New electronics - need help selecting

[ThereAndBack]

So my boat is old and all the electronics are either dead or out of support. I've had smaller boats in the past with simple independent systems and have never used a nmea2k network and I don't really know what I'm doing so I wanted to ask the hive mind for help in selecting my components to make sure I'm not going to run into any gotchas.

Right now there are two things that concern me.

1) I cannot haul right now so the existing old depth sounder will have to remain for some time. It doesn't do speed it just does depth. It is connected to a raytheon or raymarine display.

2) I have an autopilot that is some sort of rotary motor that attaches to the steering wheel shaft via a chain and sprocket. I don't know what it is or isn't compatible with.


Right now I'm thinking of going B&G for the most part.

I'd like to get:
Vulcan 12 plotter
Halo20 radar
Vesper cortex for AIS/networking capabilities
Separate VHF for at the helm (I don't trust the vesper cortex for voice coms and I'm uncertain of what to get. I've heard the B&G VHF isn't all that great)
B&G wireless wind instrument for top of the mast


Questions I have:
What components do I need for the autopilot and will the autopilot still function without a speed through water input?

What do I need to buy to build out a nmea2k network? Is it as simple as it seems?

Do you see any problems or faults with this sort of setup?


Intended purpose is generally coastal cruising with possibility of some longer hops in the Caribbean.

[Frankly]

The depth transducer is probably going to work with any system (200Khz not anything special), post a picture of the AP drive unit. NMEA 2000 is pretty straightfwd. I am a longtime Raymarine guy so no help on your B&G selections.


Frankly

[goboatingnow]

Nmea 2000 is very simple to install , much easier then nmea0183.