Advice on GPS and navigation equipment to buy please

[guyrj33]

Originally Posted by chubasco

Thanks for taking the time, can someone recommend the minimum navigation equipment I need on my recently purchased small sailboat. It had an old Garmin on it, over 30 years old.I wanted to upgrade, something that has connectivity to the raymarine autopilot and any other thing I might need to know? How much money do I have to spend to get something decent ?

For a minimum navigation equipment I suggest a compass a paper chart and the tools needed to plot your course on that paper chart. Next I would add depth and then speed through the water. GPS chart plotter’s and auto pilot hook ups can come later they are not necessary. Happy sailing

[JBP]

I would not go so far as to suggest navigating solely by paper charts in this day and age, but having paper charts, especially those jumbo chart books is great. Even if you actively navigate using electronics, the charts are much easier to get an overview of the area and interesting spots you might miss using solely electronics. Before going someplace new, I like to review the paper charts, identify some key landmarks along the way so I can try and find them en route. It gives you a good perspective on where you are. They also have a bunch of other useful information. They are tolerably cheap at about $100 or less.

[Bowdrie]

The use of cell phones has been mentioned, and using a protective case.
If you want a cell phone for boat use the risks of damage are quite high.
To minimize the risk of phone damage get a Sonim.
https://www.sonimtech.com/

[Mara Mae]

I like my Garmin 742xs but it is discontinued. Use it with Garmin radar and transducer. Tech support is very good. Checked out the others a little but Garmin is the only one I know with phone support.