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

[Jackdaw]

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

King's list is very good.

I'd suggest that you not buy anything expensive and permanent until your skill and knowledge get to the point where you KNOW what YOU need. Start with simple basics and built. Asking others what works for them them on their boats in their location and conditions on their budgets does not make a lot of sense.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I find it sad that nowadays sailors don't want to leave the dock without a boatload of electronics. I have traveled the B.C. coast for months with only compass, charts, and pilot book.

I would look at the above as a minimum with the addition of a handheld vhf. If you want to spend money get a chartplotter/fishfinder combo. That will give you depth as well as electronic charting.

In my opinion you can learn to navigate or look at a screen. Best to learn to navigate first and add the optional items later.

Ditto. I traversed up and down the SW coast of Florida [Dunedin to Naples] for a decade in my Pearson 30 using compass, charts, and binoculars. It's true, however, that the boat had a VHF radio and depth finder already installed as well. But no radar, GPS, Loran C, or other electronic tools, etc. In FL where there is a lot of shallow water around a depth finder is handy on a boat with a 5-ft draft and fixed keel but not essential. Besides receiving weather reports (important), the VHF was used chiefly to talk to bridge tenders at passes in and out of the ICW and along it, to marina dockmasters, and to companion boats, if any, sailing with us. This was mostly prior to the common use of cell phones.

 

[Charitybull]

I really like KG's list... couple that with a good all around instructional book, such as John Rousmanier's The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, which will teach you to effectively use the tools mentioned allowing you to literally go anywhere.

I would also add a good quality magnetic compass, such as the Plastimo Contest.

If you sail in an area with good cell service, get an AIS app... cheap and very cool. Later, on you might want to equip your boat with a stand alone unit...

Definitely one of my Favorite books!!!

 

[Charitybull]

Need? Compass, a set of charts, and a radio. We were out on Ontario with one of our previous boats minus the radio (when I was in my 20's and stupid, and the weather turned crappy). Not recommended. If I had a radio that day, I might have listened to the weather channel, and not been out on the lake in the first place. These days, we have a radio on the boat and a hand-held backup.

Our current boat has a chartplotter. Now I think that's indispensable. I also use my 7" tablet with Navionics on it, as a backup, and for planning. Also indispensable. I still carry a chart book of the area we're in. Some of the new radios have AIS built in. That could be useful on Ontario. We also have a wheel pilot. It came with the boat. I never would have bought one. The wheel pilot broke, for good, a couple of weeks ago. Now it's indispensable. I just ordered a replacement. FWIW, Defender has the newest Raymarine unit on sale right now.

So, the bottom line is what you don't have, you may not miss, but there's a lot of cool stuff out there that can be helpful. Most of it isn't necessary, though, for where you are cruising. You also don't need to spend a fortune for some of these things. Handheld gps, or maybe a Navionics program on a tablet you already have, cheap fishfinder for depth, cruising guide and chartbook for the area you're cruising, compass, handheld radio, etc. You can make a set of telltales for the shrouds using yarn or tape from an old cassette. If your boat has a tiller, a Davis tiller tamer isn't the same thing as an autopilot, but it's the next best thing. You can start small and add things as you feel you need them.

I heard that Navionics has been having stability problems and it doesnt transfer to plotters correctly.. do you know anything about it?

 

[Charitybull]

Need? Compass, a set of charts, and a radio. We were out on Ontario with one of our previous boats minus the radio (when I was in my 20's and stupid, and the weather turned crappy). Not recommended. If I had a radio that day, I might have listened to the weather channel, and not been out on the lake in the first place. These days, we have a radio on the boat and a hand-held backup.

Our current boat has a chartplotter. Now I think that's indispensable. I also use my 7" tablet with Navionics on it, as a backup, and for planning. Also indispensable. I still carry a chart book of the area we're in. Some of the new radios have AIS built in. That could be useful on Ontario. We also have a wheel pilot. It came with the boat. I never would have bought one. The wheel pilot broke, for good, a couple of weeks ago. Now it's indispensable. I just ordered a replacement. FWIW, Defender has the newest Raymarine unit on sale right now.

So, the bottom line is what you don't have, you may not miss, but there's a lot of cool stuff out there that can be helpful. Most of it isn't necessary, though, for where you are cruising. You also don't need to spend a fortune for some of these things. Handheld gps, or maybe a Navionics program on a tablet you already have, cheap fishfinder for depth, cruising guide and chartbook for the area you're cruising, compass, handheld radio, etc. You can make a set of telltales for the shrouds using yarn or tape from an old cassette. If your boat has a tiller, a Davis tiller tamer isn't the same thing as an autopilot, but it's the next best thing. You can start small and add things as you feel you need them.

