GPS/Chartplotter Auto Pilot

[lgaggie96]

I am new to this whole topic and have just started researching it. I am looking at upgrading, or maybe I should say just adding, the electronics on our 38' Beneteau. If you go with a Garmin, Interphase, Furuno chartplotter/GPS will you be able to connect it to a Raymarine Auto pilot? What I'm asking is, that once you pick one brand do you have to stick with that brand for all of your components in order for them all to interface?

[camaraderie]

No...the NEMA standard to which all modern electronics comply allows talking between components of different brands. I would suggest making your radar the same as the charplotter...and going with Garmin on that at this point. Hooking up the same brand of electronics through their proprietary links is generally easier than NEMA hookups but most of us have at least somewhat mixed systems!