Total Noob looking for electronics advice...

I just redid the electronics on my sailboat last year before selling it. The biggest recommendation I can make is to install a NMEA 2000 network. It was a dream to install.....hooked it up and everything (2 chartplotters, GPS, Speed, Depth, Temp, Wind, VHF w/ DSC) all worked correctly the first time up. For this particular boat, I chose Garmin as the single vendor with a Airmar triducer (which is OEM for Garmin). Garmin uses the NMEA 2000 designation, Raymarine (and others) use their "naming convention" for the same standard.....Raymarine calls it SeaTalk NG I believe. Supposedly all vendors under this standard should work together but I didn't want to take any chances with my first attempt.

Good luck, it's fun to do.

Hi there and welcome aboard!

2 main things to keep in mind: 1) Scalability - 2) Redundant Backup.

Scalability means that the system is network capable, NMEA200 ready so you don't have to install or buy everything at the same time, and you are not limited to one manufacturer of series. Multi-Function displays will come in handy because what ever you add can work through the same monitor (Check for compatible hardware!), you can also rig your laptop to be a backup system, you do the planning on it and attach it to the network when you need it. Having two different systems is great in case of failure.

Now, what you will need in my opinion is: VHF Radio, Weather Receiver, GPS, Chart Plotter, Depth Sounder, and for limited visibility situations you will need a Radar and if you want another set of eyes then a Forward Looking Sonar. If you will be running long legs, then the autopilot will come in handy. There many things associated with these equipment to create your network. An AIS receiver is great and better if you get a transceiver so you not only see who is around you, but show them that you are around for everybody to navigate safe.

Lots of things are available nowadays, colored or monochrome screens, type of screen, size, and it goes on and one! So, if you start with checking what screen size will fit on your panel, then from there, pick things that are scalable and fit your budget. Just remember to have doubles, especially VHF radio. Some Class D VHF units have built in GPS and chart plotter and for very nice prices, works well as a backup.

Don't forget to have a registered and functioning EPIRB on board.

This is just the start, hope I was of help.

Cheers,

P.S: Am assuming you have an operational vessel management system. If not, having one is necessary.

Hi,

Would you care to elaborate on that statement?

Sure thing, the OP was showing care for electronics aboard his vessel, even if his question is not related to vessel management, I wanted to throw in a side dialogue that having an electronic system monitoring all the systems on his boat would be as important, having a screen that shows you running temperatures, fluid levels, fire alarms, etc.
If you don't agree I would like to know your take on that.

Thanks.

Hi,

No I agree with you.

I was just curious as to whether you were intimating that he needed a management company which seems to be many folks answer to problems these days but in reality many cause more than they solve

Hi,

I was talking pure electronics!
You are so true, sadly the last boom in yachting did not give time for many companies to mature properly in the industry, this is seen in all aspects as seen through many of the threads floating around about accidents, errors, failures, etc. Maybe the current state of economy will help make things better. Sure, finding a reliable management company is not as easy as advertised!

Cheers,

AIS (Automatic Identification System), there are two types, receive only and send/receive, it will help you and others around you (if you are transmitting) to know the heading, speed, and other information depending on the system class. It is very useful.

The vessel management, is a small monitor, linked to various systems on your boat, like water tanks (white, grey, black), bilge pumps, fuel tanks, fire alarms (or system), and many other options, including power level in your battery banks, this will give you one panel to check many things and setup your alarm points. I also like having similar panels in the main salon, master stateroom, or if the system is networked then on a laptop or handheld. Even if your boat is old (I mean your systems and equipment), there are solutions to link them on. Some panels will even hookup to digital engines and get you engine data, so there are a lot to choose from, lay it all down on a paper and check what you need to know while you are boating and then decide what you want to buy.

As a sample, check a product called blue seas vessel systems monitor, or search for vessel systems monitor and you will find many solutions, again go for something that is not limited for expansion and can offer you more functionality (i.e: computer interface maybe?).

Good luck.

You can easilly get by and safely navigate with a Chartploter/GPS, Radar, Depthfinder, compass, vhf, and autopilot.

I really dont think the interfaced overlays and vessel management systems are a must have. I agree that they are very nice to have.

One think you SHOULD NOT do with out is back up paper charts that you know how to read, understand, and be able to plot your position and course.

Paper charts to me are as important as a first aid kit or a fire extinguisher!

The only reason I elaborated on electronics is the OP's to upgrade from electronics that are running as he stated but are old at 10-20 years, so if one should upgrade, then follow the trend and make sure your setup will last you another 20 years and might even be open for upgrades unless the hole technology changes.

Like Pascal, I don't like those E series, not so fond of Raymarine either, am more into Simrad, Furuno and Gramin is a great player that one can't neglect.

Cheers,
Alf

Agree....

Don't be too quick to discard the old gear.
I had 2 Furuno radars on my Offshore, from 1997. I used them on the maiden voyage from Mackay south to the Gold Coast (550 nautical m) and they were far better than the Raymarine I replaced them with. That "old" green screen was so much easier to work with entering tricky harbours at night, than the fancy colour overlay of the Raymarines, even when I reset the display. I replaced them so that I had network operating.
Other than that, I only have a personal preference for the new Garmins so I'll leave it to the experts to advice you.

I am really over the Ray Marine stuff......they keep switching all of the antannae's every so often and the older machines aren't compatible unless you get a kit, but then you have to rewire all of the displays completely and pull wires. Most of their older stuff (like an autopilot) isn't compatible with the new stuff.
I have a customers boat right now that is a 2003, has 5 pieces of equipment wired to 1 gps antannae in series. The new antannae (raystar 130) isn't directly compatible and ray marine stopped producing the raystar 125 gps antannae......I had to search high and low for a new raystart 125 antannae so he didn't have to spend $1000 for an electronics guy to pull wires up and down his tower......

The Garmin stuff is ok.....especially if you keep up with the software updates.......

I have and always will love Furuno.......and Simrad autopilots........Lowrance makes an awesome bottom machine that will keep bottom in 2000 ft of water at 30 knots......

Autopilot Help Needed

On our 42' GB we have a Garmin 3210 MFD with radar, GPS/plotter, bottom machine. Do you guys know if this is compatible with an autopilot? I am clueless when it comes to autopilots and when I try to shop on line I am totally in the weeds! I have no idea where to begin. It seems like most manufactures sell the components seperately(?). Moreover, I am having a difficult time figuring out which system is appropriate for our boat and which ones might be compatible with our existing equipment.

Hi,

Have a look here: Garmin GPSMAP 3210 | Owner's Manual - Page 72

It seems to indicate that this is possible.

It might take a few minutes to load, leastwise it did with me just now.

Thanks!

So the answer has been cleverly hidden in the owners manual all this time?
Boy do I feel like a moron. Who would a thunk it?

I'll check it out when I get home, it won't load on my iPad. Thanks again!