Need some help

[giantfan]

I am currently looking to replace my electronics on my Pursuit.

I purchased the boat last Nov and it has the factory installed Raymarine package on it. Pathfinder radar and matching GPS/sounder unit. This stuff is rather outdated (2000).

I have been looking at the C and E series and have been going thru all of the past posts about these and there are mixed opinions about the Raymarine products. If I do go this route I will probably go with the C 120 and get the sounder, Radar (open array), and Sat Weather.

I have also been looking at the Garmin 4212, this seems to be a nice unit for much less $$$$$ and I think it will easily handle the job I need it to do. I have owned Garmin products in the past and love the ease of use compared to other units that I have used.

Here is where I need some help. I currently have a Raymarine auto pilot that I don’t want to replace as it works like a dream.
Will I be able to interface this older unit with the new Garmin stuff?

If not I can live with just having the auto pilot independent and setting it using headings only… but it would be great if I could interface.

This is what I am looking to get if I go Garmin:

2- GPSMap 4212 (I am guessing that I will be able to switch around the different functions from screen to screen as I do on my Raymarine units)

GMR 404 4’ Array Radar Ant. (what advantage does the 6’ give you over the 4’ as they are both 4kw?)

GSD-22 Sounder (I am looking at the B164 1000kw tilted element transducer…. OPINIONS???? Is the true thru hull a much better product???)

GDL 30A Weather / Audio for Sat weather.

If I go with the Raymarine stuff the budget won’t allow me to get the two screen setup that I want right now… I will have to add the second screen as my funds allow.
Any input would be a big help.

Thanks

[yachtjim]

The Garmin 4000 Series is a major improvement over the C/E Series. We actually have some remanufactured 4212's right now which would save you even more money. They are virtually new, and probably are actually new.

The 6' array will give you a narrower beamwidth over the 4'. This gives better target discrimination.

The 4000 Series units are fully networkable meaning you can view all features on any display.

Your autopilot will interface with the Garmin equipment via NMEA 0183.

The B164 is an outstanding ducer. No reason to go with the older style of thru-hulls that require a fairing block.

[seapower]

Did I hear somebody say Furuno?

[giantfan]

The Garmin 4000 Series is a major improvement over the C/E Series. We actually have some remanufactured 4212's right now which would save you even more money. They are virtually new, and probably are actually new.

The 6' array will give you a narrower beamwidth over the 4'. This gives better target discrimination.

The 4000 Series units are fully networkable meaning you can view all features on any display.

Your autopilot will interface with the Garmin equipment via NMEA 0183.

The B164 is an outstanding ducer. No reason to go with the older style of thru-hulls that require a fairing block.

Thanks for the info. I am leaning towards the Garmin system. I won't be making the purchase until the end of March or so. I need to make sure the sale of my Stamas goes thru first and I have to wait for the buyer to do a survey and sea trial. When it comes time I will give you a shout. The Guy who is buying the Stamas "Dave" speaks very highly of you and your co.

Seapower..... wish I could afford it.... I have given myself a 10 budget and the furuno stuff doesn't fit. I use a GP 7000 as a back up.

[Mike Boehler]

Funny how these things work. I've been looking at updating the electronics on my Tiara since I got it last year. I am Garmin partial, but don't want to be ignorant to the other manufacturers. But I keep leaning towards the 4000 series. Seems like a good bang for the buck to me. I'm seriously confused on the 'ducers though.

As far as the mapping, where I boat (lake Ontario) the charters have a lot of complaints about the garmin mapping. Most guys that have garmin systems, have independent mapping as the Garmin Maps lack some of the bottom detail they are used too.

I'm thinking about the AC boat show to see them all and make a decision.

Are there any good deals out there to take advantage of since the boating industry is in the crapper?

Don't mean to sound mean, but might as well take advantage of the downturn if you can.

[giantfan]

[QUOTE=
I'm thinking about the AC boat show to see them all and make a decision.
[/QUOTE]

I will be all over the electronics at the show as well.

What do you currently have in your tiara now? Do you have the Raymarine package as well?

What don't you like about it? I have been having trouble with my heading and location of my boat in refrence to my boat. Last time I was out at the canyon I set sandy hook as my waypoint and my unit told me to head south east

That was the final straw for my existing electronics... I really want the sat weather and 3D mapping as well.

[Mike Boehler]

I will be all over the electronics at the show as well.

What do you currently have in your tiara now? Do you have the Raymarine package as well?

What don't you like about it? I have been having trouble with my heading and location of my boat in refrence to my boat. Last time I was out at the canyon I set sandy hook as my waypoint and my unit told me to head south east

That was the final straw for my existing electronics... I really want the sat weather and 3D mapping as well.

The Tiara came off the line fairly bare boned as far as electronics go, but either way, what it does have is from '93 so its LONG overdue for some changes.

The Sounder is a Ray C830, no radar (once I got a taste of radar on my albemarle, I couldn't go backwards), Mapping is a separate stand alone Garmin. Basically a dinosaur.

A/P is a Ray 7000 that works fine, but I use heading only anyway.

[Free Spirit]

The C and E series are a huge improvement over the series that you have. The Raymarine units are far superior to the Raytheon stuff you have now. Be sure to actually see all the units in aciton before you spend your money. The FF on the Raymarine stuff is excellent and being truly digital, it does not need to be tuned. I have been using Raymarien equipment for 10 years and I have found it to be easy to use and very reliable. I am not sure where you are located, but if you are near south jersey, I would be glad to let you see the equipment in action.

[giantfan]

Thanks for the offer Capt. Steve.

Above and beyond

I replied to your PM...

I wrote a note on my pass for the A/C show with your name and will look you up when I am down there.

Thanks