Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying marine electronics, shipping, compatibility, and getting the most out of your gear. Can’t find your answer? Contact our team — we’re anglers and boaters too.
Ordering & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and Shop Pay. All transactions are processed over encrypted SSL connections. We never store your full card number.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Orders can be modified or cancelled within 1 hour of placement — before our warehouse processes them for same-day shipping. Contact us immediately at contact@promarineelectronics.com with your order number. Once an order has shipped, it must go through our standard return process.
Do you offer financing or buy-now-pay-later options?
Yes. Shop Pay Installments lets you split purchases into 4 interest-free payments. Available at checkout on qualifying orders over $50. Larger purchases may qualify for longer-term financing through Shop Pay — rates and terms displayed at checkout.
Is your site secure for online payments?
Absolutely. ProMarineElectronics.com uses 256-bit SSL encryption on all pages. We are PCI-DSS compliant, meaning your payment data is handled to the highest industry security standards. You’ll see the padlock icon in your browser address bar on every page of checkout.
Shipping & Delivery
How fast will my order ship?
Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST Monday–Friday ship the same business day. Orders placed after 2:00 PM or on weekends ship the next business day. You’ll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order leaves our warehouse.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free standard shipping on all orders over $99 to the contiguous 48 US states. Orders under $99 ship for a flat $8.99. Expedited shipping (2-day and overnight) is available at checkout for an additional charge. Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories may have different rates.
Do you ship internationally?
We ship to Canada, the UK, Australia, and select international destinations. International shipping rates and estimated delivery times are calculated at checkout. Customers outside the US are responsible for any applicable customs duties, import taxes, or brokerage fees charged by their country.
My tracking shows “delivered” but I haven’t received my package. What do I do?
First, check with neighbors and your building’s mail room or front desk — carriers sometimes leave packages in alternative locations. If you still can’t locate the package 24 hours after the “delivered” scan, contact us and we’ll open a carrier investigation. Most lost-after-delivery cases are resolved within 3–5 business days.
Returns & Warranty
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery on unused, uninstalled products in original packaging. To start a return, email contact@promarineelectronics.com with your order number and reason for return. Once approved, we’ll email you a prepaid return shipping label. Refunds are processed within 5 business days of receiving the returned item.
Can I return a product I’ve already installed or used on the water?
Installed or used products are not eligible for standard returns. However, if the product is defective or not performing as described, it may be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Contact us and we’ll help you navigate the warranty claim process with the manufacturer (Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, etc.).
What warranty do your products carry?
All products sold by Pro Marine Electronics carry the full manufacturer’s warranty. Typical warranty periods are:
- Garmin: 1-year limited warranty on fish finders and chartplotters
- Humminbird: 1-year limited warranty on all sonar products
- Lowrance: 1-year limited warranty
- Minn Kota: 2-year limited warranty on trolling motors
- Power-Pole: 3-year limited warranty
- Standard Horizon / Garmin VHF: 1–3 years depending on model
As an authorized dealer, we can assist with warranty service on any product purchased from us. We’ll liaise with the manufacturer on your behalf — you don’t need to navigate that process alone.
My product arrived damaged. What should I do?
Document the damage with photos (both the product and the packaging) and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Do not discard the packaging — carriers require it for damage claims. We’ll arrange a replacement shipment or full refund immediately and handle the carrier claim on our end at no cost to you.
Product & Compatibility Questions
Will this fish finder / chartplotter work on my boat?
Most fish finders and chartplotters are universal — they mount via RAM mount, gimbal bracket, or flush mount and power from any 12V DC source. What matters is choosing the right transducer for your hull type (transom mount, thru-hull, or trolling motor mount) and the right screen size for your helm layout. If you’re unsure, contact us with your boat make, model, and year and we’ll recommend the right setup.
What’s the difference between CHIRP sonar, Down Imaging, and Side Imaging?
CHIRP sonar is traditional 2D sonar that shows depth, fish arches, and bottom composition in a scrolling display. It’s the baseline on every unit. Down Imaging (DI) uses a narrow, high-frequency beam aimed straight down to produce photo-like images of structure directly below the boat — great for seeing exactly what you’re fishing over. Side Imaging (SI) uses thin sonar beams angled to each side of the boat, covering up to 400 feet of bottom to each side — invaluable for quickly scanning large areas of water to find structure, cover, and fish before you position over them.
What is live sonar / forward-facing sonar and do I need it?
Live sonar (Garmin LiveScope, Humminbird MEGA Live, Lowrance ActiveTarget 2) shows you real-time, video-like sonar images of fish and structure — you can watch individual fish respond to your lure in real time. It’s a significant competitive advantage in tournament bass fishing and has rapidly become standard equipment for serious anglers. If you fish competitively, target pressured fish, or simply want to understand exactly what’s happening under the water at all times, live sonar is worth the investment.
Can I add a second screen / network multiple units together?
Yes. Most modern fish finders and chartplotters support networking via Ethernet (Garmin Marine Network, Humminbird Ethernet, Lowrance Ethernet) or NMEA 2000. This allows you to share sonar data, GPS position, and chart information across multiple screens on the same boat. For example, a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 at the console can share LiveScope data with a second Garmin unit at the bow. Contact us to plan a multi-unit network for your specific helm setup.
Does a VHF marine radio need to be registered?
Yes. Fixed-mount VHF radios must be registered with the FCC to obtain an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number, which is required for DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress features to function. US recreational boaters can obtain a free MMSI number through BoatUS, Sea Tow, or directly from the FCC. Handheld VHF radios operating on US inland waters typically don’t require FCC licensing for US-citizen recreational boaters, but a ship station license is required if you operate internationally.
What size trolling motor do I need for my boat?
The general rule is 2 lbs of thrust per 100 lbs of total boat weight (including passengers, gear, and fuel). For example, a 2,000 lb loaded bass boat needs a minimum 40 lb thrust motor, though most tournament anglers opt for 80–112 lbs for maintaining position in wind and current. For saltwater or larger vessels, go higher. Also consider shaft length: the motor head should be submerged 12″ below the waterline at the bow — measure from the mount point to the waterline and add 12″ to get the minimum shaft length you need.
About Pro Marine Electronics
Are you an authorized dealer?
Yes. Pro Marine Electronics is an authorized dealer for all brands we carry, including Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, Simrad, Minn Kota, Power-Pole, Standard Horizon, Raymarine, and more. Buying from an authorized dealer means your product’s full manufacturer’s warranty is valid and enforceable — grey market or unauthorized dealer purchases often void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I call or chat with someone before buying?
Absolutely. Our team is made up of actual anglers and boaters — we use the gear we sell. Reach us via the contact form or email contact@promarineelectronics.com. We respond to all inquiries within 1 business hour during operating hours (Mon–Sat, 8AM–6PM EST). No bots, no scripts — just real answers from people who know the gear.
Do you price match?
Yes — we’ll match any authorized dealer’s advertised price on the same in-stock product. Send us a link to the competitor’s listing and we’ll verify eligibility. Price matching does not apply to marketplace sellers (Amazon third-party, eBay), clearance/closeout pricing, or bundle deals. Contact us before completing your purchase to request a price match.
Do you install marine electronics?
We are an online retailer and do not provide in-person installation services. However, we can recommend certified marine electronics installers in your area, and our team is available to answer technical installation questions before and after your purchase. Many of our products include detailed installation guides, and we’re happy to walk through wiring diagrams, transducer placement, and network setup over email.
Still have questions? Get in touch with our team — we typically respond within 1 business hour.