Tv/dvd On Boat What Is The Best Monitor

[82Venture22]

Hello:

I have a 2006 Hunter 27. I would like to get a 15 inch TV screen monitor so the kids can watch dvd's and play video games etc on the boat.

Just wondering if someone could reccommend a good 15 inch 12 volt TV screen/monitor that has brackets so I can mount it.

Something durable, water proof?

Kevin in Toronto

[Faster]

Fageddaboudit!!

What's wrong with hikes, books, sunsets, swims, etc... leave the TV at home! Put the kids to work sailing the boat!

[chucklesR]

Use the search function, been talked about before.
No wait, I'll save you the time - buy a normal 110v of your choice and a simple 100w inverter - the price of a 12v isn't worth it, and if it gets wet where you are likely to watch tv you have other problems.

Take a spare laptop, does the same thing and more - same deal on inverter.

[82Venture22]

Ya I agree but we can't swim in Lake Ontario, even worse I sail in the Hamilton Harbour which is home to a steel mill.

It's really for when I want to work on the boat and keep the kids occupied not such much when were underway.

Originally Posted by Faster

Fageddaboudit!!

What's wrong with hikes, books, sunsets, swims, etc... leave the TV at home! Put the kids to work sailing the boat!

[JohnRPollard]

Kevin,

Chuckles has a good suggestion there. But if you are looking for a permanent installation there are some 12V TVs that are "marinized", i.e. alleged to be more moisture resistant for the marine environment and which do not require an inverter (so they will be more energy efficient). The brand I seem to recall is Jensen, maybe JVC? I think they can be mated with a compact player, about the size of a Sony Discman, that will also plays music CDs. Might be worth researching. Take a look over at Consumers Marine Electronics if you can't find what you need in the Sailnet store.

That said, I am more sympathetic to Faster's suggestion. Do you really want to bring the electronic dunnage with you aboard your boat? As someone that sails with a boatload of kids, my first suggestion would be to invest in gear like sit-on-top kayaks and a good rowing/sailing dinghy if you don't have them yet. Items like these will keep kids occupied for days at anchor. If you've already got them, great, you know what I'm talking about. On rainy days, and to get out of the noon-day sun, we supplement these with card and board games, and of course books on tape and don't forget Prairie Home Companion.

But I also confess that we've spooled a few DVDs on laptops and portable players (another option to consider) when rafted with other families, and our kids are none the worse for it. Sometimes a little veg time for the kids can give parents a couple hours of near perfect tranquility in the cockpit.

[chucklesR]

Stand alone dvd players are also an option, useful in the car as well - and can be had for as little as 100 bucks

[hellosailor]

Waterproof? Forget it, gonna add a fourth digit to the price for "water resistant".

Also forget the 15", 19" is the new small screen size, you'll find the 15" sets cost about the same thing. Browse the big-box stores and you'll find them with and without DVD players built in. Remember that analog TV goes black next year, you need an HDTV tuner in the set if you expect to keep using it. AND an analog tuner if you plan to use it this year. (Not a good year for buying TVs.)

[82Venture22]

Thank You Everyone.....

[Robby Barlow]

Personally I think your best option is a Laptop, not only can the kids watch DVD's but it can double up for other things as well, ie. playing games, navigation, communication etc.

[Tumblehome32]

How about a laptop computer? It will do everything you want and more.