[Rhodes22-list] Please help a new Rhodes owner out

[elle]

Congrats on your excellent taste in boats...
   
  In answer to some of your queries..IMHO only....
   
  1. GPS..I am also outfitting w/ a GPS this year..Garmin is an excellent manufacturer, good customer service....I have decided on the Garmin GPSMAP 540 chartplotter. Unless you specifically want to see what lies below, you don't need the sounder version...it costs more plus the transducer is another $140 or so.....anyway...you'll be mounting it most likely in the lazarette...so you'll see what you've already sailed over.....Boatersland.com & Hodges marine had the best prices....Built-in antenna is good even under bimini..my understanding is if it is to be mounted inside you will need the external antenna.
   
  If money is a factor, Garmin has discontinued the GPSMAP 498...got a good review from Practical Sailor...there are lots available online....but it is a 4" screen rather than the 5".
  Do go to West Marine to see the various models...but buy elsewhere....
   
  2. I ha e a windvane..but I do not trailer. The 3120 is the model I have. I like having it..others have their own opinions.
   
  3. Not sure what radio I have as I am at work & it is on the boat. I can check later if you'd like. As long as it has DSC it can interface with your GPS. Have Stan put an antenna at the top of the mast.
   
  4. 4. Life vest...if it's not comfy you won't wear it. Many folks like the waist pack style..I have the inflatable w/ auto inflation.....If you get hit on the head or hit your head going over  you may not have the wearwithal to pull the string...auto inflation does it for you....do keep 2-4 of the orange CG approved jackets aboard to keep them happy.
   
   I do have to say that I work at a marina so I am able to get good prices on my boat toys...;^) and we are soon to be a dealer for Garmin and two other manufacturers...
   
  elle
  
Matt and Liz Brentjens <brentjens at mchsi.com> wrote:
  I've tried posting this several times, and it hasn't yet appeared on the 
list . . . 
I'm trying again . . . Sorry if this is a double post. Thanks for any 
advice!

Matt B.

PS Thanks for the advice about coming here instead of through Nabble, EdK.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forum, and I live in Edenton NC, just a block away from
Stan's Rhodes 22 factory.

To make a long story short, we are buying a new Rhodes 22 this spring.
I am asking for some advice about accessories.

I want a GPS navigation system, and have tentatively decided on the
Garmin 545S GPS with transducer. Does anyone have a Garmin? Opinions?
Do you need an antenna or is the built-in antenna adequate?

I also am thinking about the WestMarine VHF650 radio with DSC
capabilities. Any other recommendations?

Finally, does anyone have a wind vane? I was thinking about the Windex
Sport 3120 model. Does anyone think its even necessary and are there
any other vanes I should consider?

Any advice about life-vests? I'm completely lost when shopping for
life-vests since I've never personally owned a boat before . . .

I should mention that we intend to sail the boat locally for the most
part (the Abemarle Sound), but that we intend to sail to the outer banks
as well (even as far as Charleston SC) from time to time.

Thanks to anyone who responds. I'm very much looking forward to my new
boat ("Mr. Magoo" for reasons I won't bore you with). I look forward to
hearing back from other Rhodes owners.

Matt Brentjens
Edenton, NC



__________________________________________________
Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list



We can't change the angle of the wind....but we can adjust our sails.

 1992 Rhodes 22   Recyc '06  "WaterMusic"   (Lady in Red)
       
---------------------------------
Never miss a thing.   Make Yahoo your homepage.