The computer will also serve as a weather station with the ability to download color weather graphics over the Nobeltec charts. To be able to do this, we will need to add a wireless Internet connection as before.

Again, I will add the BroadbandXpress wireless access point with an external antenna. It will connect directly to the onboard computer and allow you wireless access if you bring on laptop computer.

The ability to have internet access offshore is still not a viable option even with this fairly robust budget. Unfortunately, the systems themselves and the monthly cost for access are just not reasonable yet. In the coming years, a new system called B-GAN should offer the affordable solution we are all looking for, but it is just not there yet.

Internet access through your cellular phone or an air card could also prove to offer a bit more offshore range and is relatively easy to connect. But I won't add it to the budget here. Instead, we will rely on the expanding wireless marinas throughout the country.FurunoFuruno's RD30 display can read out depth and GPS information. Daisy chained, they read this information directly from the network and can be placed strategicly - even in a stateroom.

We will need a good capable autopilot to go with the rest of the excellent gear already selected. I like Simrad's long reputation of high quality autopilots and the fact that they really do one thing well: steer the boat. The Simrad AP25, with its large graphical display and rudder angle indicator, along with the appropriate components to fit your steering system, will do the trick. I will also add a second identical control unit on the flying bridge. We'll also need the appropriate hydraulic hoses and installation materials.

Matching VHF radios at each station will be important so you don't have to learn different models and so you have quick access from wherever you are steering. I like the new Icom IC-M604 at each station. They have a huge display and large knobs for when you need to adjust in rough weather. The radio also has a great built-in loud hailer with preset fog signals. The hailer will require a loud speaker for each radio.We'll also add a good Shakespeare 5225-XT to each.

Now that the dash is pretty well filled with navigation and communication gear, let's move on to entertainment. I'm going to assume that your boat already has a nice plasma monitor capable of showing High Definition TV. I'm going to install the brand new KVH M5 mobile satellite TV system with all the high-definition components. The model I've chosen will be configured for U.S. service, with the ability to add Mexico SKY service later. It also has a control panel to be able to operate the antenna easily. We'll also need a DirecTV box in the salon and in each stateroom, so everyone can watch their own shows when they want to.

With creative wiring, all four LCD displays at the helms will also display satellite TV, piped in through their video inputs.

For a clean installation I'm going to recommend a Seaview dual mount that will center the Sat TV dome above the open array radar antenna. This powder coated aluminum mount keeps the topsides attractive and symmetrical.

For safety concerns every boat should have an EPIRB onboard. ACR makes an automatically deploying EPIRB with a GPS built in. The RapidFix is top of the line and, although you hope never to use it, you do not want to scrimp on such a well-proven life saving device.

Finally, we have to add the transom lights again. They are just too cool – and you have to spend a little on fashion. This time I'll take us a little over budget and put three across the stern.