I heard that navionics has been having stability problems and it doesnt transfer to plotters correctly.. do you know anything about it?

 

[Charitybull]

It really depends on where you are and what you are doing I would suppose. We have sailed on inland lakes for several years before we got any electronics. We finally got a depth finder this year and had to add VHF because we entered US waters - otherwise we wouldn't have that. A compass and a map can go along way.

Now if you want to know what we want....everything.

GPS
Depth Finder
Chartplotter
VHF
SSB Radio
AM/FM Radio
Ham Radio
CB Radio
Big Screen TV - hell 2!!!
CD
DVD
8 Track
Record Player
Radar
Barometer
Thermometer
Wind Gauge
Blender
Microwave
Popcorn popper
Bilge pumps
Battery monitor
Shore Power
Air Conditioner
Hot Water

I'm sure I missed a million things.

Damn I miss my 8 track!!!!

 

[Charitybull]

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

I truly appreciate all the thoughtful comments, advice, and assistance. I have been sailing most of my life but as you all know that is no indication of skill or knowledge as sailing is a lifelong learning endeavor, and if there is one thing I have learned its.. know what you dont know and dont be afraid to ask. I only hope to be able to provide you all with similar help with your questions.

 

[Sumner]

..and maybe even a Florida Keys trip one day....

We cruised all over SW Florida and down to the keys with ....

... a handheld in the cockpit that was connected to the low amperage...

... computer below running SeaClear. The large screen...

... can also be rotated so that you can see it in the cockpit. This worked flawlessly and we never had a problem knowing where we were or finding our way through unmarked, narrow, shallow channels. The only thing I'm changing is moving to OpenCPN. OpenCPN and SeaClear are free and so are all of the NOAA charts.

You can quickly and easily set up a trip route and within seconds send it to the handheld in the cockpit via a serial cable and then use it to go from waypoint to waypoint.

We also have an inexpensive depth finder/chart plotter that has GPS and is connected to the radio with DSC so our position is noted at all times in case there was an emergency.

You can find more info on all of that here and you could replace the computer I made with an inexpensive netbook (I have a couple for backups along with a couple handhelds we picked up for around $50 each)...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor-navigation/Compter-Nav-index.html

Sumner

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links[/FONT]

 

[Charitybull]

We cruised all over SW Florida and down to the keys with ....

... a handheld in the cockpit that was connected to the low amperage...

... computer below running SeaClear. The large screen...

... can also be rotated so that you can see it in the cockpit. This worked flawlessly and we never had a problem knowing where we were or finding our way through unmarked, narrow, shallow channels. The only thing I'm changing is moving to OpenCPN. OpenCPN and SeaClear are free and so are all of the NOAA charts.

You can quickly and easily set up a trip route and within seconds send it to the handheld in the cockpit via a serial cable and then use it to go from waypoint to waypoint.

We also have an inexpensive depth finder/chart plotter that has GPS and is connected to the radio with DSC so our position is noted at all times in case there was an emergency.

You can find more info on all of that here and you could replace the computer I made with an inexpensive netbook (I have a couple for backups along with a couple handhelds we picked up for around $50 each)...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor-navigation/Compter-Nav-index.html

Sumner

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links[/FONT]

Great set up!! thanks so much for the pix too.

 

[seadaddler]

Boat stuff

I would recommend a good VHF and depth finder and if you have the $$$$$
a good chartplotter or good GPS or maybe IPAD or IPHONE with Navionics.
I sail in SWFl. and thing in Florida is all the shallow water and with my C-80
raymarine even though I have all the charts and guides like tons of them and hardly ever use them except planning long cruises but the chartplotter which
uses Navionics keeps me from running a ground most times,it show's me exactly
where I am and where the water get shallow around me and in Fl we don't have very deep water and if you are in 20' of water WoW that is very good.
As summer has shown you his setup which is very good and something in Cockpit
that is good in sun light would be good.
Lots of Ipad's and Iphone are taking over the big $$$$ stuff.
Nick

 

[sesmith]

I heard that navionics has been having stability problems and it doesnt transfer to plotters correctly.. do you know anything about it?

No. I've got it installed on my Nexus 7, and it's worked flawlessly on that. I did have issues with a previous 7" tablet (Archos). The Archos was early tablet vintage,and did not have a built-in gps chip, so I had the added issues of getting gps info over blue tooth. The Nexus 7 has been a major improvement.

As far as transferring gps routes and tracks, if I understand your question right, I do know there is a way to transfer the routes or tracks to a file that can be read by google earth. Not sure how to get the route into a plotter, or if that can be done.

 

[sesmith]

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

Also as far as depth sounder goes...

