How much do you spend on electronics and what did you get?

[Ken Cross]

On our Mac26D

Ours came with a tiller pilot and I purchased one for our present boat because of that experience.

A fish finder for depth provides an interesting perspective even if you don't fish. I mounted the transducer in the lazerette so there are no exposed parts to snag on whatever. Just get a wad of wax (cheap toilet ring) and stick it down to shoot through the hull.

Hand held VHF so it's available where you are.
Hand Held GPS with charts installed will also provide poor man's knotmeter functions.

Now everything is easily removable should you want to take it with you when you eventually change boats.

We had our Mac for 9 years, but eventually wanted a bigger boat and the trailer was shot.

 

[thinwater]

Navionics. I had stability problems on my tablet when I used the Google Earth for shore details. I talked with the tech support, reloaded, and stopped using the overlay; I just use Google Earth separately, if there is something I want to see.

I have noticed a few depth errors, but only in 2 very out-of-the-way coves.

I like it.

VHS. Gotta have it if there are draw bridges.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

CB,

You need just enough instruments for the type of sailing you want to do. No less, no more. Do you need top-of-the-line equipment, I think knot.

Having a 26 footer you just have to remember, that being a smaller boat, the equipment may take up more room. If you have wheel steering, there are ways to mount these on your binnacle. Tiller steering on the other hand will be different.

Some folks mount instruments in the cabin or on swing-out brackets around the companionway opening, others mount all over the cockpit. I like my instruments readable/adjustable from behind & in front of the wheel & they swivel.

I have my chartplotter, & fishfinder mounted on a top shelf & my "Otto"-pilot on the side of my binnacle. I for one do NOT leave my instruments in the cockpit when not there. I put in quick disconnect plugs that afford security & a longer life from the elements. My instruments do not impede my cockpit room.

Away from the dock, you will be spending most of your time in the cockpit so location is important, easy to read, adjust & not in the way. So if wanting to do some real cruising, you should have an autopilot installed first. A fishfinder is much betted than a depth sounder for showing bottom & Then finish it off with a chartplotter. I personally don't like the handheld GPS units for a boat. Why have a small screen (having to hold steady) to read in areas where you NEED a larger screen fix mounted & able to swivel.

I'm on my second generation of affordable Garmin GPS & bottom finder. My Autohelm autopilot I installed in 1991 & it's still going strong. I only need to change belts every 5 years or so. I do take the controller home with me though.

A "good" wheel autopilot could run close to $2,000.00. Both Garmin units could run about $1,000.00+/- total. But you can also find good deals out there.

CR

 

[rbyham]

I haven't pulled paper charts out since simply getting MXMariner on my android cellphone. Pay a few bucks for the pro version, add a free app for tide if ya need it, then grab a free app for anchor watching and then one more for wind/weather prediction and you have a ton of electronics in your phone for like $20... to say nothing of a camera, and video cam...

 

[Doc_holiday]

I have paper charts abut don't often use them unless I need to plot a course or lose electrical.

Something like a garman 441 is relatively cheap and has the fish finder. It's small and I made a swing mount for mine. You will need a transducer.

I wouldn't depend on phone apps as they eat your battery up quickly unless your powered. I know an iPhone will get hot too.

A handheld radio suffices unless you are going way off shore. I have a roller pilot which makes single handing easier (holds boat into wind while hoisting).

 

[rgranger]

Re: How much do you spend on electronics and what did you ge

I keep paper charts on board, I have a VHF that I enjoy listening too... but what I use the most is a hand held (very old) magellen GPS that I got on eBay for $15.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Re: How much do you spend on electronics and what did you ge

If I remember correctly, CharityBull was asking about electronics & what electronics he was going to need to do some serious sailing. OK, what electronics would I need? It depends on what & where you wish to sail.

If you sail lakes & rivers, I have to assume a handheld GPS may be fine most times.
But, if you find yourself in the big UGLY(maybe offshore), a handheld may not be the best choice to use under these conditions.

That was why I noted the differences in my earlier post. Simply, just different needs for different styles/areas of sailing. What works for some, may not work for the many. How & where you want to sail will become your common denominator for the electronics you pick.

Choices are personal however, experience & proper equipment can get you thru it.

CR

 

[bletso]

That's an easy one. We spend too much and get too little!!!

 

[sesmith]

I haven't pulled paper charts out since simply getting MXMariner on my android cellphone. Pay a few bucks for the pro version, add a free app for tide if ya need it, then grab a free app for anchor watching and then one more for wind/weather prediction and you have a ton of electronics in your phone for like $20... to say nothing of a camera, and video cam...

Until you accidentally go swimming with the thing, not that I've ever done that

Redundancy can be a good thing with electronics.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Re: How much do you spend on electronics and what did you ge

Redundancy really?

Where did this come into play?

CR