On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800,
Parallax wrote:
After many yrs of being a cheapskate sailor sailing without the
expensive gadgets thayt many other ppl have, I now find myself able to
afford to buy some of the gadgets I used to shun. All those yrs of
making do without has colored my thought processes so I naturally
avoid gadgetry. However, my recent installation of roller furling
really made sailing easier so I am reconsidering my attitude toward
gadgets. I would like input from other ppl on what gadgets really
make sailing better and what ones are simply a techno-pain in the ass.

For example: GPS is a necessity but I will keep my paper charts and
hand compass. Depthsounder is necessary. Permanently mounted VHF
necessary.

So:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

GPS offers you speed, knotlog says speed through the water, both are
useful.

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Absolutely! one of our dockmates was on his way back from Canada, when
(as near as he can figure out) his diesel stove caught fire (it had been
shut offm but was still hot) and the boat burned to the waterline. He
couldn't get into the cabin for the smoke, so he bailed with what he had
in the cockpit. He credits the handheld VHF with saving his life. Not
only was he able to call for assistance, but he vectored the Canadian
coast guard boat to him in the water, since the dink had gone away.

He now has 2 handheld flares in the cockpit as well.


Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?
Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.
Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?
Any other useful things?

--
Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock
Dash Dash Space