Although this list has grown to include items needed for long distance ocean voyages, we felt these items were necessary for Great Lakes cruising.
The design of our boat made it hard to install a dodger we would be happy with. At this point in time we have no dodger. We were able to design and install a bimini w/stern curtain which attaches directly to our boom crutch. So far this has provided a workable alternative to a dodger and bimini.
The GPS was easy! When we initially compiled our list, GPS units were still quite expensive. Luckily, prices for these units have dropped dramatically and we were able to purchase our GPS unit at a very low price. We chose a Garmin 45 handheld unit. After one season of use we are very happy with its performance.
Our radar is an interesting story. Two years ago we had decided to cruise Grand Traverse Bay. The first three days of our trip were spent in dense, zero visibility, fog. When Robin awoke on the fourth day the first thing she said was, "If we are going to continue any further on this trip WE WILL HAVE RADAR!" Our next stop was Frankfort where we ordered and installed a Raytheon LR9 Radar unit. The unit worked fine, we had no fog for the rest of the trip! Actually this unit has functioned very well for us.
Because of the length of our cruise this summer and the location, this years upgrade is refrigeration. After much debate we have decided to install a Sea Frost engine driven system. While chartering in the BVI our boat had this unit and it worked flawlessly. At some point we may add the 110 v shore assist unit.
We had intended to also add a cabin heater for this cruise. However, we were faced with an unplanned transmission repair and the heater was put on the "back burner." (no pun intended!) At this point we are considering a propane heater but a solid fuel model is also in the running.