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I have a 24' center console with the following electronics: Humminbird Legend 3000 Deep FF (transom 'ducer), Furuno 1712 radar, Garmin 2006C chartplotter/FF (Airmar B60-20 'ducer). The chartplotter and radar are mounted in the console and the FF and my VHF overhead in the electronics box. As in most center consoles, space is an issue. That's why most of my current displays are in the 6" range. I may be able to increase size slightly with any replacements but 10" or larger is out of the question.
For quite a while I have had screen fogging issues with the Garmin chartplotter and lately, it flickers. I'm expecting it to die at any time and hope to replace it over the winter. I really like the Garmin user-friendliness but have heard the FF capabilities are limited. I would definitely NOT like to replace the Airmar 'ducer. I also like the Garmin bathymetric offshore charts. I'm thinking Garmin or Furuno but would appreciate your advice as to particular units I should be considering. I would like to keep my total purchase under $2K. You were very helpful with my Airmar 'ducer purchase and I expect to purchase the new chartplotter/FF from BOE.
I have never been pleased with the temperature sensitivity of the Airmar B60-20 transducer...way too slow responding to temp changes, compared to the Humminbird which was my primary FF for years and is now my backup. For this reason, after I installed the Airmar 'ducer, I installed a separate Garmin temp sensor for the Garmin 2006C. Assuming that the chartplotter/FF you recommend will utilize my Airmar B60-20 'ducer, if at all possible it should also have an accessory temp sensor or the ability to use my existing Garmin temp sensor.
You may also be interested to know that I have the Garmin GSD-21 as part of the Garmin/Airmar chartplotter/FF.
The Garmin GSD-22 is a major improvement over the 21. It is probably enough to justify the investment. I think you'll notice a big improvement. Ask in the main forum, many have done this upgrade. Your current ducer will work with any Garmin or Furuno unit. You will need to swap your mix-n-match cable to make it work with Furuno but it isn't hard. Your temp sensor will only work with a Garmin unit. Furuno is no known for their chartplotters, if you are primarily wanting a new chartplotter nothing by Furuno will fit the budget except their GP7000. Assuming you want to keep the same ducer this leaves you with Garmin. A 4208 8" display and GSD-22 will run you just over 2K and is a classy setup. It will be an easy upgrade. http://www.boemarine.com/Products/01...1/Default.aspx
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Jim Maier | BOEmarine.com | 866.735.5926 x104
Good advice and customer service is our thing. Learn about our "Good Advice Guarantee"
Thanks for the reply. I'm still in a quandry over the user-friendliness and relative ease of transfering waypoints and tracks by choosing Garmin compared to better sounder performance of Furuno units...at least that's what I gather from several searches on this Board. I'll post on the main page and see what folks say about my particular situation. Leaning towards the Garmin GP7000F right now. Overall cost, including which company offers the best rebate soonest may contribute to my decision as well.
A couple more questions. Is there a particular reason I should not consider the GP1850WF if I decide to go with Furuno? Also, the only difference I see between the Garmin 4008 and 4208 is the preloaded coastal charts on the 4208. Since I will want the offshore bathymetric charts anyway and it appears the coastal charts are included with the offshore charts, wouldn't the 4008 be as good a choice for me at a little better price?
It might give you a good idea as to the Furuno user interface and what you might expect in terms of GPS/FF usability.
Personally, the GPS chart looks like something out of early 2000's chartplotter. In fact, I had C-Map NT+ chart before on my boat, and I didn't like it at all. I realize the form factor is nearly perfect for your boat, and FF might be better than what Garmin has to offer, but it looks like it will be a fairly significant downgrade even from older Garmin chartplotter units like 2006C/2010C.
I would say, though, I have recently dealt with Furuno on my FCV-585 unit and their service was superb.
Having said that, coming from Garmin, I think you would have a hard time going to Furuno and you might miss what you already had with Garmin.
You can go with the 4008 if you plan to buy the Vision card anyway. No need to pay extra for the 4208. When you are comparing Furuno and Garmin's Fishfinders on the same board most of the talk is comparing digital vs digital. In other words new Furuno equipment like the FCV-585 to new Garmin equipment like the GSD-22. I think you'll find Garmin's digital FF and presentation to be on par, if not a step up over the GP7000F's older analog technology.
__________________
Jim Maier | BOEmarine.com | 866.735.5926 x104
Good advice and customer service is our thing. Learn about our "Good Advice Guarantee"
Thanks very much for the help and advice. I mis-typed earlier. I'm leaning towards the Garmin 4008 or 4208. I got the Furuno and Garmin numbers switched.
Jim, I didn't realize the GP7000F was analog technology. Thanks. That pretty much settles it.
I might even bump up to the Garmin 4210 10" display since it appears that, since the decorative panel under my chartplotter and radar display will have to be replaced due to cracking, I may as well move my engine gauges and install a new, larger Starboard panel into which the new chartplotter and old radar will be installed. Fun!
Now I guess I'll wait to purchase until prompted by my old chartplotter failing or Garmin offering a rebate, hopefully the latter before the former.
If you could do a bigger chartplotter, you might consider the 3210 Bundle for about $1,500. You probably can transfer all the data from your older unit plus GSD 22 and the XM Weather capability. I know it is not as fancy as the newer units, but it would be a very nice upgrade. Just a thought.
If you could do a bigger chartplotter, you might consider the 3210 Bundle for about $1,500. You probably can transfer all the data from your older unit plus GSD 22 and the XM Weather capability. I know it is not as fancy as the newer units, but it would be a very nice upgrade. Just a thought.
Sunny
Thanks Sunny. I'll give the 3210 a look. I wonder if the newer generation of Garmin chartplotters are less prone to fogging. Thanks again.
New Chartplotter/FF Recommendations 
