Kudu is somewhat lacking in this area. Of course, I have paper charts and the ability to use them, but tend to use the chart plotter once underway as it’s much more efficient for the singlehanded sailor.

On board, mounted above the chart table, I have a Standard Horizon CP180i chart plotter, this is loaded with charts for the entire British isles. Below the chart table, next to the sea toilet, I have a NASA AIS receiver. I have yet to get it working, but once it does, this will allow me to see other (large) boats in the water around me, displayed on my chart plotter screen along with their name, destination, speed and direction of travel.

In the cockpit, I have a set of Nasa target instruments. Wind speed and direction, depth, and speed/distance log. The wind is usable, but not very accurate, the depth works most of the time, but occasionally crashes or gets confused, and the log screen has filled with water and totally packed up. I can only conclude, backed up by the comments of others, that buying quality instruments will save you  money in the long run. Annoyingly, I’m stuck with what I have since fitting the boats with a new set of instruments is financially impossible at the moment.

At the helm, is a Simrad TP10 tiller pilot. This is my autopilot and steers the boat to a compass course. It allows me to leave the helm and go below to make a coffee, or having some food and a rest. Initially I had major problems with the TP10, but after moving the whole unit fitting arrangement back 6 inches (contrary to the instructions, I might add) it seems to be working fine. At least, it has now taken me on two lengthy hops without incident.