Have Northstar 6000i want 6100i

[Nitecapt]

Soon after having purchased a 6000i, the 6100 came out. It has some additional features but the one I want to have available is the 3d function where the bottom is represented graphically. Unfortunately the 6000 doesn't accept the navionics cartridges that do this.
The two units use the same antennas and the only difference is the display head. Does anyone know if it's possible just to buy the "head" or "display unit." Or perhaps a demo or recon might be available? Your touights?
Thanks
Ray

[Glen E]

Nitecapt - 8/23/2006 9:29 AM

Soon after having purchased a 6000i, the 6100 came out. It has some additional features but the one I want to have available is the 3d function where the bottom is represented graphically. Unfortunately the 6000 doesn't accept the navionics cartridges that do this.
The two units use the same antennas and the only difference is the display head. Does anyone know if it's possible just to buy the "head" or "display unit." Or perhaps a demo or recon might be available? Your touights?
Thanks
Ray

I would wait a bit on the 6100 - Brunswick has announced their intent to sell the Northstar product line which always lowers resale, support and the like. Kinda like a bad marriage - nothing seems to get better - let's see who picks them up and then maybe you'll be able to get the 6100 and good support.....

[saltyseadog]

Wait for the 8000i, it blows 6000 and 6100 away. And its not far away.

[PAULN]

have a 6000i- I do not like it- On my 3rd unit since october- the redraw is not as fast as my 952 and I keep losing gps signal- PM me I will give you all the details- I run it paralell w/ a nav net and can give you true comparisons- and like mentioned above you can't use that 3d function for what its worth

[Harpooner]

While I'm not familiar with the 6000i, I just had two 6100i's installed. Amazing redraw speed, a new (and very improved) radar, beautiful screens that are crisp, colorful and viewable in bright daylight. The screens have had multiple baths with zero water infiltration (I understand the new ones are sealed differently). The Navionics Platinum card is very nice, but the 3D charts present a lot of information and are mainly useful at trolling speed. They won't keep up at 30-50 kts. The GPS/WAAS seems to always be hooked up to at least 8 satellites and is very accurate (sure it loses gps under a bridge, but picks it up within a couple seconds of coming out from under). The Smartcraft integration is wonderful (if you have Merc power). The configuration is simple and the interface is incredibly elegant. I used the Raymarince C & E series a lot in the water before choosing the 6100i. I think I made the right choice.

I have no problem using this setup in the total dark of night and in the worst weather (the SIMRAD autopilot does help too).

The 8000i is not actually shipping yet, and I hear it is b/c of some software issues. Given that the 6100i is the second generation and is proven, and since the 8000 takes more space, has a touch screen (difficult to use underway) and is considerably more money I'd stick with the 6100. By the way, while the 8000 is going to be a great platform, I'm not sure that it "blows away" the 6100i. Aside from some multi-station benefits (such as having a central processor feeding multiple screens so no one screen is your primary information source) and a audio/video server for your entertainment, there isn't a real difference in the features that matter.

Just my $.02.

[Duct Tape]

i have installed a few 8000i units. my company is working with northstar to help develop the product. they are built by Navman. we are using the vikings yachts as a test bed for them. so far they have alot of issues. they are also difficult to install compared to other units. i would go with the 6100i personally, even if they fix the issues with the 8000i. the 8000i just has too many different components that can go wrong IMO and so far it is not easy to use at all.

[TTaxi]

I'd add that it seems difficult enough at times to keep a conventional marine electronics screen clean. I can't see touch screen as advantage in anything but a larger yacht or higher end picnique boat. It does seem priced for that market. Sunscreen on the hands anyone? Presumably the screens utilized on the 8000i's would take into account the necessity to cope with fingerprints & cleaning .

Personally, I think I would still prefer the tactile feedback of dedicated & soft keys for use onboard a jostling boat.