Marine Electronics - Help Me Equip My New Boat

NETONE · 06-02-2006, 06:30 AM

I have flipped flopped over what electronics to install in my new boat (24' NR Seahawk), which will be here in a few months. I want Radar, Fishfinding, GPS and of course VHF. I am leaning very much to the Raymarine 180C which all every thing in a 12.1 screen. The other option is to go with stand alone units.

Some of you may have some great ideas or better yet lessons learned. So help me out here, as my budget is ~$5,000 on electronics.

Thanks to a giving wife

Skipper · 06-02-2006, 06:40 AM

I think stand alone units may be better for a couple of reasons:

1) I have a Lowrance 337 combo mapping and FF - I find myself flipping between the different screens a lot even when using the split screen page. If the map and FF were separate units it would only require a glance to either one.

2) If the combo unit fails then you loose everything in that unit.

Cheerio'
Skipper

CATCH AND EAT · 06-02-2006, 06:49 AM

Raymarine C80 or C120 will solve the viewing problems skipper has mentioned. spendy but worth the $$$$. Congrats on the new ride. Those are really nice

Beer Waggin · 06-02-2006, 06:53 AM

Raymarine C120?
If it is, you'll do fine.

Skippers Lowrance unit only has a 5" screen. Since the C120 has a screen twice as large you won't find yourself flipping through the screens.

And since you should have backups for everything, why not have a stand alone, do it all unit?

Tinman · 06-02-2006, 08:12 AM

Like the man said, if a combo unit breaks down, you've lost most of your electronic capability. You might consider separate units, and separate power supplies. For example, my electronics run on a dedicated battery, with a transfer switch so I can also run them off the starting battery. As further backup, the GPS has internal disposable batteries. And the VHF has a handheld backup. Just my 2-cents worth.

Tower Todd · 06-02-2006, 08:34 AM

I would go with the integrated system like the Raymarine C120 or Furuno System. Like others have said if it goes out you would be out of luck. That is why you should carry a back up gps. I feel the advantages of having the integrated system outweigh the concern of losing function. For example you can overlay the radar on the chartplotter. This is a very useful tool. Try doing that with standalone units. I have been very happy with my Raymarine systems. Either way good luck with your decision and good luck fishing.
Tower Todd

bajadan2000 · 06-02-2006, 09:46 AM

Let me get this right.

You want the Salty Dogs help to spend $5,000 on your new boat?

Starting from scratch is easier than trying to replace old systems and playing catch up.

Start with the radio. It is a seperate piece of equipment. Get the best radio and antenna you can. Look at Icom radios and Digital 500 or Shakespeare galaxy antennas.

Now, to go with stand alone or an all in one unit?
I would start with good stand alone units.
Radar-Furuno
GPS/chartplotter-Garmin
Fishfinder-Furuno, Lowrance, lots of good choices here which you can custom fit to your fishing style.

Now see how much $ you have left because if you are going off shore, you will want back ups to everything except radar. Now put in a large screen Package system. Either a Raymarine or Garmin without the radar. I like the Garmin because it has the XM satellite weather option.

I would start with the best stand alone units for the type of boating I would be doing. Then later add the large screen package as the back up.

NETONE · 06-02-2006, 11:33 AM

I know there would be split thoughts on this..sadly I am also split

as to a combo unit like the Raymarine 120C, or going with stand alone units. As to back up I do have both VHF & GPS in the handheld for both. What I personally like about the combo unit is it has everything in one big screen with overlay ability between GPS & Radar. The problem is I want to do this once, and not really ever having that much electronic needs before I want to make a good educated decission. Radar is not a must, but more of a would be a great tool.

I would guess maybe a good question to those Salty Dogs would be what do you have now as to electronics and do you like it, as well if you had to up grade what would you upgrade to? Lots of options here, this is why I am beginning my investgation early.

Something Good · 06-02-2006, 11:49 AM

I have the C80 set up as a GPS/fishfinder, and a C70 for my radar and a backup GPS. Only used once so far but what sweet units. And this system provides for a backup. Also have a handheld and an HB 71 compass. I spend a lot of time out on the ocean and want to make sure I can get back home. Have a good look at the 12" screen on your dash before you buy it. Make sure you can see around it comfortably. I would have liked to put a 12" in my 26' Seahawk but it blocked my view. I had a friend put a 10" Lowrance in a 24' boat similar to the Seahawk and now he can't see out the bottom part of the windshield. I think a C80 would suit you just fine and you could add the C70 for a backup unit now or later.
Good luck

flapbreaker · 06-02-2006, 12:17 PM

I have the Raymarine c80 with radar and love it. I would highly recommend an all in one unit since you are considering Radar. That is unless you are a Radar expert. The overlay feature is priceless. I wouldn't worry about the backup systems. What good are backup's that are wired into the same power supply if there's ever a power failure. I feel that handhelds are fine for backups.

