When the boat is wrapped up for winter and the snow is falling, that’s when the ideas start flowing. I’ve spent decades in IT, helping companies digitize and disrupt, so of course I can’t help but look at my 1994 Monterey and think: how do I bring her into the digital age?
The first step was small but meaningful: streaming Spotify through the original analogue radio.
The Simple Solution
Instead of tearing apart the dash or rewiring the boat, I found a $25 gadget that plugs into the 12‑volt socket (what used to be the cigarette lighter). It’s a Bluetooth FM transmitter.
- Pair your phone to the transmitter.
- Tune the boat’s radio to an unused FM frequency.
- Match the transmitter to that frequency.
That’s it. Music plays through the old speakers, hands‑free calls work, and the USB ports even charge your phone. One tiny device turned my “lipstick boat” into a Spotify cruiser.
Know Your Load (The Easy Way)
Here’s the thing: even small gadgets use power. And when you start adding more tech — fish finders, chart-plotters, Wi‑Fi, lights — it adds up.
Think of your boat’s batteries like a water tank:
- Every device you run is like opening a tap.
- The more taps you open, the faster the tank drains.
- Unless you refill it (with the alternator, shore power, or solar), you’ll run dry.
That Bluetooth transmitter barely sips from the tank. But add a few screens, pumps, and chargers, and suddenly you’re draining fast. That’s why planning your power is just as important as planning your electronics.
The Bigger Picture
This little upgrade proved something important: I can bridge analogue and digital without losing the boat’s character. But it also raised the next challenge — power management. If I want to add networks, sensors, and automation, I’ll need to think about batteries, charging, and solar.
For now, though, I can sit back, turn the key, and let the music play my play list Yacht Rocks.