Newbie needs help...marine electronics 101

[rebseb]

Lots of good info here but Newbie Question...
I am buying an 18-20 footer for use around hyannis down to falmouth and up to chatham. Moored with Nanatucket sound access. This will be primarily for my teenagers to tube and ski and maybe over the next 2 years venture along the coast and fish 2-3 miles out and me this year to head along the coast exploring. I am thinking I need VHF (handheld? to prevent theft and what about FF/GPS theft). I am getting ahead of myself...Can someone tell or steer me to marine electronics 101...I am pretty technical but just need to know the Acronyms and where one thing means th same as the other...GPS vs chart plotter etc.
At the same time what would you all reccomend. I see big swings in cost and features as well as through the hull, stern mount etc. Do transducers come with units and dual vs single?Not keen on boring a 4 inch diameter hole in the new hull. I am leaning toward stand alones for the same reason I never bought a TV with VCR\DVD. One dies it all comes out for fix. Brands I can research but if there are favorits go ahead and suggest. Right now I'm looking for user advice on whats needed.
Looking forward to my first best day as a boater!
Thanks in advance

[Elusive]

Get a catalog from West Marine and/or Boaters World & study the electronics section to familiarize yourself with brands, functions & terminology

I would not recommend a HH VHF as the primary radio (only a backup). Look into flush-mounting for security or remove the unit each time. Same with the GPS. Also get a good quality 8' VHF antenna

For VHF look at ICOM or Standard Horizon. For a combo GPS/Sounder look at Garmin

If you want specific recommendations contact Jim at BOE (board vendor). He will provide you with great info & he has great prices

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/f...iew.asp?fid=62