Garmin Upgrade Questions

[Alexm225]

So Black Friday is upon us and currently in my 2320 I have a Garmin 94-sv that does not have radar capabilities. I’m planning to upgrade to one of the latest models probably a 943xsv. I have a 1995 2320 sport cabin with a rigging tube in it. The current chart plotter is mounted with a peice of starboard aswell as the fuel gages and few other gauges.I’ve never installed electronics and radar on a boat before. So what do you think the best idea is. To get someone to professionally do it or take the time to learn by myself and do it DIY.

 

[pelagic2530]

So Black Friday is upon us and currently in my 2320 I have a Garmin 94-sv that does not have radar capabilities. I’m planning to upgrade to one of the latest models probably a 943xsv. I have a 1995 2320 sport cabin with a rigging tube in it. The current chart plotter is mounted with a peice of starboard aswell as the fuel gages and few other gauges.I’ve never installed electronics and radar on a boat before. So what do you think the best idea is. To get someone to professionally do it or take the time to learn by myself and do it DIY.

Caveat: I am an installer. I run a small boat electrical/electronics business.

The answer depends on your comfort level with basic tools, electronics, and how much time you’re willing to sink into learning how to do it properly.

The new 94 series may fit in the same hole as your old one, so you may avoid any fabrication work. It may not. Worth checking into though.

Are you familiar with basic 12V work? What condition is your current house power system in? Do you have available fuse block circuits and a good ground connection? Do you have a currently installed NMEA 2000 system, or will you need to put one in? What sort of bells and whistles are you interested in (fuel monitoring, radar overlays, autopilots, etc.)?

How do you plan on mounting your radar, roof mount or pedestal? Are you comfortable with properly sealing the wood core, mounting a pedestal, running and securing new cables? How about setup, are you reasonably literate with computer/electronics settings?

Do you have the electrical tools to properly make all your connections? Good crimpers, wire strippers, heat shrink terminals, heat shrink tubing, heat gun, label maker, fish tape, etc. etc. etc.? Is it worth it to you to purchase them?

If the answer to any of these is no, how much effort do you wish to invest in equipping yourself and learning how to do it properly? None of it is rocket science, and the information is all out there. But you’ll need to take the time to learn it all. If you only intend to do this one installation, the juice might not be worth the squeeze.

It may be worth getting some quotes on the job, just to give yourself a reference point. Be sure to ask how the installer intends to seal any exposed cored surfaces, how they intend to deal with excess cable, and how they’ll label the circuits once the install is complete. Keep it away from any kind of dealer’s shop.

If you post your location, there are a few members on here who either run installation businesses (myself included), or who are very experienced and may be willing to help you out.

Good luck, new electronics are a blast, and so can be the installation process.

 

[Andy]

So Black Friday is upon us and currently in my 2320 I have a Garmin 94-sv that does not have radar capabilities. I’m planning to upgrade to one of the latest models probably a 943xsv. I have a 1995 2320 sport cabin with a rigging tube in it. The current chart plotter is mounted with a peice of starboard aswell as the fuel gages and few other gauges.I’ve never installed electronics and radar on a boat before. So what do you think the best idea is. To get someone to professionally do it or take the time to learn by myself and do it DIY.

For me, now I'd go with the pros.... I've installed the electronics on all our boats, and countless friends boats, since the 1970's... (numerous VHF's, GPS's, LORANS, Autopilots, Depth Sounders, EPIRBS, etc, and if I may say so, I did a pretty good job for an amateur! Thankfully, our second-hand 2013/2014 Parker came fully equipped with a lot of 'new-fangled' high-tech electronics, including RADAR, GPS/plotter and CHIRP SONAR, etc. With the complexity of this new stuff, I would rather pay a profession from here on in, to install and set-up the electronics, especially so when we get the 'next boat'. (I hope Parker comes out with another 2830).... The main reason I'll hire a pro, is from what I've learned here on ClassicParker from our resident electronics experts. I've learned that a lot of these new electronic installations are beyond my present skill level.

 

[Alexm225]

Caveat: I am an installer. I run a small boat electrical/electronics business.

The answer depends on your comfort level with basic tools, electronics, and how much time you’re willing to sink into learning how to do it properly.

The new 94 series may fit in the same hole as your old one, so you may avoid any fabrication work. It may not. Worth checking into though.

Are you familiar with basic 12V work? What condition is your current house power system in? Do you have available fuse block circuits and a good ground connection? Do you have a currently installed NMEA 2000 system, or will you need to put one in? What sort of bells and whistles are you interested in (fuel monitoring, radar overlays, autopilots, etc.)?

How do you plan on mounting your radar, roof mount or pedestal? Are you comfortable with properly sealing the wood core, mounting a pedestal, running and securing new cables? How about setup, are you reasonably literate with computer/electronics settings?

