Lone:
Please don´t think I´m being facitious when I say that the Integrated Computer
Navigation System that you will need to rely on while doing a Circle is between your ears and not available on a shelf. If you are like 99% of us who are out doing
extended cruising, you will not have enough
money for all of the
boat, all of the
gear, and all of the along-the-way expenses that you might want...which by necessity means you need to sort out what is essential from the nice-to-haves. Your ICNS is a nice-to-have.
Assuming you are a mere financial mortal, here would be my suggestion for what you will find essential, based on our last 5 years.
Radar (which comes with the
legal obligation to use it whenever conditions warrant, so don´t overlook the commitment you make when installing it; see
Rule 9 I believe)
Fixed GPS, external
antenna and a self-built
NMEA data buss to/from which you´ll be transferring data; back-up handheld GPS with data cable and antenna extension so you can maintain the connectivity and
NMEA buss should the mainunit fail...OR simply buy a spare fixed GPS and store it away.
Chart Plotter - usually not a necessity but especially helpful when
singlehanding; we´ve found using a
laptop and free navigation
software to be very cost effective and navigationally effective, but then we have a chart table that protects the
laptop from exposure yet offers a view from the
cockpit. If that´s not your option, then a value priced unit capable of
cockpit mounting is probably worth considering. Still, before you jump for the box (which is
sold close to cost)
price out what the digital
charts will cost you for a Circle; you may be surprised (as in disappointed)
Paper charts, at least for enroute navigation, along with free downloads of NIMAs Pilots; consider Bellingham Chart Printers as a cost-effective source of paper charts
Basic
instruments in case the rest packs up; speed and depth are sufficient; masthead
wind instruments are expensive and fragile and clearly nice-to-haves given the inexpensive handheld units now available
Before you add add´l bells and whistles to these basics, consider having a
SSB and-or sat system that can provide real-time
weather information, something like Winlink´s
weather file catalog that is worldwide in coverage (and free, by the way). A broad, relevant supply of weather information will supplement your navigational
safety far more than more electrons zipping around the boat.
Jack