The mission was to find the perfect package of navigation gear – GPS, chart plotter, depth sounder, VHF radio and a few extra toys – for budgets ranging from $1,500 to $50,000. Yesterday, we did the less expensive packages. Today, we'll spend the big bucks.
Mad Mariner asked me to weigh in with my picks, drawing on my background as an electronics wholesaler and a marine journalist. The goal was not to create a buyer's guide so much as a list of suggestions and the reasoning behind them, which may help guide your thinking. There are hundreds of variations to be considered, but when you have to stick to a budget, it really helps to prioritize your needs.
The lists – just my opinions – were compiled using street prices, meaning the prices that the average boater could expect to pay, which I gathered by comparison shopping at half a dozen stores and web sites. All the equipment needed to install the gear, such as cables and mounts, are included. But sales tax and installation costs, which vary dramatically by geographic location, were not.
As I said yesterday, many people may disagree with my choices. There is certainly more than one way to equip a boat and a diversity of opinions is a good thing. With all of that said, let us get on with it.
RaymarineWith two multi-function displays, one can be set for collission avoidance while the other is used to navigate. Pictured here are a pair of Raymarine E-120 units.
The theme I used yesterday was that you found a little money in your pocket. It's rare, but it does happen. So I am continuing that fantasy in today's story, with one difference. Yesterday, I listed the price of every cable, mount and adaptor. But today, I am going to skip all that, because there is so much to cover (we do have that information in tables, which you can access at links below). Besides, you know the saying: "If you have to ask..."
A $25,000 OUTFIT
After an excruciating eight years, that dot com stock that you held onto has finally returned what you originally paid for it. Not exactly a stellar investment, but it puts some cash in your pocket and you decide to blow it on your 42-foot diesel cruiser. Again, not a stellar investment, but at least you will have something to play with over the years.
