Boat electronics? HELP!

[Nathan K]

I have recently bought a boat that has been stripped of all its electronics, i think it has a transducer left on it?

i was wondering if anyone could help me install the new chart plotter, vhf etc. and help me get it all working?

Could anyone recommend a professional that's reasonably priced that could do that sort of thing?

Kind regards

Nathan

I live in Lyndhurst, Hampshire

 

[Bassplayer]

I could help with that. Things are quiet here at the mo'. PM if interested. I have all the necessary gear /experience.

 

[Beyondhelp]

Just a side point, but remember do it right - do it once. I'm sure you weren't going to but don't skimp on anything!

 

[Barry Jones]

Love to help but a bit far away.

 

[Beyondhelp]

Love to help but a bit far away.

Likewise

 

[pappaecho]

If you want to hitch up a chart plotter, with VHF radio, autohelm etc, you can easily do it on the kitchen table, assuming that you can get a stable 12 volt supply.

As you are starting from a blank canvas so to speak, you can create a setup, and once each device is working, to link that together is not difficult.

Plenty of support on this forum, and you might like to post what products you are thinking of buying, so that owners can comment on their compatability, and probably what to do to what

 

[Nathan K]

I am still looking for a chartplotter, theres so many different models

I am getting a engine fitted soon so would it be worth waiting untill then before buying anything? i am worried because i recharged the battery and things like the bilge pump/ trim tabs don't seem to work. only the horn works

 

[Beyondhelp]

Have you had any further luck with what you're looking to do?

 

[rafiki_]

Wow. This is quite a big question, and perhaps should be broken down a bit. What electronics are you looking for? Engine gauges? Log/tacho/temps/pressures? Nav and VHF? Radar? Entertainment?

None of these things are particularly difficult, and if you are half decent with a screwdriver and pliers can be done yourself, as long as access to the wiring is straightforward?

Where is your boat? If you need a technician, then it would help to know which area?

 

[Nathan K]

I live in Lyndhurst, Hampshire and the boats and my driveway

I will be going no more than a few miles out max next season; i will be doing a trip to France in two seasons however.

The literally has no electronics and this is my first boat so i might be overlooking some important pieces of equipment. My current list it

http://www.force4.co.uk/468/Cobra-F55-Waterproof-DSC-VHF-Fixed-Radio.html

http://www.force4.co.uk/4833/Garmin-GPSMAP-551S-Chartplotter-Sounder.html

I am pretty certain that there is transducer mounted at the back of the transom already

What else do you need on a boat really? And what do you think of the two i posted?

 

[grumpy_o_g]

The chartplotter has an internal antenna - are you mounting it inside a wheelhouse or similar? Strictly speaking they should have clear line of sight to the satellite but most will work if it's just a fibreglass roof in the way. I'd make sure the VHF aerial's not too near it though - at least a metre and preferably two metres.

The existing transducer will need to be compatible - you may be lucky. If not either Airmar or Garmin will supply one that is. That Garmin chartplotter is fine. People tend to select chartplotters on their looks. Actually there's three important differences: the charts (all are OK but do not assume that are 100% accurate just because they're digital - at best they'll be as accurate as a paper chart); the ergonomics (menu options, what it will do, how easy it is for you use, how big the buttons are, etc.) and finally simply the size of the unit and the screen - is the screen big enough to see and will the unit fit where you want it to?

Strictly speaking, all you need on a boat is compass, a clock and some way of telling your speed. As long as you have charts and tidal information (which is usually on the chart) then you can navigate. GPS plotter don't half make life easier though, especially in a small boat. Depth sounders are handy but a long way from essential. They're a useful nav aid (following contours, etc.) but, if it's that shallow you're really worried you're probably going nice and slow anyway. You do need a compass though.

What's the boat? Transom transducers are normally powerboat kit so I'm guessing a 20-25' planing hull? Not sure if you are looking for a professional to do this or not - I'm in Bournemouth so could easily trundle over sometime if you just want a hand or Bassplayer has offered assistance already and it's pretty safe to assume he knows what he's doing.....

 

[Nathan K]

It’s all going onto a Sea Fox 230 WA, An American Fishing boat with a Fuel Guzzling HP rating to Match

The VHF radio and antenna will all be a max of about 30cm from the chart plotter, is that going to be a big problem?

It’s all outdoors as well with a tarpaulin over it, would removing the chart plotter every time be as simple as unplugging it?
Thank you both very much for offering help and as soon as I can find an engine and buy the electronics ill update you and if you get some spare time any help installing would be appreciated
In the meantime I’d like to start thinking about Audio, does anyone have outside speakers? If so what wattage are they and how does it cope with the wind? I would imagine 30-40 knot winds would cancel any speaker out?