XM or Sirius Weather/ Multi Fubction Displays

[scoltrain]

Hello all,

I am going to be upgrading electronics and would like to get Furuno 3D, my hesitation is the Sirius Sat weather. I have heard XM is much better. So then I look at Garmin, for XM. Just wanted to get some feedback. Not sure if the merger between the two will make a difference also. Thanks for your help!

[Fish Dad]

My advice is don't buy a chartplotter soley based on whether it supports XM or Sirus. Buy a chartplotter for what you want in a chartplotter. There is not a huge enough of a difference between XM and Sirus to base a purchase decision on that.

What I did was buy a portable unit, Garmin 478 that is XM weather capable. This gave me a backup GPS for my boat, gave me full XM weather on the boat and the 478 is has both marine modes and automobile modes so it goes from the dash of my boat to the dash of my car for trip. Let's me also get weather updates on road trips too.

[manni-yunk]

Originally Posted by marlinazul

Get the furuno. the garmin isn't even good for an anchor. and the sirius is top notch. XM BLOWS

Ive had the XM for 2 years. MOST people ive spoken with like the Sirius music package better - but the XM weather is easier to use and has a better format.


I did read that sirius weather is better now than it was last year.

You probably cant go wrong either way!


Since Ive gotten the weather service, I couldnt imagine running offshore without it. Its worth every penny to me.

[scoltrain]

Thanks Guys,

I would prefer the Furuno myself. I just wanted the feedback of people who have used them both. I have sirius on my boat and I like their music package better than XM. I have just heard that XM was better weather info. "Fish Dad" I do the same thing I have the Garmin 378 or 376 can't remember Looks the same as yours just older model, that I use for a back up. great little machine, just wish it had the weather option. Thanks again for the info.

[Sterling]

If you've got a computer on board you can get the XM receiver and use the compuer to display the weather info. It's the best view of it I have seen and I've been using it that way for a few years. Despite that, if I were buying today, I would look to integrate it with my primary display as you are discussing. It's just more convenient.

From what I have seen, they seem comparable. The XM has a few different levels of service so it may depend on what you opt for. Stop in to a good marine electronics store and they'll have demo's of both so you can judge for yourself.

Good luck, let us know how it goes

[freebird2]

I have had both but I like the Sirius better.Plus it is cheaper with more info.

[Captbillb]

I've been using the Sirius system for over a year on a Raymarine E120. So far.. no problems.. and it's been very helpful in determining if and when it's time to head for the bard as well as employing other features such as sea states, temps, and winds speed.

[Capt Skipper Gentry]

I HATE XM, I have had it since the gitgo and cancelled because they suck, there is no reliability in their service and it is not accurate as fear as sea surface temps.