Should you spend more on electronics then on the boat?

[CharityBull]

So, as a new Mac26D owner who mostly sails in Great Sacandaga Lake but intends to get his boat on Lake Ontario, Lake Champlain, some Bay boating in NJ and maybe even a Florida Keys trip one day I am faced with the decision to spend money on outfitting my boat with electronics. Can I justify spending $4,000 on electronics when I only spent $3,000 on the boat. The guys that I am working with say they can set it all up to be removable and truly they are some of the best IMTech as they do this stuff for major shipping vessels.

Any thoughts? Specifically what stuff is a must have, what stuff is a nice to have, and what stuff is a great if your wealthy?? Thanks in advance.

[K9Kampers]

I think the value of the boat is irrelevant in deciding how much to invest in electronics. If gadgets are your thing, go with that, but lots of electronics don't substitute for skill & experience. Best to evaluate your sailing & seamanship skills, the conditions you intend to sail in and go from there. Everyone will have different desires and answers.

A good compass and a good radio will serve you well for much of your sailing, after that, a good GPS. In nine seasons of sailing where my Mac has taken me, inland lakes, Champlain, and coastal New England, I've only invested in a VHF and antenna; less than $300. The handheld radio and handheld GPS I don't use much if at all.

You can enjoy the sport and build your skills without being a slave to electronic gadgets.

[paul I]

Exactly what are you getting for 4 grand? And what does removable mean? The inclusion of VHF is required, as would be a depth finder IMHO. Beyond that a chart plotter is a great addition, but all this can be had for under $1000. You would even get a fish finder in the deal. Next on my list would be an autopilot, but that is where it ends, and even then you would only be in the $2000-$2500 range in total. I really don't think the boat or the sailing areas warrant radar or wind instrumentation or any sophisticated communications systems. I would want the chart plotter for any Florida or offshore excursions, however.

[Russ]

Vhf radio and antenna. $150 bucks

Chart plotter with depth finder. $600.

Done

[RobertB]

What are you getting for $3k? Are you getting a chartplotter big enough to watch movies on? Or are you adding an autopilot?

[Russ]

as they do this stuff for major shipping vessels.

You don't have a major shipping vessel.

Again. VHF radio for emergencies. Chart plotter to know where you are. Paper chart and compass when power is dead.

All self installed.

[81venture]

S The guys that I am working with say they can set it all up to be removable and truly they are some of the best IMTech as they do this stuff for major shipping vessels.

This is your problem right there....

As stated earlier, VHF radio, Chart-plotter / Depth (usually a combined unit) is cheap and easy to install....even if YOU can't you prob got a buddy who knows how to "put in a car stereo" this is good enough....you can do this...plus both units can likely be purchased in handheld form and still be way under the cost you stated...

Speaking of which a stereo is also cheap and a good idea....if your not comfortable cutting larger holes for speakers in the hull/cockpit then order a set of small exterior mount speakers from amazon ($50...sound good too) and all you have to do is make two tiny screw holes.

If you are having "The Best in the Business" who usually install thousands of dollars worth of gear in ocean going vessels you're going to get hosed....even if they are "HONEST MEN" they will still be waaaay over charging you...and advising you, in their correct for their business, expert opinion it is overkill on any boat in this forum/group.

This is literally like me asking Nasa to help me put in a $60 stereo....

So yes to answer your question, and this is my expert opinion as a Marine Mechanic 20+ years (mostly powerboats then) is no its not a good idea to install more gear than the boat is worth. And don't forget about the theft factor too....we're all honest guys here but I am sure a few of us might be tempted if we came across an unattended $3k Mac with a $17,000 chartplotter

[81venture]

oh, and I forgot...just for the record

On our VN23 we have

1. mounted VHF
2. Stereo/cockpit speakers
3. Fishfinder (for depth)
4. GPS chartplotter (got later, so fishfinder kinda redundant now)
5. Dual batteries
6. Solar panel
7. Shore power socket (yet to be installed)
8. Interior LED lighting

All of it was less than $500 (some was used equipment, works fine)

We overnight on ours

So, just to give you an idea of what you can get....check craigslist, especially during winter. I find an easy way to search for "Gear" on Craigslist is to simply forget about "key words" which bring up whole boats, and instead type $100 in the "Max Price" box and hit search....you'd be surprised what you find when you weed out the boat ads.....like the magna grill, used once, for $60

Cheers Mate....

dave

[RobertB]

I admit, I spent more than $500. I have:
VHF radio with remote handset on the pedestal
Marine stereo with remote on the pedestal (I use a Bluetooth phone and Big Jambox more often)
Color chartplotter (with depth and fish-finder)
Installing an autopilot and integrating that and the engine data with the chartplotter
3 batteries (I run a Dometic CF50 cooler)
Built-in battery charger (saves money on battery replacement)
Added a 6 circuit breaker panel and a second Perko type battery switch

Wire and cables can run several hundred dollars for the above setup

So, yeah, I have spent a lot but the basics of a chartplotter, VHF radio, and a battery charger should be very affordable.

[NavySailor]

Can I justify spending $4,000 on electronics when I only spent $3,000 on the boat.

No! WHY Why why??? You can do this for less than $400.

$150 for a VHF and antenna and I'm getting one of these. I think it's all that you'd need.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lowrance ... l+Products

[drams_1999]

I have:

(prices approximate)
1 $300 stereo
1 $6.00 chartplotter app on my phone
1 $12.00 chartplotter app on my phone
1 $120.00 portable VHF radio
1 $30.00 portable spotlight
1 $150.00 compass
1 $150.00 depth finder (the kind that gives a number for depth below transducer, not a picture of the bottom and the fishies)

Total: about $768 dollars

I sail all over south florida and have always found my equipment to be more than sufficient.

For our boats, we don't need much more, but it's all about preferences. I'd rather spent my money on other stuff for the boat.

[81venture]

I have:


1 $150.00 depth finder (the kind that gives a number for depth below transducer, not a picture of the bottom and the fishies)
.

Hey, I like to see the Fishies!

[dlandersson]

Dude, fishees are important for the family.

HUmmingbird fishfinder/chartplotter, dual beam - $469

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.c ... 241&chid=8

1 $150.00 depth finder (the kind that gives a number for depth below transducer, not a picture of the bottom and the fishies)

[Ixneigh]

i have a couple garmin handheld gps units that show the charts, a hand held vhf, a portable sw grundig cheapy reciever, an inexpensive stereo i have yet to install, and an iphone with some marine apps on it. if you love gadgets and like trouble shooting and upgrading stuff, who cares what it costs if you can afford it. id rather have an upgraded sail package then have a fancy pedestal mount electronic array.
Ix

[jbpatents]

I have installed VHF with Shakespeare antenna and Lowrance Elite 7. I have a 5" Garmin on my Bayliner and find the 7" a huge improvement. If you get a chart plotter, the extra expense for larger screen is worth it (well... depending on your eyes' age).