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Old 02-08-2005, 12:15   #5
Euro Cruiser
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Currently cruising in Europe
Boat: WHOOSH, Pearson 424 Ketch
Posts: 467
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
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