Hi Richard and Jeni and hello,
We are in the similar place to you as having taken delivery of our BRE 089 Sparkle but not sailed her yet.
I asked Matt about depth etc and he replied it is possible to just put a boat hook out and find the depth that way!
In all seriousness we shall sail the boat, turn up at an event or two and likely copy others with what we have seen and liked.
We are keen on Navionics and tablets having used an iPad with an app and Raymarine chart plotter on previous boats. I suspect our cruising with overnight stops will be more limited than yours. We have a campervan and intend to day sail with very occasional overnights.
I have been looking at standalone devices: Led lights with own battery. An LED anchor light with hopefully it’s own power supply which can be hung in the rigging. An iPad with Navionics. I have seen handheld anenometers. We have a rechargeable power source which outputs 12v and usb power (charges smart devices and hopefully a marine radio). These rechargeable power sources are available with many capacities and outputs and I have seen them used on campsites.
We are hoping we can avoid a more permanent installation requiring a boat battery, shore power, solar panel, outboard coil, fuses and wiring.
Just an idea!
We look forward to all contributions on this topic. We could be persuaded by a simple but more permanent solution.
R and J