happening below and around the vessel as well as positioning accuracy.

The latest Humminbird units are of exceptional value and quality and deliver unprecedented detail of the water column, bottom structure and, of course, fish. Side imaging allows the operator to see what is present and what structure exists to the left and right of their vessel.

This is invaluable information and can assist to determine what fish might be lurking in or under bank side snags. The image returned to the screen is the result of high frequency sound waves and the latest models can deliver excellent imagery up to depths of 45m and out to 75m to the left and right of the vessel.

Down imaging viewed on a split screen with side imaging will offer the user unparalleled accuracy and the clearest view of what might be loitering below.

There are all sorts of optional extras with these units, such as 360-degree imaging, CHIRP radar, Minn Kota connectivity or chart creation.

Electric trolling motors have been around for many years. However, they have really gone to the next level in recent times.

These days you can use your electric motor as an anchor. Using GPS technology, the motor will keep the boat on selected coordinates regardless of wind and current.

Humminbird and Minn Kota (a US company and world leader in manufacturing and developing electric motors) have connectivity via I-Pilot Link and the results are startling. Should you spot something of interest on your sounder, perhaps in side imaging mode, you can tell your motor to take you to that spot and hold you there - all via the sounder unit.

There are even electric motors that self-deploy and self-stow at the end of the session, making for effortless fishing and enhances the overall experience.

Marine radio technology also has advanced in leaps and bounds in recent times.

For example, there are units available right now that can make and receive phone calls and replay a transmission that you might want to listen to again.

Range and clarity are always on the improve and these days hand-held units are becoming more popular and versatile. Obviously the big advantage is that they can easily be transported from boat to boat.

Some hand-held units float, can survive being submerged and some will even illuminate if dropped overboard at night, greatly assisting with locating and recovering the drifting radio.

Drop in to Davo's Boating and Outdoors in the Noosa Home Maker Centre for your marine electronic requirements.