[PUP] Quality of crafts in general - radar -

[Al Thomason]

Has been very interesting to watch this thread.  Guess I just feel compelled 
to chime in here with two comments.

1) Most failures in wiring I have seen and known have been at the 
connectors.  So, when fitting out our boat I typically put extra slack in on 
each end.  Allows for a few repairs of the terminals.  Combined with paying 
attention to installs (e.g. proper chafe, support, and drip loops) and a 
pull rope in the cavities is my overall approach.

2) I totally see the point brought forward by Hannu.  Too much seems to be 
placed on 'Your Must Haves', when in fact a rather modest fitting out brings 
what one truly NEEDS.    I applaud him for taking a practical view of 
things.  Now, having said that.  GPS is so cheap and reliable nowadays, 
seems an easy decision to carry a couple of these.  Spares cost under $100, 
and when combined with $20 of batteries and your paper charts (err, you all 
do have paper backups, right) can get the job done.

On Radar, have to smile again.  Myself, I find Radar most useful in river 
and near coast sailing.   And have to say:  When I can pick up a quality 
brand (I like Furuno) low hour used unit, which typical has been pulled to 
upgrade to a Must Have, for around $500, it again seems like not too hard of 
a decision to carry one.

-al-