In article .com,
says...
On Oct 9, 8:24 am, " wrote:
Hello! This is related to a discussion over at:http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19458

We are trying to figure out some requirements for a "Multi Purpose
Onboard Computer System".

QUESTION1: How HOT does it really get INSIDE the cabin of a Cruising
Boat, in the Tropics? What's the typical you've experienced? What's
the worst-case??

110 in the shade, so humid that plastic rots. Get a laptop that meets
military standard 810F at the least. If you are smart get proper paper
charts and toss the computor.

That or have a genset and climate control (AC) below.



QUESTION2: If you use computer-based charts on a laptop or other
onboard computer, how much Harddrive space do your charts take up??
(Let's say for a passage, or your typical cruising area)?? How large a
hard drive do you feel you need to be "comfortable" for charts and
your other uses??

Go to a digital chart provider and see how big the charts are , and
you will have a better answer. In general the bigger the better, you
may also consider getting an external hard drive and store nothing but
charts on it.

Joe


Thanks! Please answer here or at the discussion thread on
BoatDesign.net
__________________

You might also consider a couple of 8GB USB flash drives as backup.
Flash memory may better accomodate the shock and vibration of
a boat under way. When not in use, you can remove them and store
them in a plastic bag with some dessicant.


Mark Borgerson