I have been reading charts and using a compass for over a half century. It's the electronics I find difficult and fascinating! OK - so I'm an old grunt.
I learned to sail on a little tiller boat, by Phil Rhodes; but that was a long time ago. My wife was with me for a bit over 35 years. She hated boats, hence my long absence from sailing. Since then I have grown used to being on much larger "O/P" boats. But now, at last, I have a boat big enough to go most places and small enough that I am not captive to a crew.
I will be sailing the Gulf Coast, The "I hate hurricanes," summer/winter Atlantic commute, and the Islands.
Among the things I know I want to install, on the port side external cabin wall next to the companionway are large gages for the engine temp, RPM, alarm lights, and oil pressure. Which, BTW, I am having trouble finding. Once found, I will set them in a mounted teak and mahogany box with a tempered glass cover. I really can't read that little box at ankle level in the cockpit, (told you I'm an ancient grunt).
The compass is on the starboard side, and the interior wall is open about an inch all around it. Compass looks original, but if so, why the large hole on the internal side? Anyway I will either close up the hole around the compass or replace the compass (after checking it out) to assure the integrity of the wall.
I am used to having the GPS mounted fore of the wheel. Now, no wheel, and no post to mount on.
I guess my real question goes to advantages/ cost, vendors, and availability of GPS, Chartplotters, etc. And what do you do with them? I can't picture myself holding the tiller between my legs (or set to the tiller peg bar I am making) with a GPS in my hands. Also, what is the equipment arm I keep seeing mentioned?
I really appreciate all the open and willing help this board provides.
And I hope to meet some of you at the Texas gathering.