compass
marine vhf
gps chartplotter
broadband radar ( "old style" is nice too, but close-in, in fog/dark, is priority )
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a brief comment relating to radar reflector:
No question about it; a large radar reflector is nice. BUT a large one is only a good thing when deployed. A large one is likely NOT deployed while running.
I went and bought two "small" radar reflectors, assembled them and placed them in high, unused ( generally inaccessible ) places in the FB. Most fiberglass is radar invisible, so they worked just fine, all the time. When anchored/drift fishing, sure, deploy "the big one". But something that always provides a target seems to be a better thing. Also note that reflectors have strong and weak areas, so when using more than one, attempt to "aim" them in different orientations, which will tend to resolve the issue and always provide some return.
as for anchor, bilge pump etc, this is basic running gear, rather than part of the electronics/navigation suite. Yes, always have an appropriate anchor rig ( or two, three ), appropriate bilge pump capacity ( BIG ) plus manual equivalents.
While two mounted VHF radios are useful, on a limited budget ( money OR size/weight ), one fixed mount plus one HandHeld may serve you better.
This could evolve into a long list. But the above primary list ( more or less in order ) should be covered first.
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re: depthfinder
In this neck of the woods, water is always too shallow. Usually all a depth finder does is tell you that you are in fact, aground. Which in soft silt bottoms is not a particular worry except for water pump impellers and/or ecologists. In short, it was froo-froo rather than useful. And if you had more than six feet of water, it served little purpose. But is can be useful for fishing. So, you boat usage will determine the need for a depth finder. Charts and/or "local knowledge" generally have proven more useful ( to me ).
