silverbullet87

I've been boating all my life but only inshore without much need for really good electronics so a lot of this is new to me. This year I want to move offshore but the electronics need some upgrading and I could use some suggestions.

The boat came with a Raymarine A60 which i'm not really a fan of.
Raymarine autopiliot which I haven't figured out how to use besides small adjustments w/ the remote. (can't seem to set a destination through the A60)
The radar looks to be original - it's a standalone box that doesn't display much of anything useful.

I want to upgrade everything except the autopilot which I assume will function properly w/ a new Raymarine Multifunction display. The main reason for this upgrade is I need functional radar. The Raymarine multidisplay systems aren't that expensive so it makes more sense to upgrade everything instead of getting a new standalone radar.

I guess my biggest questions is what map package to buy – and if the Downvision is worth it. If I’m fishing in the NJ canyons (hudson) - what maps package would work fine? I'm unsure what the differences are between US light house / US C-MAP essentials / Navionics Gold etc.
http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=49...d=104&col=5829

Concerning radar - i'll just get the RD418D unless someone talks me out of it. Seems good enough for what i'm doing.
http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=31...id=163&col=309

With a new malfunction display - Assuming autopilot is functioning properly - will it work as I'd expect it to? (Take me to the desired coordinates)

Pez Vela

RD418HD. Of all your components, you cite radar as your primary need. The significant improvements (target discrimination) and functionality (dual range) of the HD Color unit make that choice a no brainer.

Pez Vela

That there's the malaprop of the year.

SoulDeepDan

I'm waiting on the a98 with C-map to ship, you can upgrade to C-map 4d max+ in your area for free. Link regarding map upgrade http://www.raymarine.com/view/?id=11...=158&col=11439

I hear good things about the Lighthouse charts also, prob a personal preference deal.

Downvision is a must for me but no clue if it would work in your "canyons" sounds deep, here are some screen shots http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-e...sion-pics.html

CME

The a60 is light years behind the newer, much newer, plotter from Raymarine today. All of them will work excellent with an older Raymarine autopilot. You will need a sea talk converter to do that.

My suggestion to you is find a dealer to help you.

KIrtH

On the Navionics side of things, you can preview mapping on the WebApp. You can compare Platinum+ with SonarCharts to Gold without Sonar Charts.

When on the WebApp click on the Sonar Icon on the lower left corner to turn on SonarCharts.

And there is a compatibility chart link on the lower right corner of the site

silverbullet87

Your right - downvision looks like a must. Those images in your thread are amazing.

silverbullet87

my bad haha