What basic electronics do you recommend?

[Stantheman]

Hello All,
For our 1st sailboat we just bought a 25' 1982 Hunter for little or nothing
( well a little) and we are in the process of bringing it up to speed. New upholstery, cleaning, new life lines and after next weeks trip to our Hunter dealer we shall see what else they see needs attention. There are no electronics on it and I am looking for suggestions on what basic items we need to add - keeping in mind the age of the boat and we will be day sailing most always in the lower Chesapeake and its tributaries. Technology is constantly changing and I would like ideas on what products you like and why. We don't need the Cadillac but a good Ford will do!

 

[Cmp1110]

I have a garmin gsx76 hand held and it is all we need gives charts speed heading works great for 150 but you do have to buy a chart card the base map is crappy

 

[Kordie]

I reckon an iPad with a decent case will have you covered. The 3G model gives you all you need as far as a plotter goes.

 

[kappykaplan]

Hand-held GPS and hand-held VHF at a minimum. I have both the gsx-76 (primary) and 78sc (backup). Hand-held is an inexpensive WM unit.

 

[MrUnix]

VHF and a good stereo.. a gps is for girls

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Steve Dion]

Depth, Speed, VHF

 

[Benny17441]

Depth sounder, handheld GPS and a cell phone.

 

[Ken13559]

depth, handheld gps with chart and handheld vhf.

 

[Stantheman]

Thank you for your suggestions! Going shopping!

 

[Stantheman]

There is a depth finder on the H25 but it is not currently working. I will have the yard check it. If we have to get a new one do you have any suggestions on a brand?

 

[Ken13559]

raymarine ST40 or ST60 seems pretty common.

 

[Jon Bastien]

On my H25, we didn't carry a lot of electronic gear-- For most weekend sailing, you don't really need it if you've got a good set of charts (and know how to read them).

OTOH, I'm a bit of a geek, and like my toys. For two years, we carried:

- A Garmin GPS 76, connected to the boat's batteries via an automotive mount
- A cheap Humminbird fish finder for depth soundings. Also gave an indication of the bottom consistency.
- A hand-held VHF that was capable of using alkaline batteries as well as a rechargeable
- A car stereo/CD changer (it was 1999!), with a remote mounted in the companionway.

The GPS and Fishfinder were mounted to a swing-arm that put them in plain sight in the companionway for use, and inside the boat for security when not in use.

 

[seadaddler]

Skinny Florida

Here in Charlotte harbor my C-80 and ST-depth really comes in handy being new to the area only 5 years keeps me from running aground on some of my short cuts,I guess my setup is over kill for you but I also carry a 76CX and notebook as a backup and use the 76CX Kayaking hiking and bicking and so many other things.
Some kind of depth is very important and # 1 on the list.
Nick

 

[suds]

The best investment was a Garmin GPSmap 60cx and the Bluecharts.
Uniden MHS 350 2-Channel VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio.

 

[Bill Roosa]

For daysailing in the bay you don't need a GPS. There are plenty of nav aids and you will almost always be in sight of one of them.
I'd recommend compass, VHF with weather alert, and depth as the basics. You can estimate speed by looking at the water line rise on the stern as the boat squats with increasing speed. More of a relative assessment but consistent.