Speedwell has collected various electronics and navigation equipment over her life. Some of this is now looking rather old so we plan some upgrades. At the moment this page is a shopping list, as we upgrade these system well add information about our experiences:
- Radar and Plotter: Currently the boat has separate radar and chart plotter. I suspect that chart updates are no longer available for the plotter. We’re going to replace these with a modern combined radar and chart plotter unit at the chart table. We also plan to fit a second display in the cockpit, so that whoever is on watch can use the radar without having to go down below (very comforting when standing single watches in poor visibility).
- Forward Looking Sonar: We intend fitting an Echopilot forward looking sonar. We like exploring out of the way places and expect that this will be very useful when feeling our way into small anchorages.
- SSB: Our longer term plans include some ocean crossings, for which long range communications would be sensible. We probably won’t be buying an SSB radio until we’re planning a long crossing but while the boat is out of the water for a re-fit we’re going to have earthing plates fitted and probably have an insulated backstay as part of our new standing rigging.