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Ask Slashdot: What Tech For a Sailing Ship?

Razgorov Prikazka writes "There is a lot of technology involved in sailing these days. EPIRB, FHV-DSC, GPS, NAVTEX, Inmarsat, fishfinders/depth sounders, different kinds of radar (with MARPA or ATA) — you name it and there are dozens of manufacturers out there willing to provide, all of them with a range of different products. Right now I am planning a 'round-the-world-trip,'' and my ship (an 18-meter Skerry Cruiser sailing yacht) is in its early construction phase, so I need to shop for some hi-tech gear and, basically, I got lost in all the possibilities. What kind of hardware would you recommend as necessary for a trip of this kind? What would you have installed in your ship in order to have a safe trip?"

3 of 340 comments (clear)

  1. Re:EPIRB by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'll bite. How the blazes does one achieve an (electrical) "decent ground" with a (buoyantly) floating chassis?

    A wire to the biggest conductor on the planet. The ocean.

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    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  2. Re:Firearms by Inda · · Score: 5, Funny

    In no particular order, I'd choose:

    A 12-gauge auto-loader.
    A phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range
    An Uzi nine millimetre.

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    This post contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.
  3. Re:Seriously? by drooling-dog · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, (s)he did come here, so we might as well help out. Here's what I know about nautical gear:

    You'll need a hatch and something to batten it down with, a jib with a good cut, some timbers to shivver, and a mainsail that sets attractively. Other than that, you're on your own, matie. Arrrrgh!