Do you have the electrical tools to properly make all your connections? Good crimpers, wire strippers, heat shrink terminals, heat shrink tubing, heat gun, label maker, fish tape, etc. etc. etc.? Is it worth it to you to purchase them?

If the answer to any of these is no, how much effort do you wish to invest in equipping yourself and learning how to do it properly? None of it is rocket science, and the information is all out there. But you’ll need to take the time to learn it all. If you only intend to do this one installation, the juice might not be worth the squeeze.

It may be worth getting some quotes on the job, just to give yourself a reference point. Be sure to ask how the installer intends to seal any exposed cored surfaces, how they intend to deal with excess cable, and how they’ll label the circuits once the install is complete. Keep it away from any kind of dealer’s shop.

If you post your location, there are a few members on here who either run installation businesses (myself included), or who are very experienced and may be willing to help you out.

Good luck, new electronics are a blast, and so can be the installation process.

Yea I’ve looked into the sizes I already have a custom helm there is a big ole peice of black starboard that haves everything on it and it is mounted with nuts and bolts onto the fiberglass. I’m not familiar with 12v electrical work at all nor do I have any of tools most likely. Forsure I do not have NMEA 2000 installed or running. Only thing I’m really interested in is radar possibly fuel economy but I have a 2001 two stroke HPDI so idk if it’s compatible. Probably gonna do a roof mount with a radome. I’m a 22 year old college student I’m pretty literate when it comes to computers and even electronics in general I would have no problem learning everything but I don’t wanna mess anything up. Can you please elaborate on why I should keep it away from the dealer shop aswell as why I should ask about their plans with sealing and cord management. I’m out of forked river NJ on the good ole barnegat bay.

 

[Inshore Chaser]

Yea I’ve looked into the sizes I already have a custom helm there is a big ole peice of black starboard that haves everything on it and it is mounted with nuts and bolts onto the fiberglass. I’m not familiar with 12v electrical work at all nor do I have any of tools most likely. Forsure I do not have NMEA 2000 installed or running. Only thing I’m really interested in is radar possibly fuel economy but I have a 2001 two stroke HPDI so idk if it’s compatible. Probably gonna do a roof mount with a radome. I’m a 22 year old college student I’m pretty literate when it comes to computers and even electronics in general I would have no problem learning everything but I don’t wanna mess anything up. Can you please elaborate on why I should keep it away from the dealer shop aswell as why I should ask about their plans with sealing and cord management. I’m out of forked river NJ on the good ole barnegat bay.

Yea I’ve looked into the sizes I already have a custom helm there is a big ole peice of black starboard that haves everything on it and it is mounted with nuts and bolts onto the fiberglass. I’m not familiar with 12v electrical work at all nor do I have any of tools most likely. Forsure I do not have NMEA 2000 installed or running. Only thing I’m really interested in is radar possibly fuel economy but I have a 2001 two stroke HPDI so idk if it’s compatible. Probably gonna do a roof mount with a radome. I’m a 22 year old college student I’m pretty literate when it comes to computers and even electronics in general I would have no problem learning everything but I don’t wanna mess anything up. Can you please elaborate on why I should keep it away from the dealer shop aswell as why I should ask about their plans with sealing and cord management. I’m out of forked river NJ on the good ole barnegat bay.

Martek Marine Electronics in South/Central NJ is one of the best installers around. Not sure but they may even come to your location to install. The Barnegat Inlet....always an adventure!

 

[Alexm225]

Martek Marine Electronics in South/Central NJ is one of the best installers around. Not sure but they may even come to your location to install. The Barnegat Inlet....always an adventure!

Just checked them out have you gotten work done by them I have a older boat and I’m on a budget they look like they do some fancy work how much would a install usually cost?

 

[rfleming]

So Black Friday is upon us and currently in my 2320 I have a Garmin 94-sv that does not have radar capabilities. I’m planning to upgrade to one of the latest models probably a 943xsv. I have a 1995 2320 sport cabin with a rigging tube in it. The current chart plotter is mounted with a peice of starboard aswell as the fuel gages and few other gauges.I’ve never installed electronics and radar on a boat before. So what do you think the best idea is. To get someone to professionally do it or take the time to learn by myself and do it DIY.

I am sure you can handle the installation. I have owed Garmin's for the last 30 years and I'm done with Garmin. After 2 years the machines are out of date because Garmin with not support with software. A machine should last (and be supported) for 7 to 10 years in my opinion. I am going to replace my 10 year old Garmin 4212 with a Furuno TZtouch 3 and their doppler radar. Furuno is still producing the software for their 10 year old machines.

 

[warthog5]

I’m not familiar with 12v electrical work at all nor do I have any of tools most likely

You answered your own question right there. Pay to have it done.

