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Have a new - to me- boat that does not have GPS. I am looking to install a unit that can be expandable, but I also have a budget.
The question I have is, what are my choices for an expandable unit, with a sizeable screen for under 2k...with ~1500 being even better? (But if there is a significant jump in size/quality at that price point, I'd rather bite the bullet now)
The items I would like to add to the unit are a fishfinder, and fuel flow.
It depends a lot on what "expandable" means, because that comes in several flavors. If it is only fishfinder, the cheapest route is probably the Garmin 2000 series. For radar, weather, etc., you'd need the Garmin 3000 series or the Raymarine C series. Fuel flow is easier because you can feed a fuel flow gauge with the NMEA output of many chartplotters. Navman makes a reasonably priced unit that will give you MPG on the fly based on the speed numbers from your GPS.
If expansion to FF is the only real need, look at a Garmin 2010 or 2010C (color). Pretty good deals to be had there for 10 inch color screens.
Thanks for the feedback. I had not looked at that unit previously, and it looks like it meets the criteria. I should have also asked about the different mapping software solutions.
As far as expandable, I am not sure if I will be getting radar or not. Not sure what value that would add for me at this stage of the process. So the simpler unit is probably appropriate for now and into the near future.
Anyone know if there is any advantage to the different solutions offered...(ie BlueChart, Mapsource...etc) such as detail, accuracy, and price?
Take a look at the Lowrance LCX units. The 25/26 can be had for your $1,500 budget, and they give you mapping, FF, and nmea 2000 network expansion in a nice screen size. You can also add radar later. With LowranceNet system, you can add, fuel flow, fluid levels, bennett trim tab indicator, speed, and temp sensors to your network that can be brought up on the head unit.
At $1,500, I would also look at the 110/111 units that are a much bigger screen, but just north of $2k. Maybe best to go look at any of the units, as it is hard to tell actual size and user interface that is good for you in pictures.
I just did a quick web search for the LOWRANCE LCX-111C HD and without the transducer you can buy that unit for 1869.00 . That is definitely in the range and it looks to be quite a nice unit. I think I will try to get a look at one tonight, in person. Also, I have noticed that alot of folks here have had some very good experiences with the THT vendors, so I will get pricing from them once I make a choice.
I like this unit and the Garmin, and it will be interesting to see them side by side.
Defender has them (LCX-111c HD) on sale with ant and 50/200 tranducer for 1899.
You can add radar later...
And rumor has it you will be able to add weather...
I thought about the garman 3000 series but the lowrance has all those free charts and the display is real nice.
Definately check out BOE's forum and website, I just placed my first order a couple days ago and everything is already at home waiting for me. I saved a good amount of $ and Jim was great to work with. Just looked and the LCX-111c HD w/o transducer was $1704.
Just placed my first order with BOE today. I chose the new Garmin 3206. It has built-in full US coastal nav charts, so it's ready to use out of the box. I can add a depth sounder, radar or satellite weather later if I need them. I ordered by phone so I could ask Jim some questions about the PC software to do cruise planning at home later on.
__________________ RonF
North Palm Beach, FL
1999 Sea Ray 310 DA
I will be calling Jim tomorrow to ask him a few questions. I think my choices are down to the Garmin 3210 and the Lowrance LXC 111c HD. I just have to see what is included, and what I can bundle with it to have a most complete solution. (Of course this blows the budget, but the commander is on board..she wanted to look at the Raymarine e120, but I talked her down off that ledge)
Know what you mean about the ledge. The wife was interested in satellite TV for those trips where the marina doesn't have cable. So, at the West Palm Beach boat show we stopped by the Tracvision booth. The prices started at about $5000 plus installation, plus the monthly service. Looks like we're back to renting videos from Blockbuster.
__________________ RonF
North Palm Beach, FL
1999 Sea Ray 310 DA
Well, after talking with Jim, and the wife, we went with a Raymarine C120. He had a couple of the remanufactured units still left. I also went with the new ICOM 504 VHF. No sounder or radar for now, but that will just come later.
I can't say enough about Jim's help on this. He was friendly and curteous, and well below any other place in price. I know where I will be sourcing the rest of my electronics! Thanks Jim!
Thanks for everyone's help. I will post pics of the install when it is in and complete.
GPS/CHARTPLOTTER CHOICE NEW USER 
