I’m a little late coming to this thread, and I appreciate all of the previous posters comments. This is one of those boating subjects where there are a large number of correct answers, it generally depends on how your boat was equipped at purchase (and at subsequent times for replacement equipment), what you like about your equipment, and your level of electronic passion (are you a hobbyist?)
Before I am labeled an older boater who may not appreciate the latest electronic offerings, you should know that many of my 49 years as a professional mariner were spent on the cutting edge of electronic navigation technology, albeit on the commercial side. I first carried a navigation laptop onboard vessels in the early 1990’s, and was involved with beta testing some of the earliest navigation software. But I’ve also been a recreational boater for over 60 years, and my choices of electronics for my present boat naturally reflect all of these experiences.
These are the things that are important to me at this stage of my boating life:
1) A commercial grade radar, 2) commercial grade GPS with one working backup, 3) a conventional laptop with excellent screen resolution and brightness controls running excellent navigation software, 4) easily updated and inexpensive navigation charts, 5) a good autopilot/rudder control system, 6) high quality fathometer, 7) two high quality fixed VHF radios and antennas, 8) AIS transceiver, and 9) paper charts on display for immediate backup should the laptop fail.
When WESTERLY was purchased in 1997, the following were immediately removed from the boat: 1) Dedicated early model chart plotter, SSB radio, VHF radio direction finder, 2 meter radio, 2 VHF radios, 2 CB radios, and LORAN. As with most electronic equipment over 4 years of age, only half of it worked.
When I refitted with upgraded/updated electronics, I chose a conventional laptop with navigation software over a chart plotter, many of which required proprietary (and costly) navigation charts. It was plain to me (even in 1997) that chart plotters were good for their manufacturers, and not as good for their users. This observation has been continuously affirmed over the past 25 years. Of course, many bridge layouts (especially on smaller boats) do not have the real estate for a conventional laptop, and chart plotters may be the only choices without a complete redesign.
Let me also say that I’m not a fan of integration, other than: GPS position input to the charting software and VHF radios for DSC distress calling, and AIS input to the charting software. So I don’t have any MFD’s. When I navigated ships for a living, features such as chart overlays on radar/MFD screens was one of the first thing that was turned off when assuming navigational duties, there was just too much information on a single screen. They are prone to syncing issues, and they might cover small radar return targets indicating small vessels. Immediately isolating the radar and then tuning and adjusting gain and sea/rain clutter filters, were the most significant initial steps that could be made for navigation safety, and this was borne out in many training events over many years.
My larger message is: Buy the electronic features that you think will enhance navigation safety and the safety of your boat, get a full understanding of how the equipment/software works (including its limitations), and don’t become pre-occupied with electronics if it prevents keeping a good lookout.
IMO.
