Upgrading instruments for my Niagara 35

[Keith.lefebvre]

I have a 1980’s vintage Niagara 35 that we sail summers off the New England coast. My wind, depth, speed gages are probably 20 years old now and in need of upgrade. I would like to set everything up in a box mounted to my Edson steering pedestal and would really like to use wireless communications between sensors and gauges. Does anybody have any experience in doing such an upgrade and if so, advice on brands to use (or avoid) as well as challenges faced?

[dcstrng]

I’m no help to you, but hope some expert or knowledgeable weekender joins in – with something that a digital-dummie can understand, in my case – as I’m thinking along the same lines and have to idea how to proceed other than start writing checks for more than I paid for the boat.

[dcstrng]

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...fi-168944.html

[Jammer]

You may find that a single NMEA2000 cable would be all you need if you set up a wired connection. That may be less work and less cost than wireless.

[Eleuthera 2014]

Here are 3 thoughts:
- Open CPN with GPS/GLONASS U-blox7 Gps dongle. If you own a 'puter, this will do the job just fine if you can recharge the battery aboard..

- Maretron: this is the system chosen by DELOS, the world girding AMEL Super Maramu. Their skipper is an electronics wiz and they have a very sizeable budget given their following on Youtube/FB etc. Might be better priced than you think.

- Get an iPad with a SIM port and load the Navionics app. Again, you need a charging point. If used with OpenCPN (download the appropriate Google charts too) and you'll be in clover.

GL

[Eleuthera 2014]

Ooops. Only part of my above post is valid.... sorry.

Diagonal reading is not always best. :-)

[psk125]

We've been happy with our Tacktick instruments. Wireless lets us place the displays wherever we like in the cockpit. Putting them on the binnacle/pedestal means only the helmsman can see them.