Need help choosing electronics

[shlavin]

I just purchased a new 2530 extended cabin. Will use the boat for cruising, light fishing and family recreation. I now have to make the decisions on electronics and I find the task daunting. So far I have made the decision on the radio. I need a plotter, depth finder, radar compatible, (dome to be added later), auto pilot. Would prefer one manufacturer so that all integrates. Leaning towards Furuno or Raymarine. Looking for any and all help particularly with type of transducer, i.e. transom, shoot thru or thru hull, ideas on mounting display, (will probably get something around 12") and for service and support experience with the various manufacturers. Thanks

 

[pmeggers]

Not much time to give a lengthy reply. But I do some offshore action (50+), but mostly recreational action within 20 from shore. I wanted reliability, so I wanted some form of a backup system, with both units allowing for chart/fish/radar. I went with the lowrance hds 7s and the lowrance broadband radar dome on a Sea view (I think sea view) mount. So far, 2 issues but lowrance had 2 new ones @ my doorstep within 4 weeks.

However. Our other boats have garmin and raytheon without any issue, but those are ppppricey

 

[coolbreeze]

I have the 2520 and i choose the 5212 garmin system mounted flush on the dash . had to move a few gauges but it turned out very well. also added garmin auto pilot , HD radar and garmin vhf radio . It makes it very easy when you stick with same manf. everything is plug and play with neama connector. Everything works like a dream and the simple use of the plotter is the biggest reason to go with garmin. My feeeling is if you need the book to use it , Its not worth having . when the weather is bad and boat bouncing up and down I don't have time for a book..

 

[Megabyte]

Garmin and Furuno would be my top two picks.
Garmin #1 for the plotter, and Furuno #1 for the radar and sounder.

Best prices I've found have been at BOE Marine.
http://www.boemarine.com/

 

[sparky]

Garmin and Furuno would be my top two picks.
Garmin #1 for the plotter, and Furuno #1 for the radar and sounder.

Best prices I've found have been at BOE Marine.
http://www.boemarine.com/

I'm with Megabyte. Furuno is top-notch, and top-money. Garmin is a little less, but still very good. I prefer Furuno for radar and sounder, for sure. Its a tie for the plotters.

 

[DaleH]

Since you want radar and sonar ... Furuno all the way. None of the others even come close to their performance. Stay away from Raytheon/Raymarine, worst screen interface/use I've ever used ... and I've never, ever likes any of their depth units.

I'd put Furuno #1 in radar and depth/sonar

Northstar, Lowrance, or Garmin (not my 1st choice) as tops for plotter, if just gong plotter, otherwise for an integrated system - F gets the nod.

 

[pelagic2530]

from the description you gave of your intended usage of the boat, i wouldnt say that you necessarily have a need for the highest end radar, sounder and whatnot, seeing as it doesnt sound like you'll be using them for finding flocks of birds on a tuna ball or looking for squid in the canyons. that being the case, i'd go Garmin. theyve got a good comprehensive system that integrates nicely and easily, and is very user friendly. for cruising around, teaching the family how to run the boat, and looking for boats in the dark, and finding some structure to drop a line over, Garmin gets my nod for price, package and ease of use. however, i can tell you from experience that the boat is capable of doing much more than light inshore fishing, so if you're interested in the offshore game (which you may or may not be) then Dale is right, its Furuno all the way. Price point electronics such as Lowrance systems do not go the distance, as i can also tell you from personal experience. I'd stay clear of them.

 

[TunaJoe]

Sounds like I'm in the minority, but I love my Raymarine stuff.
I have the E80 with the digital sounder, radar, and the S1000 AP all tied together.
Couple of years so far without a hiccup.