[C320-list] Instrument Upgrade

[Warren Updike]

Our hull #62 is now 15 years old. The ST-50 instruments are slow, and
difficult to program. Autopilot too, is requiring repair. Time to plan an
upgrade.

I've investigated the Airmar PB-200 Weather Station Instrument as it is all
solid state (no moving parts,) and other than Speed Thru Water, outputs all
the NEMA messages I need in NEMA-183 and 2000. Airmar tells me that it was
designed primarily for power boats as placement on a sailboat is problematic
considering the RF separation requirements.  Still, the concept is enticing
to me; and, Airmar has a good rep. Can anyone offer any info on this?

I'm thinking of replacing all the ST-50 wiring with a NEMA-2000 network
using an instrument like the Garmin GMI-10 display, chart plotter, and new
autopilot (not necessarily all at the same time, nor any time soon. Most
likely not before something else breaks.) 

Any advice/info this list can offer will be appreciated.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay