Basic electronic: what do i need?

[mattooty]

Hi all, currently in the process of buying a new boat and are hoping to get it offshore occasionally to some of the closer reefs. Its a 4.9m forward steer, with a 40hp on the back.
Without going crazy on prices, what sort of electronics in the form of radio, gps, sounder etc. And oculd someone also explain vhf and the different channels on the radio? thanks
Matt

[banshee]

Basics would be radio and fishfinder,if budget is tight a small handheld GPS would be a handy addition,but if youve got good land feature you could work off landmarks for a while so it's not a must.On the Nth Coast NSW a 27meg radio will be fine,ch 88 for loging on and off as well as emergencies,and one or two up from that for talking to your mates,I fished with a Nth Coast club for years and only three of us had VHF,I doubt you will be getting out of range in your new rig,with the fish finder get the best you can afford,it's amazing how many people spend heaps on a boat to get to the fish and then scrimp on the very thing that can make the difference between success and failure,so if your going to buy any new gear or toys better to put the money towards a sounder in my opinion and fish with a handline for a while,otherwise I would be looking for the most pixels I could get in a 300 to 350 watt sounder as a minimum for the close reefs.

[FishOn]

Matt I am not sure what you consider is 'going crazy'? For each of us that may be different. A $2000 GPS and a $2000 sounder may be ok but $4000 units is too much.

Just a couple of thoughts, never skimp on the safety gear (including radio/s). It is helpful to think about what may happen in the event of diffent types of accidents and what you need in each situation. Some items over and above the specified legal requirements may be required. Pesonally I carry much more than what is legally required. I do not want to find myself, and others, in the water 'wishing' I would have spent the extra money on more or better safety gear. At the end of the day the aim is to bring everyone home safe.

Use this link (at the top of the Boating Board) to get helpful info including VHF http://www.ausfish.com.au/cgi-ausfis...num=1136679468

Do the Marine Radio Operators course with one of the Rescue organisations. It is $60-100 and you will find it very helpful.

The next most important piece of equipment (after the safety gear) is the sounder. It is more important that your fishing gear. You need to find the fish/locations in the first instance. Get a colour one if you can manage it. However some of the B/W units are very good.

If you cannot afford a mounted GPS get a cheaper handheld until you can a get a better one. I would rather have a really good sounder (and not so good GPS)than and average sounder and GPS.

Kind regards Trevor

[onerabbit]

Hi Matt,
As the other guys have said, safety first, dont be shy to spend on safety equipment, radios, good jackets, epirbs, etc. Spend as much as you can afford on a good sounder !!!
The Garmin 72 is a really good , budget GPS. Around $300 for the unit, extra for the cradle & 12v power leads( around $140ish for both).
Still makes for a good, cheap, mounted unit that still uses the same satellites as the expensive ones.
I have tested mine walking around in my front yard, & found it to be accurate down to a few feet.

Muzz

[griz066]

Not sure about going too far offshore in a 4.9 with only 40hp may be a little underpowered.
My 2 cents worth

[SlimCady]

Fishfinder/Sounder (I like Garmin's new stuff, Furuno's got a new replacement for the 600L out)
VHF Radio (ICOM or Standard)
GPS Chartplotter (Garmin is probably my choice)
If you were planning on going offshore a ways I would definitely recommend a EPIRB. If you were in trouble and having to go swimming with the sharks there is nothing you would want more.
XM/Sirius Satellite Radio
I purchased my stuff from Scuba Steve's Marine Outlet http://www.############### he is a good and will even ship as a gift and do whatever he can to help with import duties. You just gotta ask.