Plan on buying an electronic compass to hook up to the c-80, this will keep the map orientation correct at drift speeds or at anchor. I used the raymarine st40 which you can find online for under $200. Get the Raystar 120 gps receiver and the DSM250 sounder module and the p66 transducer and your set. I wouldn't buy the 4kw radar unless you have a big tall boat. The 2kw should be fine. Enjoy!

pugetplunker · 06-02-2006, 01:40 PM

well since you have a good budget i would look at the simrad cx 34 chartplotter/radar/fishfinder.the learning curve is a bit long but once you get to know all the options they are a great unit.also with a boat that big i would look at a small fishfinder (raymarine dx 500)for the back of the boat.

tracker · 06-02-2006, 02:40 PM

I found the garmins easier to use. That said I have a fruno radar and a raymarine auto-pilot and the rest garmin. As big a screen as you can get and fit in the space you have.

Triple C · 06-02-2006, 02:53 PM

Just a small edit to Flapbreaker's parts list.
Raymarine no longer makes the 120 GPS receiver or the
DSM 250. The new numbers are 125 GPS and I believe DSM 300.
I was told by Rodger's Marine they had issues with the
120 model and and the 125 corrected those issues. I run a
C80 with radar, DSM 250 sounder and 120 GPS Having issues
with the 120 right now but it may be how it was wired. I'll
find out this week end after troubleshoot it. Otherwise I
like the system. Easy to use and understand. I also have
hand helds as back ups. They come in handy.

flapbreaker · 06-02-2006, 04:07 PM

Your correct. Raymarine still has the old ones listed. My bad.

InPursuit · 06-02-2006, 08:41 PM

I have to agree that the Raymarine Multifunction Navigation Display (I have the C80) is the way to go. The Radar overlay is just too cool. But even the best gear can malfunction so you gotta have back-ups.

(Hey Ted, they work better if you turn them on!!!)

G-Dubb

Jeff P · 06-02-2006, 09:22 PM

I went the stand alone route because the cost was less and I was worried about the larger display occluding my view.

One disadvantage of standalone units, at least with a soft top, is that it's sort-of a hassle to install them before departure, and then unplug and remove each one at the end of the day. I wouldn't dare leave them in the boat overnight unsecured.

In general I'm happy with the stand alone approach. I'd probably do it again this way, but then again I've never played with one of the overlay models- they do sound cool.

One other thing I would do differently had I to do it again. I would find each model at a store and look at it before purchase. I'm a hopeless internet shopper and this is one time that I got bit. It seems there is a lot a variation in the quality of diplays used for these devices. There is a lot variation even within a particular brand. I bought a fish finder and a plotter from the same manufacturer. The display on the plotter is really nice. The display on the finder is..... not as nice.

Good luck. Sounds like you will make an informed choice.

Jeff

Maverick Maxcat · 06-02-2006, 09:38 PM

First off, radar is a must-have, more important than a plotter for safety. It's nice to follow the little boat on the screen and stay in the channel, but when you're coming in at night in the fog, and the dredge is working between the jetties, only radar will give you the big picture. Just ask Popeye or Bluefin!

Another option is to run a laptop with Nobletech software, a basic gps, and a black box radar and fishfinder. You can run them seperately, split screen, and overlay the radar. It is cheaper by far, and you can bring a spare laptop if you're worried. I carry handheld gps and vhf for backups.

If you are considering an autopilot, talk to Nautamatics about the Gladiator. It is the best there is in every trial they run.

Paddler · 06-02-2006, 10:42 PM

I went with Lowrance 111C HD (~$2100) on a Ram mount ($70) off the left side of my console, with an EP 10 fuel flow meter ($50), an Icom 422 ($150) w/ Shakespeare Galaxy 5225 XP ($120 w/ mount), and Simrad AP14R autopilot ($1230), for a total of $3720. Those are decent prices on very nice gear, but it only leaves $1300 for radar. Depending on where you fish, autopilot may be more useful than radar.

Hanging the unit off the side gives you an unobstructed view through your windshield, and you can also still use your cupholder. The only thing is that Nautic Path isn't very detailed, but I can tell you where all 13000+ Mac Donald's are located. Overall, I would buy the same equipment again. For backup, I carry my old Garmin 12. Here's a not so good photo, but it gives you the idea.

You're going to be hard pressed to get a 10" screen with all the things you want for $5K, especially if you need an arch for the radar. And downriggers, and ............... If you want radar, I'd up your budget a bit.

flapbreaker · 06-03-2006, 06:22 AM

One more thing. Get a DSC capable radio and while your at it make sure it both receives DSC info and sends it. For a breif overview of this feature go here https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/info.htm

For comparison purposes this is what my setup cost which I believe to be a good price. All installed too.

