Our beautiful Bayliner came with a lot of gear including a full list of electronics. However, some of the electronics is either outdated or not dependable or both and needs replacing. Where to begin?
We currently have two VHF marine radios both of which are older and I discovered the one on the flybridge isn't even receiving or sending. So we decided to replace it with the out of date but much newer radio currently at the main helm. Replacing it will be a brand new state of the art Standard Horizon Matrix GX3000S Fixed Mount VHF radio. This one brings us up to date with all the latest options. It includes a large display that will show the current channel and time, as well as our GPS position when connected to the new GPS we will eventually get. The rotary channel knob makes changing the channel just a quick turn. Digital Selective Calling, or DSC, allows us to send for help if needed. With DSC we are not only able to send a distress signal but will also be able to monitor channel 70 for any incoming DSC calls from other boats. The radio has dedicated buttons for 16/9, weather, and PA/Foghorn. When we are ready to replace the radio on the flybridge we can add a RAM+ or RAM3 mic, that allows us just plug it in on the flybridge. This handy mic has most of the controls as the base station without the cost of the whole system.
Our next electronics purchase will be a GPS or global positioning satellite device. Our current one is black and white and has a small screen making it difficult to see and read. The new one will have a significantly larger screen and be in full color.
We are currently looking for a new rigid inflatable boat or RIB to replace our our current fiberglass dinghy which doesn't carry enough payload. We are looking to be able to haul 1,000 pounds or so and 4 people to and from shore on excursions to the San Juan Islands many of which are not reachable without a small boat capable of carrying 3-4 persons.
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