electronic nav aids on an open boat

[Glynny]

Hi there, all you minimalist boat owners. Has anyone ever fitted a VHF radio and chartplotter to an open boat. If so, please advise on a suitable source of new kit. I have a Drascombe Longboat which I am setting up for long distance cruising throughout UK.
I currently use a hand held VHF and very basic GPS (both eat batteries) so, I have recently designed and made up a battery box which includes battery and a small bank of rocker switches with breakers together with a waterproof 12 volt accessory jack. The battery is charged via the 8hp yamaha outboard and a small solar panel.
Now, the next bit is tiring me somewhat.....I'll explain. I have enquired with so many so called marina electronics specialists who basically shy away from suggesting a suitable VHF radio and GPS Chartplotter that will supply me needs. It is surely not difficult with all the fantastic technology we have today. Am I asking too much??

Please, can anyone help? Has anyone done this before to their open boat??

PS, My overall budget is circa £750.00 for the 2 items.

 

[Billjratt]

Most modern stuff is shower proof/splashproof, Try the same models as they use on ribs and flybridges of mobos.That'll probably mean Icom/Garmin, so the budget might get stretched.

 

[Glynny]

Hi many thanks for this info. On the back of this I have now sourced a Garmin 551s which should not take up too much room and it gets a pretty good review. Now just need to find a suitable location on the boat that will not attract sticky fingers etc. Will probably fit on a gimbel mount so I can take it home when not needed.
Also, after putting :waterproof vhf radio" into the google machine, out popped "M-Tech 500" which has all the best bits of the Icom but for a damn site less money. Apparently, the 2 machines will talk to each other to create the all important dsc etc facility.
Thanks again for the swift response.
Glynny