Replacing Instruments

budget? 

I had to go a lil bigger with the holes when replacing the old Raymarine but it wasn't a big deal. The tackticks are about 1k more than the rays......which ever way you go I got your back....

Another cost effective solution is the Velocitek, I bought the SC-1 last year when my knotmeter died and I like the combo compass and speedo view. I pulled the meter out and installed a clear "plastic" box that keeps it accessible as well as out fo the way and easy to see for the cockpit crew. :)bill

The speed can be displayed in knots, miles/hour, kilometers/hour or meter/second is measured in tenths, updated 2x/second. There is a straight speed setting, a VMG settnig and a tactical heading that can help identify wind shifts. I have not played much with that setting for on the Ohio river we don't play the shifts as much as we play current, dodge floating sofas, ... and I have been working to get my baseline speed consistent. The unit I have allows me to have the compass setting in the upper window with the speed setting in the lower window so I am trying to become more knowledgable. I flush mounted the unit in a clear box on starboard, allows some extra light in the head and out of everyones way too!

Kevlar 

Velocitek and any other gps based system gives speedover ground. A paddle wheel in the water is your best bet for qauging performance. Like the tactic as a heading tool, mounted onthe mast it is in your line of sight for driving. Carefull mounting, cunningham, outhaul and reef lines need to run arround or behind it. Line running in front of the display are a constant irritation.

I have been following this thread with interest. I have some B&G's I would like to pull and replace with some updated instruments. Tacktick are simple and would clean up the wiring on the inside of the cabin. Raymarines are well known. However, I raced on a boat once that had a digital wind instrument not the analog display with the picture of the boat, It was really nice to see the angle of wind and boat speed compare side by side. Has anyone seen these and know of the manufacturer?

Scott234 wrote: I think I am going to go with a 2-display set-up with both displays on starboard.  Currently, I have a foggy depth display on port and separate speed and wind displays on starboard.  The new displays will go where the old speed/wind displays were.  I'll have some small holes from the old depth display on the port side.  Any suggestions on what to fill them in with?

Unnamed, you should look into B&G's new "Triton" systems.  They are a "value" entry for B&G but based on NMEA 2000.

Another related question that I have not seen answered on this forum (although asked at least once); Is there a better way to run the instrument wires from the mast into the cabin?  Currently, I have wires running on either side of the mast but they routinely get stepped on.  Any other solutions? Pictures?  Thanks.