Suggestions for new instruments

[Droofus]

We need to replace our Island Packet 350 (2001) instruments. Our current B&G instruments are failing. We don't need chart plotter or anything fancy, just boat speed, wind speed (true and apparent), wind direction, compass and depth sounder.

Any suggestions?

[Letrappes]

I just bought a sailboat with almost none of the instruments working and am looking around as well. I've been looking a lot at the Tack Tick series of wireless instruments as you only have to pull new power to them. Maybe someone on here can answer if they are worthwhile.

[MarkSF]

I bought a $500 Lowrance chartplotter, and together with an NMEA2000 network and the Airmar DST800 Smart triducer, I have boat speed, paddle speed, water temp, depth, course, and heading available, all on the chartplotter.

I liked this approach because :

No need to drill holes in panels for new instruments, just the chartplotter at the helm.
Only one through-hull device.
Chartplotter is actually very handy. If you sail where there are currents, the projected course feature is great.

I may add a repeater display in the forward part of the cockpit. Once you have the NMEA2000 network, it's easy to add more sensors and displays.

You can get NMEA2000 wind instruments but the issue is going to be getting the wire down the mast. Might go with a wireless wind instrument.

[kd3pc]

Originally Posted by Letrappes

I just bought a sailboat with almost none of the instruments working and am looking around as well. I've been looking a lot at the Tack Tick series of wireless instruments as you only have to pull new power to them. Maybe someone on here can answer if they are worthwhile.

it is actually Tacktick and you may want to look at failure rates and support on these...most are hoping that their recent acquisition by Raymarine this past July, and the Raymarine acquisition by FLIR the year before....

will improve the product...so far...not so good for TackTick, they still are throwaways as the screens and batteries and seals are only good for a couple of years, and their connectivity is often random, sometimes when critically needed.

All that being said, if the price is in your budget, and all the other things being equal (ie poor support, flex standards, NO standards, etc) they can be a bargain.

check the archives here and the web for more

[hangupndrive]

If you're replacing instruments, definitely look at a NMEA 2000 system. it can be as simple or as complex as you would like. In 2010, I installed the Garmin GMI 10 system with wind, speed and depth. there is only one display and you can page through all options. You can get a bundled pack with everything from West Marine for a very good price. I'd never do wireless. you're going to need to go aloft anyway. runnig a wire is pretty easy and you have the assurance of a hard connection.

I was also able to connect to my chart plotter and AIS equiped VHF easily.

Finally, you can sell anything that works (even a little) on e-bay. I was able to make $500 selling my old vhf, autopilot and wind instrument. it was a nice way to offset cost.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by hangupndrive

Finally, you can sell anything that works (even a little) on e-bay. I was able to make $500 selling my old vhf, autopilot and wind instrument. it was a nice way to offset cost.

Does that mean I can sell my Loran receiver?

[hangupndrive]

Don't expect a lot. Curiosity made me do a quick check and I see several units for sale. Frankly, I was surprised people were buying the stuff I was selling. I takes a brave person to buy used electronics! Never underestimate the value of super glue.

[Faster]

Recent local craigslist ad, they say they'll ship... might be worth a look..

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...829786183.html

(no affiliation)