My '97 has the original Autohelm (now Raymarine) ST50 depth and speed; both work fine, except the water temperature reading which is way off (evidently a transducer issue). I have newer Raymarine autopilot and wind instruments, less than 5 years old. I replaced the autopilot primarily to get the newer gray wheel drive; the electronics still worked fine.

One issue is that Raymarine no longer sells the old style round Seatalk connecters used by the ST50 instruments, so if you want to interface them with newer instruments, it would be difficult.

It seems to me that many boat owners don't wait until the electronics wear out. After about five to ten years at the most, the technology improves so drasticaly that guys just want a newer improved gadgets. Over the last 25 years I went through two Lorans, three GPS' and two chart plotters, plus three radios and two debth finders. None of which were worn out or inoperative. I just wanted to newer technology. The same thing with sails.

[QUOTE=caprice 1050;13196]It seems to me that many boat owners don't wait until the electronics wear out. After about five to ten years at the most, the technology improves so drasticaly that guys just want a newer improved gadgets. Over the last 25 years I went through two Lorans, three GPS' and two chart plotters, plus three radios and two debth finders. None of which were worn out or inoperative. I just wanted to newer technology. The same thing with sails.[/QUOTE]

My thoughts exactly. The electronics last until the owner wants a new toy. At least that's what they did for me.