Kdorf

I have a 34' Center Console that is used in the Gulf from Anclote Key to Key West and an occasional run from West Palm to Bimini. The boat is used for pleasure boating, dinner, cruises, sand bar Saturday's... and NEVER fishing. My 5215 died last weekend and Garmin tells me I am S.O.L on a refurbished unit. This is my current setup...

Garmin 5215 GPSMAP (dead)
Garmin 18HD Radar
Garmin GSD 24 Sonar
Airmar B60-20 Transducer

Price is the limiting factor. I want to keep it under $2,500. I'm thinking my options are the 8610, 1242xsv or ????

Thoughts?

Kdorf

Sorry.... one more thing. I would really like to use the Navionics software as I often times find my Navionics phone app is much more accurate than the old Garmin software.

Should I think about waiting, saving my $$$ and going with Simrad as I really like their stuff?

glenncal1

You can go to the garmin site and start a chat session with a tech there. Let them know what you have and see what they say.

semperfifishing

Go with a 1242xsv...you then will not need the GSD-24...the 1242xsv come with a 8 to 12 pin adapter cable top use your current transducer.
You can upgrade the chart on the 1242xsv to the newer G3 which has Navionics data.

toypedo

There are a couple of working used 5212 listed for sale on the parts forum, this will be least expensive route and you just need to swap out the 5212

Kdorf

Yeah Toypedo thanks.... I know the easiest and cheapest route would be to just get another used 5215. Although my current unit has been "refurbished" twice now at $650/shot, I'm done with rolling the dice on used 5215's.

Kdorf

Thanks semperfifishing.... I'm going to look deeper into the 1242xvs. Do you know what the big differences are between two, other than size? I'm going to do an online chat with Garmin later today if I get the chance as suggested above.