The essentials in 30 seconds
- Complete refit of a 40-foot sailboat = 6-10 week project + €25,000-45,000 VAT excluded. Includes main display + radar + AIS + autopilot + wind transducer + power system (lithium pack). Plan now for winter 2026-2027 refit.
- 8-step workshop method: existing system audit, sizing, brand selection, equipment ordering, dismantling, 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 degraded integration. For a 2026 refit, choose Raymarine OR B&G as the primary ecosystem (60-80% of equipment); only third-party peripherals (AIS, portable GPS, antennas) can be mixed.
Overhauling all electronics on a 40-foot sailboat in a single operation is more cost-effective and higher-performing than piecemeal upgrades over 5-10 years. Consistent ecosystem, uniform updates, optimal integration, and consolidated user training. This article outlines the Skysat workshop method in 8 steps, with costed budgets per scenario.
Related topics: energy refit for winter 2026-2027 (lithium pack), GPS-fishfinder display size (9 vs. 12 inches), B&G vs. Raymarine autopilot.
Why a full refit vs. piecemeal upgrades
Four major technical reasons:
- Ecosystem consistency: mixing Raymarine + B&G + Garmin over 10 years leads to degraded integration. A full refit allows everything to be aligned.
- Homogeneous wiring: clean NMEA 2000 backbone, consistent cable gauges, matched fuses.
- Cost savings: installation labor costs 25-35% lower in a full refit vs. separate upgrades over 5-10 years.
- Clean documentation: up-to-date schematics, retained manuals, consolidated client training.
Step 1 — Audit of existing systems
Comprehensive assessment before any equipment selection:
- Inventory of current equipment: brand, model, age, functionality.
- Electrical schematic: obtain from original builder or redraw.
- Recent failures and owner-perceived limitations (1-2 hour interview).
- 24-hour consumption 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 within this ecosystem.
- Display size: 12-inch standard for 40-foot sailboats (see display article).
- Autopilot: keep existing hydraulic ram if <10 years old; otherwise, full refit (see ram article).
- Power system: convert to lithium if not already done (see lithium plug & play article).
Step 3 — Ordering equipment
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.
- Secure workshop slot immediately after ordering (limited winter capacity).
- List of "consumable" parts: cables, fuses, connectors, etc.
Step 4 — Dismantling and preparation
Dry dock work: 1 week
- Remove old equipment (display, screens, sensors, batteries).
- Sort: resell used (~30% of new value), recycle electronics, dispose of waste.
- Deep clean mounting locations (corrosion, moisture, repaint).
- Check structural integrity (mounts, watertightness, hull sections for cable passes).
Step 5 — Hardware installation
Dry dock work: 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 (ram + computer + rudder angle sensor + compass).
- Power system: 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 converter, set voltage thresholds.
Step 7 — Commissioning and testing
Final validation: 2-3 days
- Dock test: all displays, all sensors, all communications.
- Engine test (alternator, DC-DC converter, start-up).
- Sea trial and navigation test: autopilot at sea, speed-through-water vs. GPS, depth, wind.
- Calibrate VHF antenna SWR.
- Test ASN/DSC on channel 70.
Step 8 — User training
2-3 sessions with the owner:
- Walkthrough of display features: charts, fishfinder, AIS, radar, autopilot.
- Emergency procedures: ASN/DSC, EPIRB (if installed), MOB.
- Seasonal maintenance: antifouling fishfinder, sensor cleaning, BMS check.
- Documentation provided: manuals, schematics, after-sales contacts.
3 budget scenarios with detailed costs
| 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) |
| Wind transducer | WS320 wireless (€1,499 pack) | WS710 vertical wired (€2,043) | WS720S Ocean spec (€2,865) |
| Autopilot | Keep existing if serviceable | B&G ram T1 + NAC-3 (€3,400) | H5000 CPU Performance + ram (€5,800) |
| Lithium power system | 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 40-foot sailboats
How long does a full refit take?
6-10 weeks in dry dock + sea trials. Plan during winter refit (Oct-Mar) to minimize seasonal impact. Pre-order equipment 4-6 months before starting to secure availability and workshop slot.
What is the ROI on a €30,000 VAT excluded refit?
Multiple angles: (1) modern electronics lifespan 8-12 years = annual amortization ~€2,500-3,750; (2) resale value: +15-25% depending on market; (3) usage: modern electronics = enhanced safety + doubled battery autonomy + transformed onboard comfort. ROI is multidimensional, not solely financial.
Can the refit be done in multiple phases?
Possible but suboptimal. Compromises on ecosystem consistency and integration. Cumulative costs higher (~ +20-30% vs. full refit). Only consider 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 rewire VHF, wind sensor, GPS antenna. Otherwise, refit is possible with mast in place using existing cable runs or new cabling via masthead.
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 service.
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.
