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I had a boat 23+ years ending about 10 years ago. started out simply dead reconning for navigation. Did this 3 years. Finally got a radio direction finder. Did that for 4 years , got a Loran that was good for 5 or 6 then GPS. Today I think you must have GPS and a backup hand held GPS since they are so inexpensive.
If I had the money I would have radar on a boat also. The GPS should keep you from hitting land but boats running into each other in the fog is a big danger and Radar is the only solution. If you don't have your own radar be sure to have a radar reflector. Big fishing boats in this area can run you over in a second and just feel a bump.
radios I would go the same way. a base unit with max allowed transmit power and a hand held backup. again the hand held backups are so cheap now you should have them. I used to have a base unit VHF , a hand held VHF and a hand held CB on board. When everything you can do for yourself is not enough , you need to be sure you can call for help! Now this is for going out into the ocean which is what I did from New haven to nantucket and way south like 25 miles south of BI. If you are staying in close well maybe you can get away with less but if you have the money , equip the boat for safety first.
I guess the modern fish finders with charting capability and integrated GPS are the way to go now.
Life preservers , both wearable and throwable. A long boat hook. A good sturdy paddle and a good anchor with plenty of chain and line. A flare gun and an air horn with extra cans of air. I always also had a good size bell on board. Do make noise if caught in the fog. bells and horns can be heard a long way and may keep someone from ramming you. All these are essential saftey items.
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