electroics for center consoles...

[Mr. Sandman]

I've got to equip a new 23' CC with electonics. It has been a few years since I have bought any and a lot has changed. I was thinking of getting something like a garmin 10" plotter/gps/depth (all in one) device (I love the screen)..and then get a decent color fishfinder and radio. (I may have to postpone the radar until next year or later in the season).

Do you think a laptop would hold up in the CC electronics box? Some of the Nav and charting software (ie: Nobletec) is really amazing these days and supports autopilots. I know you can download routes to the GPS device but have any of you guys done it? Is is a pain? I guess after you have enough stored trips in there is it pretty much select and go. It just seems that a computer is a good way to go (with a 15" screen). I have seen them on 50-60 footers but not on 23' open boats. I bet then would crap out pretty fast with the g-forces and moisture.

I don't want to go low end and I don't need commerical equipment either...what do you guys like for the serious sportsfishermen for electronic gear

(gps/plotter/radar/fishfinder/radio/even autopilots)

Also, do any of you know of any custom T-Top builders on the cape?