The base electronics package that came with the boat consisted of B&G gauges in the cockpit, displaying true and apparent wind, depth, speed (both analog and GPS) and autopilot.  To get a chart plotter display into the cockpit, we opted for a Raymarine E120 display, which was mounted on centerline just aft of the cockpit table between the split wheels.  This unit allows for multiple connections to the existing B&G gauges (via NMEA2000), radar, AIS, etc.  Particularly important is its ability to display radar, plotting and sailing vitals at the same time. Also helpful is the 3D depth images, panoramic harbor photos, and Google earth style terrain overlay on the plotter.

Also added was a Raymarine 4kw Radome Radar Scanner.  There's much debate on power, distance, mast or transom mount, etc.  First, a radar buyer should not be concerned with distance.  The 'domes are marketed with 24nm or 48nm capabilities, which are delivered via the 2kw or 4kw models respectively.  The distance does not matter.  However, the power does.  The 4kw models are much stronger in their ability to detect targets.  If a buyer has a smaller vessel, say under 32 feet, I would suggest the Garmin 18" HD unit.  This is still a 4kw radome, but the diameter is 6" less than my Raymarine (lighter and cheaper, too).

Coming soon will be the AIS feature,

which is a simple plug-n-play to my

E120, with the addition of a VHF

antenna mounted on the transom. 

This communication/detection

feature has really taken off in Europe,

but unfortunately is mired in FCC

red tape here in the U.S.  At present,

small private vessels are only able to

use Class B and can only receive a

signal from a Class A device.  These

devices are found on all large

commercial vessels, but are not

required on smaller commercial fishing vessels.  This is particularly bad news since we encounter a lot of fishing vessels in Northern California.  AIS transmit/receive would go along way in preventing accidents or close calls in our thick fog.