Boat Forum / Electronics / September 2008

Is there an easy way to build a display that will show some chosen NMEA
data?
I have seen on the market programmable units that sell for several
hundred $ and I know that a computer is easily interfaced but what I

Does anyone have any tips or experience they could share on how to
deal with insurance adjusters for significant boat insurance claims?
My boat was one of many badly damaged in Hurricane Ike...I'm guessing
$50k+ in damage (boat is worth about a $100k).  Flybridge was

don't want to use my rig as antenna for my SSB transceiver
a long whip antenna is not very practical on an ocean going sailboat
(40ft)
Heard about the split-lead antenna. Any comments?

I've been looking for opensource software related to sailing for a
while.  I haven't found too many linux specific programs related to
navigation - not too much that's useful anyway, but I have found some
opensource java software that's related to sailing and very useful.

Hey I was hoping someone would be able to give me some advice on the best
way to set up/wire the sound system in my boat...
Wiring up my boat for a sound system, Basically I have 2 front and 2 rear
infinity kappa 6.5 speakers, and plan on purchasing a head unit and amp.

I purchased a new Maxum 1800MX ( in/outboard  - 3.0 Liter Mercruiser
engine ) three years ago.  On three separate occasions, while cruising
for about 45 minutes or so, I would turn off my engine and lose
complete power. None of my gauges would work, no juice what-so-ever.

All I hear are complaints.
Is it common knowledge that a certain brand and model actually works?
If so let me know.
I've seen the vertical floats, the hinged floats, and the twin cylinder air

hello everyone!  I am new here and I have a quick question about
tachometers.  I have a boat tachometer that I am trying to hook up and
test but it isn’t the normal 12v, ground, and signal similar to
vehicles.  I was hoping someone here could provide me on some insight

I am looking for a fixed mount gps to interface with my on board laptop and
my auto pilot.  I do not need a chart plotter.  I just want a gps that is
powered by 12v boat batteries and can talk to the computer and auto pilot.
Any recomendations ?