Recommendations on Electronics

[Billfisher]

I am not trying to test the ad policy here, but I am purchasing a new boat (YEAH!) and need some recommendations on good current electronics (Other than ads in all my fav. saltwater mags). I'm looking for a relatively short range radar, gps/chartplotter, and a vhf to round them out. I don't wanna go broke. please e-mail your comments (positive and negative) to me at dlm0244@msn.com

-Doug

p.s., I don't want used gear, so I'm not buying your old stuff.

[kamloops]

Doug

I would attend both the Portland and Seattle
Boat shows comming up soon after the new year.
Most marine electronic mfgs will be there displaying all the new goodies. It's kind of simular to buying computers, once you buy something it's already been replaced by a newer and cheaper model.
Rodgers Marine in Pdx will be happy to help
you with your project.

[Pitch Pocket]

Furuno Navnet is a good choice. Don't know if it will make you go broke or not, but it's not cheap gear. I have the 1722 c. It is actually a local network with a single (or multiple) display, so you can buy components and add them as you can afford them. Very flexible and Furuno has a top reputation for quality gear.

[Birdnest]

Concerning the VHF, it is hard to beat Standard Horizon for the price. I have the Quest with DSC and love it. After the rebate you will pay around $150 and have plenty of money left over for a quality 8'/6db gain antennae.

Joe

PS What kind of boat?

[backlash442]

Icom M-127 is a pretty good VHF. Friend has it in his boat. I had a Raytheon in mine but was pretty basic. Go with a good antenna though. Shakespere 8' 2520(?) sorry can't remember the model number.
Garmin 2010C chartplotter is really nice. Great detail. Furuno also has a nice one but both are pretty expensive. Not so sure color is all that important. As long as you can see on your plotter the area you've been trolling that to me is the most important. Great for boxing an area.

[8knots]

Good advice on outfitting at the boat show. Try to do your research now and then take your list to the boat show. Tell them this is what you want to buy and you are looking to compare pricing and make a decision that day. See who will give you the best package deal.

I also agree that for the price the Standard Horizon VHF's are hard to beat. For radar and depth I am a big fan of Furuno, but just my preference based on my experiences.

Good Luck!

[blubeast]

Would second the comments on going to the Boat Show. Couple of years ago spent several hours in the Rodgers booth comparing displays.

With so many items on your wish list, unless your finances are flush, you'll probably need to prioritize your purchases. When I started outfitting my 'new to me' used boat, I put the VHF, Charting GPS, and good depth finder as top of the list must have's before going out. Along with a second bilge pump. Fuel meter is next on the list.

Do a search on past posts as many of the items you're looking at have been dicussed in detail before.

Personally, I've gone with Raymarine for my GPS and depth - separate units... like the clarity of their display's for the price. Prefer separate units so if one fails, still have other and don't have to switch back and forth. Went with SiTex for the vhf -nice price vs features.

Good luck shopping.

[Billfisher]

I KNEW I'd get some good input with this site! Here's another question... When is the next big boat show? As for the boat, it is a Trophy 2352, with a 5.7 l Mercruiser, and a hard top. Does anyone here have a kicker mounted on their swimstep? How is THAT working? -Doug

[Popeye]

http://www.boatescape.com/contest/pdx04.htm

Portland Boat Show

[Marty]

Doug, I had a 2359 (offshore model) Trophy and had a yamaha 6 hp. kicker mounted on the swimstep and had no problems with it. If I remember I think I put another support bracket under the swimstep.


Marty

[SlabQuest]

...and add the power-tilt option so you wont get your feet wet...

[seabass]

Better throw in a kicker and autopilot now, you will eventually want them. Take it in the shorts now. It took me an additional 7 years to get my kicker and another 2 for the autopilot. Over those 9 years I abused my big motor and then had to steer instead of (fishing)keeping my tackle the way that I wanted.

Seabass

[Billfisher]

Okay... I got the stuff ordered. I'll have a Simrad CE 33 Plotter/Fishfinder, a JRC Radar, and an ICOM radio with DSC. Now, hopefully this lousy weather will lift so I can trailer the boat to PDX and get 'em installed! Thanks again for all the advice!