98 Carver 355 Helm navigation

[Awsmits]

Hi all,

I hope to close on a 355 AC soon, and upon my first visit, it appears that the helm navigation instruments are archaic, likely original. I think I saw a DataMarine GPS Chartplotter and a Furuno Radar. Don’t know about the autopilot.

Given that I am a “navigations techie”, a prior sailor, but new to Carver, what do Carver owners with boats in this vintage usually replace these instruments with? I am married to my iPad for use as a Chartplotter. Given that, would do you guys recommend as helm navigation upgrades?

Allan

[g36]

I think it epends on where your boating some. Simrad,Lowrance, garmin,furuno and others the skies the limit. Navionics and other programs on your iPad all have very good equipment, if your a techie you need to see some equipment in person and youll probably get a good feeling for what you like. Good luck.

[buster53]

Hard to say if it happens...IF the Annapolis boat show does happen this fall, that's where you need to go. Not only will the major electronics factories be represented, there will probably be installer vendor booths as well. Take a list of everything you now have and see what would be good replacement fits both for your needs and pocketbook.

A couple weeks ago, I decided I needed to upgrade my VHF. Before doing It, I downloaded the owner's manual off the web...seems the unit I have has all the cababilities that I was looking for except built in GPS. For the cost of $30, I've ordered a simple cable to connect my VHF to my chart plotter.
So, $30 vs $2-300 for a new radio...$30 wins hands down.