We have 2,800 miles of Atlantic ahead of us and two adults to cover it, so the autopilot isn't an accessory. Here's how I'm pricing it, and the spares I'd carry.
Zeus Omega sells a one-cable, multi-alternator kit that dealers are stocking at $849 while ARCO’s own page still says Coming Soon. The WS500 Pro is the proven lithium-bank regulator at about $649 — and firmware 2.6.1 now reports through PredictWind DataHub.
Everyone argues about cell chemistry. I keep ending up at the alternator, because that's the part that dies when the BMS does its job. Here's what I'd ask before buying any cat with lithium.
A million-dollar listing that says both sold and available on the same page tells me the first repair on any used cat is a phone call.
A southwest gale against a four-knot current is the one thing on our Cape route I can't plan around, only stay out of. Here's how I'm cutting the coast into hops.
I can calculate the chain weight to the kilogram, and I still can't decide which anchor goes on the bow.
Roam Devices' Hub can ride your Starlink Wi-Fi for free — battery, GPS, anchor watch, wired bilge and shore-power inputs included. The honest question is what happens the night the dish loses power. Here is how I am stacking the monitor on a family cruiser that already budgets Starlink.
I've priced the Atlantic crossing in days, not dollars: 17 of them, leaving in early December, with weather criteria written down before the party invitations arrive.
I added up what a family of six actually puts on a 50-foot cat and got 3,350 kg. The Outremer 51 I like best is rated for 2,700. Here's how I'm dealing with the gap.
One line about wind pressure being squared changed the number I'm putting on the nav station card.
Roam Unlimited still works for US/Canada seasons. Personal Maritime is the plan that removes the 30-day abroad clock — if Starlink accepts your papers. Here is the eligibility friction, the 40-to-60 ft change, and how I am choosing for a family boat that will not fly home every month.
PredictWind's original DataHub still does the jobs that matter on a family cruiser. The Pro is faster, has built-in LTE, and is Starlink Direct-to-Cell ready — at roughly double the hardware price. Here is when I would spend the upgrade money, and when I would not.
