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Random Quote: You can sleep on your boat, but you can't fish in your living room.
I'm putting together an electronics package for a 31 foot CC and am almost committed to Raymarine's new E-series. I do not intend on replacing this system anytime soon and want a top of the line system now that is reliable and will last for at least 5 years.
Here's what I've put together:
8.4" Multifunction Networked Navigation Display
12.1" Multifunction Networked Navigation Display
High Speed 8 Port Network Switch
Digital Sounder Module DSM300
GPS Antenna/Sensor
4KW Radome
Remote keypad
Rate gyro enhanced electronic fluxgate compass
High performance M260 transducer, 1KW
In-hull mounting kit for M260
I would like to keep it all Raymarine to take advantage of the networking features, and I like the E-series because of the new charting features it has (and I understand the risks of buying a new line). I've decided on two displays for redundancy, but I don't think I need two 12 inch screens. Also, I will add a temp gauge (Dytek) that is not included here. I don't think I'm going to add an auto pilot.
In one last effort to second guess my decision, I'm curious as to any thoughts on this setup, good or bad. Am I missing anything? Is there a better route to go? Is the digital sounder technology just hype? Obviously there are other systems to consider (NavNet etc.) and people may have slight preferences to other brands, but I want to stick with Raymarine at this point unless someone has an extremely negative view of Raymarine (that can be backed up with personal experience) or a great view of a different brand that makes it worthwhile to reconsider. Finally, I may go with an Airmar 260 transducer to save a few bucks if it's compatible with the Raymarine sounder. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated as well.
Thanks
Although I think an AP is useful on the troll when you're shorthanded, I don't really anticipate having less than a two man crew and using AP for trolling too often (even with preprogrammed patterns). I also figure that if I'm running at 40 or 50 mph cruise, there's no way I'm going to rely on the AP. At those speeds you've got to drive the boat, not let it drive you. Finally, if conditions don't allow me to run full cruise, I'll probably want my hands on the wheel anyway at slower speeds.
I've used AP on another, significantly larger vessel for many seasons, and it was great, but I'm still on the fence here. It has nothing to do with the quality of Raymarine's autopilot units (although I was more considering the Simrad AP11, which I hear is a great unit).
Just make sure you go in with eyes wide open. Do a search here to see how many people have problems with Raymarine products. And you want their new line? I wish you good luck.
If I had a nickel for each time someone mentions how great the units are...when they work, you get the picture.
Just make sure you go in with eyes wide open. Do a search here to see how many people have problems with Raymarine products. And you want their new line? I wish you good luck.
If I had a nickel for each time someone mentions how great the units are...when they work, you get the picture.
I have sold many Raymarine products over the years back to when it was Raytheon. What problems are you refering to? I have not seen any problems with the C Series. I would have to say 95% of all problems with units are installer error and operator error.
Look at it this way. How many people here read their user manuals?
Not trying to rouse up anyone but manuals are printed for a reason for installation and useage. I can't tell you how many times I have driven part of a day to get to a boat for a problem and the customer installed the thing wrong. That happens all the time and its costly for everyone, especially the manufacturer.
I just built almost the same package for my 23 foot trophy! As long as I'm not advertising where I got the equipment I assume its okay to post what I paid for comparison's sake... (i'm new don't beat me too hard if I'm wrong)!
swamppro, it's ok, your not getting anyone riled up. I personally had a nightmare with a Raymarine product that could have been very easily corrected but they decided to stick it to me instead. So be it, I just bought another $8500 in electronics in the last 2 weeks and you can bet it wasn't Raymarine.
Every time I look at this part of the forum, there is another thread about another Raymarine problem. Units locking up, re-booting for no reason and just plain not working. It isn't hard to search this forum and see the problems. No manufacturer is perfect but I don't see near as many problems with Furuno and alot of times when I do, there is a very positive comment about how Furuno took care of the problem. I never see that with Raymarine. So, for the first time in my 19 years of boating and now on my 13th boat, I purchased exclusively Furuno.
I have said this before on the forum, during my problems with Raymarine, I offered multiple solutions. They offered nothing, just turned me down on every suggestion I made. I made them a final ultimatum. I told them to take care of me in some way, make me an offer, do something, and earn a lifelong loyal and vocal proponent for Raymarine. OR, do nothing and earn a lifelong, very loud enemy for Raymarine. They declined to even respond which was exactly what I expected. I wish I could give you details about how I was treated. Bottom line, it would have cost Raymarine very little to nothing to work with me. Instead, I have probably directed $100K worth of electronics to other manufacturers since my problem with them. And, of course, I just bought another $8500 of electronics. What can I say? Raymarine earned my ire.
We just went with the full E-Series on a 32' Boston Whaler Outrage.* We settled on the AIRMAR R99 tranducer.* Great setup!* ** We've had Raytheon on two boat, one for 18 years and one for eight years...saw no reason to change.* Furuno was a very close second.*
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Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24 Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros
The E Series is dazzling! And, wait until you see what's coming as a free upgrade! Go buy Furuno and you won't be sorry, they make good products. What you won't know won't hurt you and what you won't know is that Raymarine products are far, far superior to Furuno. The new fishfinding technology is not just hype it's a revolution! Radar performance - something no one seems to care about anymore - is incredibly better with Raymarine. The guy who said failures with C-Series are practically nil is absolutely correct. Absolutely buy an autopilot! Buy a G version Raymarine with the new wireless remote. Furuno is for old guys who learned something once and figured there was no more reason to learn anything new after that.
Philey.... support ANY of your vendors on THT... it'll save you money..
You've seen better prices on the "E" series already? I made the purchase before I found this forum, but when I made my order they weren't even out yet. I ordered from the AC boatshow and they weren't avail until after Miami. I've looked at lots of prices online and thought I did at least okay.
Another interesting plus for Raymarine is their concern for their loyal past customers.
If you have a 4 year Raymarine radar the array is not compatable with their new series. Is backward compatibility that difficult to engineer? For those of you who recently bought HSB2 systems, good luck in 2 years. RM announced at their recent dealer sales seminars that after 2007 (end of the warranty period) they will no longer support that product.
Before I retired this was always the rap on the R company. It doesn't seem to have changed.
Maybe the "old timers" who stick with other brands do so becuase of longevity.
We all ordered them before they were out.* The sponsors on*THT would have cost you less.* THT was the first to break that the new E-Series was even available, after the Miami show.* You did OK, though.* *
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Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24 Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros
I went a similar setup as you but with 2 C series. I opted out of the remote key pad and went with the airmar ducer which had the temp sensor built in.
Thanks for all the helpful posts. I have been (and still am) a big Furuno fan, but the Raymarine technology seems mighty appealing, so I think I'm going to take the plunge.
KeithS, I assume the airmar ducer was through hull to be able to get a temp reading? I assume they don't have the technolgy (yet) to measure temp with an in-hull ducer
Raymarine Electronics Package
** We've had Raytheon on two boat, one for 18 years and one for eight years...saw no reason to change.* Furuno was a very close second.*
