The essentials in 30 seconds
- Complete refit of a 40-foot sailboat = 6-10 weeks of work + €25,000-45,000 VAT excluded. Includes main display + radar + AIS + autopilot + anemometer + energy (lithium pack). Plan for winter layup 2026-2027 now.
- 8-step workshop method: existing system audit, sizing, brand selection, material ordering, disassembly, installation, software integration, final commissioning.
- 3 budget scenarios: light (~ €18,000 VAT excluded, keep existing autopilot), standard (~ €30,000 VAT excluded, full B&G or Raymarine refit), premium (~ €45,000 VAT excluded, IRC racing with H5000 Performance + Madintec).
- Typical ROI: 8-12 years (modern electronics lifespan). Also increases resale value by 15-25% on the used market.
- Choosing a consistent ecosystem is critical. Mixing brands leads to integration issues. For a 2026 refit, choose Raymarine OR B&G as the primary system (60-80% of equipment); only third-party peripherals (AIS, handheld GPS, antennas) can be mixed.
Replacing all electronics on a 40-foot sailboat in a single operation is more cost-effective and performant than piecemeal upgrades over 5-10 years. Consistent ecosystem, uniform updates, optimal integration, and user training all in one go. This article outlines the Skysat workshop method in 8 steps, with budget breakdowns by scenario.
Related topics: energy refit winter layup (lithium pack), GPS-fishfinder display (screen size), autopilot B&G vs. Raymarine.
Why a complete refit vs. piecemeal upgrades
Four major technical reasons:
- Consistent ecosystem: mixing Raymarine + B&G + Garmin over 10 years degrades integration. A complete refit allows everything to be aligned.
- Uniform wiring: clean NMEA 2000 backbone, consistent cable gauges, matched fuses.
- Economies of scale: installation labor costs 25-35% lower in a complete refit vs. separate interventions over 5-10 years.
- Clean documentation: up-to-date schematics, retained manuals, single training session for the owner.
Step 1 — Audit of existing systems
Comprehensive assessment before any material selection:
- Inventory of current equipment: brand, model, age, functionality.
- Electrical schematic: obtain from the original builder or redraw.
- Recent failures and owner-perceived limitations (1-2 hour interview).
- 24-hour power draw measurement with shunt during typical sailing (1-2 weeks).
- Detailed photos of each station (display, autopilot, batteries, switchboard).
Step 2 — Sizing and ecosystem selection
Based on the audit, key decisions:
- Primary ecosystem: B&G (sailboat + racing focus) or Raymarine (versatile cruising). 60-80% of equipment in this ecosystem.
- Display size: 12-inch standard for 40-foot sailboats (see display article).
- Autopilot: keep existing linear drive if <10 years old or opt for full refit (see linear drive article).
- Energy: convert to lithium if not already done (see lithium plug & play article).
Step 3 — Ordering materials
Bulk order to optimize lead times and logistics:
- Consolidated quotes from 1-2 distributors (Skysat, Mister Marine, Defender, etc.).
- Manufacturer lead times: Raymarine 2-4 weeks, B&G 3-6 weeks, MG Energy 8-12 weeks.
- Book workshop slot as soon as order is placed (limited winter layup capacity).
- "Consumables" list: cables, fuses, connectors, etc.
Step 4 — Disassembly and preparation
Dry dock for 1 week:
- Remove old equipment (display, screens, sensors, batteries).
- Sort: sell used (~30% of new value), recycle electronics, dispose of waste.
- Deep clean mounting locations (corrosion, moisture, paint).
- Check structure (mounting points, watertightness, hull sections for cable runs).
Step 5 — Hardware installation
Workshop for 2-3 weeks:
- Run cables up the mast (display, VHF antenna, wind sensors, GPS).
- Install NMEA 2000 backbone (see NMEA 2000 article).
- Mount main display at the helm, secondary screens, remote controls.
- Install autopilot (linear drive + computer + rudder angle sensors + compass).
- Energy: lithium pack + BMS + DC-DC converter + monitoring (see energy refit article).
Step 6 — Software integration
Cross-configuration:
- Calibrate sensors (compass, rudder angle, wind, speed, depth).
