User friendly electronics system

[Bullshipper]

I have been looking at prices and features of stand alone units and systems for a 6kw radar array, fish finder, gps and autopilot.

I looked at the instructions for tuning the radar on a JRC units to search for small targets like birds, and was dismayed to see that their instructions were a page and a half long, so switching from one funtion to another (radar to gps-normal radar settings-bird radar settings) looks to be fairly complicated and time consuming for a captain that has his hands full with the boat, and who will get sea sick if he has to concentrate his sight on 20 small buttons.

I can't find a store in Mexico that has this stuff to play with in person so I am looking for your expereince to tell me if the JRC Color system, Furuno Navnet or Raymarine new electronc E dispays are faster to operate, hoping that you can have 6 screens set up the way you want, so that just a push of a button lets you view your choices that are customized with 95% the settings before hand.

I am really uneducated about this, so go easy on me- I need something powerfull and idiot proof- Thanks

[Mumblerone]

I doubt if you need a machine that's 'idiot' proof!* ** They all come with a 497 page operation manual, in fine print.* I don't know how you will get around that.* It's a little like riding a 'bike'; once you learn, it's hard to forget though.* Most all of the new multi-function displays are quite intuiative once you get going,*for day to day use.* We went with the Raymarine E-Series on my brother's 32' Whaler outrage.* We've had Raytheon for 18 years without a problem.* There will be a steep learning curve, but once you have the basics...just keep playing with it.* If you want to search for birds, you'll have to start thinking 6 or 10 Kw open array radar.* What kind of water depth?* www.Airmar.com* Might want to buy the tranducer seperate.* Great question, I'll bet, not great answer.* Back to School!*

[Bullshipper]

I am leaning towards the furuno navnet 10" color monitor, 6kw 4' array, am looking for a 1000 watt airimar low profile thru hull transucer with temp for an aluminum cat sponson, and a simple Gps antenna without charts as there is not much available for Mexico.

It is my understanding that the Furuno is more waterproof than than the Raymarine units, and that I do not have to use a 24 v power supply. I do not want to carry extra batteries or an invertor, and the Furuno is specifically recommended for bird hunting.

The JRC 6kw color black boxes look good, but there is lttle info available on their site, the number of THT's that have them is miniscule indicating they are not very popular, and repair will be non existant in Mexico. There adjustment sequence sound laborous too.

[Mumblerone]

"It is my understanding that the Furuno is more waterproof than than the Raymarine units..."

Now where did you hear that?* * You're certainly not going to go wrong with Furuno...it was a close second, the NEW E-Series closed the door.* I didn't realized the 6 Kw radar was 12V.* Good.* Sounds like you have a great plan.* * Where in Mexico are you; east or west?*

[Bullshipper]

San Luis Potosi, the Denver of Mexico, right in the middle of the mainland, south east of Guadalajara.

The furuno unit I am looking at runs about $7200, and the RM 10 kw system is closer to $9k. Is this about right on the RM pricing?