Best Electronics Package

Wolakrab · 11-11-2005, 09:31 AM

This is a question for those who have a complete electronics package-GPS, 4KW radar, 600W FF, AP- from the same mfr. for 10K or less. I've looked at Furuno and Raymarine, but I don't have personal experience with Raymarine and am unfamiliar with the Furuno GPS & AP.
I feel that this is the way to go for ease of install(plug & play)and for standardizing the entire package. I have always used Garmin chartplotters(I had a 2010C on both my last boats), but I don't get a warm fuzzy for their radar and FF black boxes. I'd like to hear about all the experiences---the good, the bad, & the ugly---that anyone has had with these integrated components.
Thanks in advance for the information!!

Somethin-Fishey · 11-11-2005, 10:18 AM

You've been around a while and heard most of the arguements:

Ray tracks act weird to put it mildly

Ray has no EASY way of transferring data between PC and Chartplotter, VX2 can't use a card yet, but GPSU works AWESOME

The Furuno AP is solid and integrates better than the RAY offering (TLL for example)

Furuno radar, 'nuf said

Ray FF, not the friendliest to use, but I would say on average they are pretty equal

Ray has a huge, bright screen, but the soft buttons are on the bottom. Make sure that is OK on your helm.

81 CC SEAOX 23' · 11-11-2005, 11:32 AM

RAYMARINE PERIOD!!

DriftR · 11-11-2005, 08:19 PM

Here's my equipment. Icom 602 VHF with remote microphone. Digital antenna. Icom M-88 Handheld VHF. Furuno 582L fishfinder. Furuno 1850 WD GPS-WAAS plotter with Navionics chips. Went with Furuno because they have a service facility about 1 .5 hrs from where I live. As to Icom, repair facility located about 300 miles north of me so overnight by UPS or FEDX is great. Mine were all new in 2004. Absolutely would do the same again. Now looking at a Furuno 1832 4KW radar to go with the bundle.

CohoMike · 11-11-2005, 10:34 PM

Furuno 1723C-NT (chartplotter/radar)
Furuno 511 autopilot
Furuno 582 fishfinder
Icom 602 w/Digital antenna & commandmic

Had some problems initially with the autopilot that were corrected with software update (I got one of the first units). No other problems. Wouldn't bother with commandmic again on a boat this size.

Glen E · 11-11-2005, 10:40 PM

Garmin 3010C & 3005C - networked with Wx and FF modules - very happy with this setup..linked to Smartcraft
JRC mk 1500 Radar
SH Quest VHF
Ray 6001 Smartpilot w/ KVH Heading sensor
ProMariner Batt Monitor