- Link NMEA 2000 sources (AIS → chartplotter, autopilot ↔ compass).
- Import charts (Navionics+ Raymarine or C-MAP B&G).
- Configure autopilot (modes, gains, polars if available).
- Test BMS, DC-DC, set voltage thresholds.
Step 7 — Commissioning and testing
Final validation for 2-3 days:
- Dock test: all displays, all sensors, all communications.
- Engine test (alternator, DC-DC, start-up).
- Splash test and sailing: autopilot at sea, speed-over-ground vs. GPS, depth, wind.
- Calibrate VHF antenna SWR.
- Test ASN/DSC on channel 70.
Step 8 — User training
2-3 sessions with the owner:
- Tour of display features: charts, fishfinder, AIS, radar, autopilot.
- Emergency procedures: ASN/DSC, EPIRB (if installed), MOB.
- Seasonal maintenance: antifouling fishfinder, sensor cleaning, BMS checks.
- Documentation provided: manuals, schematics, after-sales contacts.
3 budget scenarios with breakdowns
| Item | Light (€18,000 VAT excluded) | Standard (€30,000 VAT excluded) | Premium (€45,000 VAT excluded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main display | Axiom+ 9 (€1,800) | Axiom Pro 12 or Zeus 3S 12 (€3,500) | Zeus 3S 12 + 30/30HV (€5,200) |
| Secondary display | — | 1 × 9-inch repeater | 1 × Axiom Pro 9 or Vulcan 9 R (€2,000) |
| Radar | — | Quantum 2 or HALO20+ (€2,000) | HALO24 or Fantom 24 (€3,200) |
| AIS | VHF AIS-RX (V60 = €723) | VHF V60-B AIS Class B (€1,049) | V60-B + GPS-500 (€1,154) |
| Anemometer | WS320 wireless (€1,499 pack) | WS710 vertical wired (€2,043) | WS720S Ocean spec (€2,865) |
| Autopilot | Keep existing if adequate | B&G linear drive T1 + NAC-3 (€3,400) | H5000 CPU Performance + linear drive (€5,800) |
| Lithium energy | 200 Ah Smart pack (€2,200) | 200 Ah pack + Lynx Smart BMS (€3,400) | 300 Ah pack + MultiPlus + solar (€8,500) |
| Labor | ~ €4,000 | ~ €7,000 | ~ €12,000 |
| TOTAL VAT excluded | ~ €18,000 | ~ €30,000 | ~ €45,000 |
FAQ — Electronic refit for a 40-foot sailboat
How long does a complete refit take?
6-10 weeks in dry dock + splash test. Plan for winter layup (Oct-Mar) to minimize seasonal impact. Pre-order materials 4-6 months before starting the workshop to secure availability and a slot.
What is the ROI on a €30,000 VAT excluded refit?
Multiple angles: (1) modern electronics lifespan 8-12 years = annual depreciation ~€2,500-3,750; (2) resale value: +15-25% depending on the market; (3) usage: modern electronics = increased safety + doubled battery autonomy + transformed onboard comfort. ROI is multidimensional, not just financial.
Can the refit be done in multiple phases?
Possible but suboptimal. Compromises on ecosystem consistency and integration. Cumulative costs higher (~ +20-30% vs. complete refit). Consider only if serious budget constraints or if Phase 1 requires testing before Phase 2.
Is it necessary to lower the mast for the refit?
Not mandatory but practical. If the mast must be lowered for other reasons (painting, rigging inspection), take the opportunity to redo VHF cabling, wind sensor, and GPS antenna. Otherwise, the refit can be done with the mast in place using existing cable runs or capeling.
What warranty applies after a Skysat refit?
Manufacturer warranty on equipment: 2-5 years depending on brand (Raymarine 2 years, B&G 2 years, Garmin 2 years, Victron 5 years NG). Skysat labor warranty: 12 months. Annual maintenance contract available (~€800 VAT excluded/year) for full preventive servicing.
Skysat operates an integrated workshop in Carnac (Brittany) with 4 teams specialized in sailboat refits. This article reflects our standard method applied to 50+ refits of 40-45 foot sailboats 2022-2026. 2026 VAT-excluded prices are indicative and based on authorized distributor rates.
