For someone like me this posses a problem because each of these companies have their ways of maximizing their profits so I must do my research and find the path that suits me best.
Garmin is the company I have decided to go with as they have all the equipment I will need, and for substantially less money, although this is not the case for the Interfaces, programming and to make the less expensive items I need usable.
Starting with the water, my boat has to be pulled out of the water for a survey when I go to insure her. At this time I will replace all of my thru hull ports since this is the best time to do it. A Sonar serves two main purposes on a boat. The first is not to run aground, the second is to know when to put your rod in the water. The Sonar I will put on my boat also tells me the temperature of the water.
Next Thru Hull is the inlet for electric or diesel power cooling, and an outlet just above the waterline at the back of the boat.
Another is the sink inlet and Grey water outlet which is sealed by a pump requiring power to open. A third is the black water inlet and outlet which is sealed by a pump and provides clean salt water to the toilet.
Now I can see under the water, it is time to turn my attention forward. On the open ocean, this means using Radar to see farther than the eyes, and to see things in the water that I need to miss, like shipping containers, ships and other Yachty's. Now that I can see them, it is a good idea to be able to communicate and know which direction to go, and that is where the AIS and VHF radio/transceiver comes into action. Finally there is vision. The ability to see at night, even in the darkness of the ocean in a safety goal I intend to make a priority. This is where a Night Vision Camera with a good range comes into the plan.
Now to stay on top of the weather. Garmin has a Dome Antenna that allows use of the Serius XM Satellite radio network to stay on top of the weather. If a storm is brewing, I can get away from it long before it becomes a problem, keeping me alive and well.
At some point An Auto Pilot becomes a handy thing to have. These systems allow me to leave the helm while cooking, bathroom and even in short sleep cycles. It will stay alert even when I cannot, and is a safety must for the type of travel I have in mind. With a Heading Sensor, this ties in and allows me set it and mostly forget it. as this system is fully integrated, and capable of alarming me of potential dangers.
All of these systems tie into the main Chart Plotter and allow for safe, accurate travel day or night, no matter the weather.