If you plan on cruising the thousand islands area anytime soon, you may want that sooner (even if it's only a cheap fish finder) than later. We did several trips up the river, as far as Messina NY, in a power boat we used to have. Even with charts, and being pretty vigilant, our fishfinder saved our lower unit more than once as the depth went to 2' in a hurry. And it's mostly all rock around there (at least, the shallow spots).

 

[thinwater]

I find it sad that nowadays sailors don't want to leave the dock without a boatload of electronics. I have traveled the B.C. coast for months with only compass, charts, and pilot book.

That. Most days I don't even turn my electronics on.

In rough order...
* VHS
* Compass. Also a handheld for shore bearings.
* Binoculars. Your eyes are the most important coast nav tool
* Lights
* A few paper maps. If the tablet (below) has a good set, limit these to large scale.
* Depth
* Either hand-held GPS or Tablet with GPS and Navionics. A smart phone can work, with the right app. Anything that will get lon/lat.

I did some 1000 miles trips, not too long ago, with only the first 5, though I was heavy on the maps.

 

[down_shift]

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

To the OP, if you have a smart phone, try installing the iSailor app and downloading your local chart(s). Total cost should be under $12.00. You will be impressed with its capabilities.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

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

mostly depends on where you sail.

I have a 26D, and it has bulkhead compass($120), hand held vhf ($125)-rarely used, handheld gps with charts (500) - *very valuable in the skinny keys waters/ 10k islands, depth finder ($100 lcd hummingbird fish finder), and an tiller pilot ($310). - tiller pilot was a luxury but very glad I got it... since I single hand/short hand a lot.

that's all I have ever needed. I also have binoculars, that I rarely need.

Oh yeah, and a windex, and teltails, *and paper charts

 

[bffatcat]

Electronics ?

I have as, Stu suggested a good compass (compensated) charts, vhf thats it for me But Im a minimalist I don`t like gadgets and stuff that might need maintenence. Ive sailed the New England coast for over 40 years with only the compass, charts, and the Vhf which I never turn on Its there only for emergencies. As far as a depth sounder goes I dont have one I do have a lead line though. Get what makes you feel comfortable.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

and the Vhf which I never turn on Its there only for emergencies.

And if everyone had that attitude, and no one had the VHF on what good would it do you if YOU had an emergency? People have to be monitoring the channels or it's worthless.

I've had three occasions where I could copy a vessel in distress, and relay the message to the GC. And if I had had the radio off, what then?

 

[Bill Roosa]

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

A swung compass with deviation card
depth finder
windex and tale-tails
VHF radio,
those would be the only things that I'd have installed, go with hand held for the rest or a laptop plotter etc
I'm thinking an auto pilot for this size boat is over the top. There are plenty of "rope and bungy" methods of making the boat say on course without a person at the helm.

 

[walt]

I have nearly the same boat - but you have a dagger board which can bust if you ground it hard.

So #1 - depth finder. For a little money add a GPS function to the depth finder and you have a over the ground speedometer. The one I have also has maps.. but you just cant see any detail. Good as a backup but not worth spending extra here for more map details - save that for the hand held GPS.

VHF radio - sure.. but as noted here, no one may be listening. So also bring your cell phone and a way to charge it.

Chart plotter - on a tiller boat, there is no good place to put one where you can see it in detail. Remember you may be sitting on either side of the boat sailing or at the back when motoring. Get a hand held GPS instead - or maybe two hand held GPS, one as backup. I aso have an Ipad/Navionics/bad elf GPS/ 12 volt charger but anything not intended to work out in the elements is at risk for damage in the elements so this is for planning only - inside the cabin. You cant rely on this to navigate in big winds with spray or a rain storm. Make a tether so you dont lose the hand held GPS overboard.

Im going to get an autopilot.. but Im sort of worried about dozing off while its running the boat Really...

Luxury items - car stereo, TV/DVD. Im changing to a TV with an ATSC digital off air tuner for overnights in a marina. Probably a 15 inch screen with the size driven by keeping the power consumption low.

Keep in mind.. all this needs power. The more electronics you add, the more power you need and these are about the smallest 26 foot boats out there. They are also light boats and sail best when kept that way.

When you go to sell, you can almost recoup what you bought the boat for but this is generally not true for whatever electronics you bought.. These will all lose a lot of value - but.. its also generally worth it. Its also a traler boat so keeping it simple makes it easier to use - so you will use it more.

 

[walt]

I'm thinking an auto pilot for this size boat is over the top. There are plenty of "rope and bungy" methods of making the boat say on course without a person at the helm.

Pretty much true.. this has been all I have needed for the eight years Ive had my boat.. Also, I reef the main single handed by putting the boat in hove to and you need to be able to keep the tiller over to one side to do this