 

[pelagic2530]

Yea I’ve looked into the sizes I already have a custom helm there is a big ole peice of black starboard that haves everything on it and it is mounted with nuts and bolts onto the fiberglass. I’m not familiar with 12v electrical work at all nor do I have any of tools most likely. Forsure I do not have NMEA 2000 installed or running. Only thing I’m really interested in is radar possibly fuel economy but I have a 2001 two stroke HPDI so idk if it’s compatible. Probably gonna do a roof mount with a radome. I’m a 22 year old college student I’m pretty literate when it comes to computers and even electronics in general I would have no problem learning everything but I don’t wanna mess anything up. Can you please elaborate on why I should keep it away from the dealer shop aswell as why I should ask about their plans with sealing and cord management. I’m out of forked river NJ on the good ole barnegat bay.

I’m gonna agree with Warthog and say you should lean towards having a professional do it.

The reason I recommend staying away from dealer shops is that frequently, not always, but frequently their work is sub par. Dealers make their money by selling you new boats and products, and the less scrupulous ones perform work to just enough quality to keep you on the water and coming back next time you want to buy something.

Independent shops and small businesses don’t have that luxury. Our businesses are built on the quality of our workmanship. If we do poor work and get a bad reputation because of it, nobody will use our services. Plus, by finding a specialist shop, you know that your electronics will be installed by someone that knows what they’re doing, rather than whichever dealer general maintenance tech who wasn’t busy when they pulled your boat into the shop.

 

[warthog5]

What Pelagic said.... And Not a Car radio install shop..... Ugh!

 

[Alexm225]

I’m gonna agree with Warthog and say you should lean towards having a professional do it.

The reason I recommend staying away from dealer shops is that frequently, not always, but frequently their work is sub par. Dealers make their money by selling you new boats and products, and the less scrupulous ones perform work to just enough quality to keep you on the water and coming back next time you want to buy something.

Independent shops and small businesses don’t have that luxury. Our businesses are built on the quality of our workmanship. If we do poor work and get a bad reputation because of it, nobody will use our services. Plus, by finding a specialist shop, you know that your electronics will be installed by someone that knows what they’re doing, rather than whichever dealer general maintenance tech who wasn’t busy when they pulled your boat into the shop.

i really appreciate the information and the guidance. i was thinking about doing it myself im sure i can figure it out but i just dont wanna take any chances but damn are these boat mechanics hard to get ahold of. Ive been looking for someone to winterize the boat i had two people answer the phone and say they can do it and not answer again for 2 weeks.

 

[pelagic2530]

i really appreciate the information and the guidance. i was thinking about doing it myself im sure i can figure it out but i just dont wanna take any chances but damn are these boat mechanics hard to get ahold of. Ive been looking for someone to winterize the boat i had two people answer the phone and say they can do it and not answer again for 2 weeks.

Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Powerboater’s Guide to Electrical Systems by Ed Sherman, and start reading. It’ll benefit you not only for this project but for most of the electrical work you’ll run into on your boat.

 

[Alexm225]

Do yourself a favor and get a copy of Powerboater’s Guide to Electrical Systems by Ed Sherman, and start reading. It’ll benefit you not only for this project but for most of the electrical work you’ll run into on your boat.

Thank you

 

[rseate]

You answered your own question right there.

*You don’t know 12V marine systems.
*Its expensive electronics.
*If you get it wrong, not only could you damage the boat itself but also your boat’s wiring system.
*You could potentially leave yourself stranded at sea if you damage the wiring system and the damage presents itself while in use.

Pay someone to do it. Remember, your paying them for what they know as much you’re paying them for the work they do.

 

[Parker206]

I do lots of lurkin... this one got me thinking.

Working through this particular process can teach you a lot about your boat. Handy stuff if things ever go sideways.

The electrical tools wont break the bank. Greg's marine wiring is a good material source. Not cheap though. Lots of good how-to resources out there.

Time and materials may exceed the cost of paying a pro, and of course theres nobody to blame... but if you wanna up your game and boat knowledge. Great place to start.

If it all sounds too much from the get. Pay a pro like the other suggest.

 

[warthog5]

Greg's marine wiring..... First time seeing that link..... Pretty decent..

 

[pelagic2530]

Greg's marine wiring..... First time seeing that link..... Pretty decent..

I used to use them a lot, they were good for battery cables and lugs. Great customer service. It seems like they’ve had a lot of product shortages recently though, hope they've gotten past that.

 

[warthog5]

Everyone has had shortages. I've used Guninuedeals....and Before that Best Boat Wire.....Pretty sure it was all under one roof.

Thats all changed to BOAT Wire and Custom Cable and Wire (formerly Best Boat Wire and GenuineDealz)