Electronics for my 17 Mako?

[gw204]

Since Christmas is only a few weeks away, I figure I outta go ahead and make up my list for Santa. [] This year's list is going to be comprised mostly of items I need to get for my project 17 Mako. Among those items are the following:

1. Fishfinder
2. GPS (I already have a handheld Garmin GPS 48 that I use as a backup on the Grady)
3. VHF and antenna

I'm going to be installing these in the original console with no fancy mods so space is limited (sorry, I don't have a pic right now but I'll get one tonight). This boat will be used mosly in the Chesapeake Bay (water depth from 5' to 130') and in the surrounding rivers for trolling, bottom fishing and general goofing off with the family. She might even see an occasion run offshore up to 20 miles, but that's very weather permitting.

Based on that, what would you guys recommend? It's doesn't have to be super fancy, just needs to get the job done and fit on the console. []

 

[Outta Here]

You'll get a lot of comments for Garmin :roll: , Raymarine :roll: , etc. IMO, you should go straight to the top...FURUNO, see here:

http://www.furunodeepsea.com/products/c ... index.html

(I think you'll need two batteries)

 

[pelagic2530]

You'll get a lot of comments for Garmin :roll: , Raymarine :roll: , etc. IMO, you should go straight to the top...FURUNO, see here:

http://www.furunodeepsea.com/products/c ... index.html

(I think you'll need two batteries)

amen youll never have a problem. ever seen a commercial dragger with a raymarine 'dar? :roll:

 

[gw204]

Don't worry about a VHF. I bought one of those on my way home from work today. [] I heard from Dale that Boater's World had ICOM M302s on sale for $70. Add to that the 10% discount I get for being an MSSA member and I walked out of the store with a new M302 and 2 cans of fogging oil for $73. []

Now, on to the console. I took some measurements to see exactly how much space I have.

Without the rail around the winshield, the free area on top of the console is 28" x 6". With the rail in place, the free area is 19.5 x 6". If I sit the new VHF up there, I have about 11" x 6" to work with.

Although I would prefer separate FF and GPS unit, I don't think I have enough space and will be forced to go with a combo unit.

 

[B-Faithful]

Garmin!

My father has ray and I have Garmin! I am glad to have the Garmin. Even the professional capt I had fishing with me this weekend believes that Furuno is falling behind as he is getting ready to rig a clients Henriques. He says that he thinks Northstar and Garmin are the way to go now days. (The Henriques will be getting cummins so the Northstar would integrate well with the Smartcraft I guess) With the Garmin you will get ease of use and the best charts available. You lose some on the fishfinder to the furuno but to me a mark is a mark. Considering the depth you are looking at fishing a 17'er with, I would lean towards the better plotter that will show more detail on the maps and help you navigate better.

 

[TheOtherLine]

Garmin Chartplotter
Furuno Sounder.

At a recent boat show, the Garmin factory rep conceded that Furuno still makes a better sounder than they do.

...and I know just where you may get a good deal on a 3 month old one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Furuno-FCV-620-Colo ... dZViewItem

 

[Megabyte]

See if the gear and layout on my old 17 Dusky gives you any ideas.

 

[gw204]

Quite honestly, I'm not overly concerned with having chartplotter functions. I have that through the Raymarine on my Grady and I still find myself looking at my paper charts and running by the compass. I very much subscripe to the KISS theory.

Thanks for the pics Kev. That helps.

 

[gw204]

Quite honestly, I'm not overly concerned with having chartplotter functions. I have that through the Raymarine on my Grady and I still find myself looking at my paper charts and running by the compass. I very much subscripe to the KISS theory. In fact, I had such good luck with the B&W Furuno LS6000 on my old boat that the LS6100 is on my list now.

Thanks for the pics Kev. That helps.

 

[TheOtherLine]

Kevin, That Dusky looked sharp! Not sure how old it was in that picture but it looked spotless, kinda like your bilge... :lol:

Anyway, anytime you get ready to sell something, let me know. I'm sure it will be in perfect condition!

 

[Megabyte]

That Dusky was a 2000 model '17 Open Fisherman', and the photo was taken in 2003. I'd probably still have her today if the Parker I own now had not come along at a price that was too good to turn down. :wink:

Dusky builds them like Parker does (solid fiberglass) and they make one of the only 17 deep vee boats that I know of.

Thanks for the kind words. I do take pride in keeping my gear squared away.