Trawler electronics question

[sunvale]

I have been looking at a 36 Island Gypsy and as one of the electronics it has a Raytheon ST7000 Auto-pilot. I'm wondering if this model of auto pilot is adequet to use as a start up auto pilot or should I be considering an upgrade. Also what model of chard display should I be looking at that will not require me to use my oldest daughter as a down payment.

I have been sailing for a number of years but never had to look at electronics as an essential element of boating. So I could use some suggestions in that erea.

 

[windmist]

I think you would find that the ST7000 is a fine autopilot. I had one on my previous boat. As far as a chartplotter, I would stay with Raymarine to make the interface easier. Maybe go on EBay and find a C120 or E120 from someone who has upgraded. A new one will set you back 3 or 4 thousand. You can also use a computer with Coastal Explorer (my favorite) as a chart plotter. If you already have a laptop just buy the software and charts and that would be the cheapest perhaps. Interfacing to the autopilot will be more difficult but doable.

Ron

 

[sunvale]

This site is the best. Have learned so much and feel better about stuff I did not know anything about before. I downloaded a number of manuals for the electronics the boat has and it is straight forward.
Thanks

 

[sunchaser]

Assuming the AP is working fine and has its own GPS and heading compass, you can*choose to*use a non-Raymarine chartplotter. Also,*it is common (some prefer it this way) that APs and chart plotters are not tied together, meaning the AP steers your vessel on a set heading but*not to a waypoint.

 

[sunvale]

What are the potential problems with purchasing a used Chart Plotter. In my experience with computers and other electronics, if they work for the first few weeks, most likely they will keep on working. If that is a valid argument, what kind of chart plotter should I be looking for. It sounds like the C80 with radar is the way to go. Here in Lk. Michigan I would venture to guess it would suffice.

 

[sunchaser]

Usually systems are abandoned because something isn't working right. How*can one test a system consisting*of cabling, heading sensors, GPSs, radars, chart plotter etc - that is the question. If you can test before a system is removed that is the best. Talking to the local* Ray, Furuno Garmin etc dealer may steer you towards a used system that the current owner is reluctant to replace because it is still functioning OK.

 

[sunvale]

Guess I just have to keep my eyes open for a good used system that worked when removed from the boat for an upgrade.

 

[Baker]

sunchaser wrote:
Usually systems are abandoned because something isn't working right. How*can one test a system consisting*of cabling, heading sensors, GPSs, radars, chart plotter etc - that is the question. If you can test before a system is removed that is the best. Talking to the local* Ray, Furuno Garmin etc dealer may steer you towards a used system that the current owner is reluctant to replace because it is still functioning OK.

*Usually, but not always. *My wife is in this business(Furuno,Garmin,Standard Horizon,Raymarine...etc...dealer). *There are people with a LOT of money that simply want the latest and great electronics. *Sportfishermen are probably at the top of that category. *They will replace perfectly functioning electronics with that latest and greatest. *I would recommend going to your local dealers and asking them if they have any "working takeouts" laying around. *You may be surprised. *Also check eBay...since that is likey where they are selling those working takeouts.

Also, most electronics shops should be able to bench test anything. *If they *are unable, I would have a tendency not to do business with them. *It is fairly simple to get something wired up and running.

 

[sunvale]

John, that is a good bit of information.
thanks
Peter