I thought I would pass on what I've done to my 228 since buying it last November. I suppose we never completely finish changes but this one is pretty much where I want it and oh so nice to use! Anyway, here's the list:
Auto-Pilot, Raymarine S1000; awesome addition for ease of navigation and saving fuel.
Underwater Lights, Coastal Night Lights; I chose green and have them mounted on either side of the transom and switched on/off from the helm. I've only been out once when it was dark enough to use. Bait fish and squid were moving in within 10 minutes! Can't wait for night trips next month.
Lowrance HDS-8's, the boat came with one and I added another for redundancy. Placement on the 228 was challenge for me but I finally decided to leave the one in the main box at the helm and added the other to the left side of the radio box above. I thought the radio box was not the best location but it turned out to be the best, most visible spot from the deck for everyone to see while fishing.
Lowrance HDS-8 Equipment
Ethernet, unbelievably efficient and easy to use. Everything can be cross accessed in real time via either display.
Structure Scan, I still don't understand how this thing works, BUT IT DOES! Great addition!
BR24 Radar, could no longer do without this one when they offered a big rebate. No fog worries anymore!
Sea Star Power-Assist, I posted earlier about this one and have had more opportunities to evaluate value. I'll just say this, "it only get's better and more valued!" I've found that I don't use the AP nearly as much since adding the power-assist. I obviously still use the AP extensively but before PA, I would use it for any run over a mile; now I only use it for about 2 miles or further. The PA has absolutely made the boat a pleasure to drive. Expensive but well worth the price since I plan to have the boat for a long, long time.
Auto-Tether, if you guys haven't heard of this or added it, look it up today. If you ever go out alone, this thing could save your life. It mounts on the helm and you carry the FOB in your pocket. It's essentially a wireless kill switch and it works! I do not go out alone without it. The FOB lives in a small leather pouch in the helm, when I start to go out my wallet & keys go in and the FOB comes out. So it's never forgotten.
Crow's Nest, I struggled over this one since it was so expensive but finally gave in as our area has a strong cobia season each spring. What I did not realize was the opportunity to see so much sea life that is not visible from deck level. The plans were to remove it at the end of the cobia season, but no way will that happen! It goes up every time out.
I've added a new foot rest at the helm; not really sure why this wasn't added at the factory? But it's a big comfort item. There are a few other small creature comfort things planned but for the most part, I'm done. If anyone has any questions or suggestions, fire away. This forum has been a great resource for learning and very much appreciated.
Auto-Pilot, Raymarine S1000; awesome addition for ease of navigation and saving fuel.
Underwater Lights, Coastal Night Lights; I chose green and have them mounted on either side of the transom and switched on/off from the helm. I've only been out once when it was dark enough to use. Bait fish and squid were moving in within 10 minutes! Can't wait for night trips next month.
Lowrance HDS-8's, the boat came with one and I added another for redundancy. Placement on the 228 was challenge for me but I finally decided to leave the one in the main box at the helm and added the other to the left side of the radio box above. I thought the radio box was not the best location but it turned out to be the best, most visible spot from the deck for everyone to see while fishing.
Lowrance HDS-8 Equipment
Ethernet, unbelievably efficient and easy to use. Everything can be cross accessed in real time via either display.
Structure Scan, I still don't understand how this thing works, BUT IT DOES! Great addition!
BR24 Radar, could no longer do without this one when they offered a big rebate. No fog worries anymore!
Sea Star Power-Assist, I posted earlier about this one and have had more opportunities to evaluate value. I'll just say this, "it only get's better and more valued!" I've found that I don't use the AP nearly as much since adding the power-assist. I obviously still use the AP extensively but before PA, I would use it for any run over a mile; now I only use it for about 2 miles or further. The PA has absolutely made the boat a pleasure to drive. Expensive but well worth the price since I plan to have the boat for a long, long time.
Auto-Tether, if you guys haven't heard of this or added it, look it up today. If you ever go out alone, this thing could save your life. It mounts on the helm and you carry the FOB in your pocket. It's essentially a wireless kill switch and it works! I do not go out alone without it. The FOB lives in a small leather pouch in the helm, when I start to go out my wallet & keys go in and the FOB comes out. So it's never forgotten.
Crow's Nest, I struggled over this one since it was so expensive but finally gave in as our area has a strong cobia season each spring. What I did not realize was the opportunity to see so much sea life that is not visible from deck level. The plans were to remove it at the end of the cobia season, but no way will that happen! It goes up every time out.
I've added a new foot rest at the helm; not really sure why this wasn't added at the factory? But it's a big comfort item. There are a few other small creature comfort things planned but for the most part, I'm done. If anyone has any questions or suggestions, fire away. This forum has been a great resource for learning and very much appreciated.