C80 dislplay
DSM-300 module
Raystar 125 GPS sensor
P66 highspeed transducer
Navionics chip
2kw Radar

-------------------Total price installed--> $3,730

Radar Arch with rocket launchers was an additional $700

Onokai · 06-03-2006, 08:47 AM

Furuno nav net with a 10 inch screen. Get the widest arrey you can afford. . You will never regret this.my 2 cents.Mark

Deeman · 06-03-2006, 09:47 AM

I went with the Raymarine C-120 integrated unit and have never looked back. As you get more familar with the system you can do more and more. Right out of the box you can be literate enough to use it in a few minutes. As time goes on you can customize your system to the type of fishing and Nav needs you have. One set of manuals to carry, minimal wiring or communication issues between systems, good graphhics, less space requirement, less to go wrong. One thing get the largest screen you can. I am thinking of going to the 15" monitor and hard mounting the unit itself below deck. bigger picture, even less space. plus remote control.

ron m · 06-03-2006, 01:30 PM

Being an old retired guy that doesn't see well, I went with the big screen. Raymarine C120 I think it is. and having radar can be good, I don't use mine often, but it's sure nice to have in the fog, especially when it's dark too. As has been said, having the radar overlay on the plotter is very nice.

The computer set-up is something I'd check if I was outfitting a new boat. make it much easier to handle waypoints, editing them, adding info, printing info.

One of the good things about having my boat in a storage unit in Newport is not having to disconnect the electronics after each trip and having to reconnect them at the start of the trip. Can also leave all the fishing/crabbing and other gear in the boat and setup ready to go.

ron m

Gundog · 06-03-2006, 03:17 PM

Furuno combo unit for that kind of money buy the best and the repair center is in Camas if you have any problems it is nice to be able to drop it off and get local help. I have a 21' Seahawk and I know you would have a hard time fitting stand alone units in that space. On my boat I went with a combo GPS/Fish finder and a separate radar unit I spent about 3K but if I would have had 5K to spend I would go with their big unit with all in one 10.4" screen Oh ya

GD

Pilar · 06-03-2006, 06:49 PM

If you have some electronics now, use them as second backup units.

I use the Raymarine C-80. A nice compromise between screen size, price and features. And there is only one box on the dash, not three. The backup stuff is on the dash at the cabin pilot station and that is pretty cluttered.

I also have a compass (and a backup), stop watch, charts and a brain that remembers outbound heading, distance and return heading.

Anyone that relys completely on GPS or other electronics is going to have a moment of reckoning. Dead reckoning. It's what they did when they discovered the known world in wooden ships with sails.

Practice it and you will not worry about losing your all in one unit.

Just my $0.02.

FishCrazy · 06-06-2006, 05:29 PM

I went through the exact same thing - same boat, similar budget. I looked at Lowrance, Raymarine and Garmin. I went with the following: in the cabin - Garmin 3010 all in one (10" screen is perfect size IMHO), GSD 20 blackbox sounder, Garmin 2kw radar, Icom 502A VHF, Shakespeare Galaxy 5225 antenna and a Ritchie analog compass. At the rear steering station is a Garmin 172C (5" screen). The 172C has its own GPS antenna, separate from the GPS antenna for the 3010 so I'm redundant on the plotter. The blackbox sounder feeds data to both units, so single point of failure on the black box and transducer. Its not the best FF option out there, but it gets the job done. I might add a Furuno FF as a backup at the rear station in the future. Radar feeds the 3010 only. As others have said the overlay on the chart is a nice feature. I have an Icom m88 handheld VHF and Garmin 60CS handheld GPS as backups. One thing to think about is your electronic charts. I stuck with all Garmin displays so I could have the same charts on all of my electronics from the handheld to the 3010. I can easily transfer/manage waypoints between all units on my PC via a card reader. I bought the CD's and transfer the maps via the card reader. The card reader can also be used for software updates, just load the updates via the PC at home, take the data card to the boat, power up, load the card and the rest happens automatically. I'd probably make the same choice again, but would also look at the Furuno system due to service proximity.

flapbreaker · 06-06-2006, 06:16 PM

FishCrazy has a good point about charts. The biggest downside for the Raymarine unit is there's no good way for navigation planning on the pc and then uploading to the Plotter. They worked with Navionics on some software that everyone with a Raymarine unit was eager to get but when it was released I guess it misses the mark. I have not personally tried it though. Otherwise I like my Raymarine stuff. I've never really looked at the furuno stuff since the boat dealer I bought the boat from didn't deal with it much.

DriftR · 06-07-2006, 09:36 AM

Here is my choice:
Furuno WD1850 DGPS color plotter with Navionics chip
Furuno 1734Cvx2 4 kw radar with GPS with Navionics chip
Furuno 582L colored fish finder
Icom 602 in cabin, with Remote mic in open cockpit
Icom M88 VHF handheld
Small battery operated handheld GPS
NEMA Expander connected to the WD1850 and Furuno 1734C vx2.
Aquafix 402 P-epirb connected into the NEMA expander
Floscan 9000-20B-1 fuel monitoring system. Also connected into the NEMA expander.
I go with Furuno due to their service department in CAMAS, WA and their great customer service.
All the Furuno, Icom and Aquafix equipment on board my boat with the exception of the handheld VHF and small handheld GPS are interconnected so LAT & Long show on each. Nuff said.