GPS/Chartplotters (Garmin) and Autopilots

[gkyle]

I''m looking at purchasing a GPS/chartplotter and would like to have one that integrates with the Raymarine autopilot. Does any one know if the Garmin chartplotters work with the Raymarine autopilot or if I should stick with the Raymarine C70 or similar. My reason for Garmin, is that I use one in the car (familiarity) and like the idea of planning routes on the PC with Blue Chart and then uploading to the unit in the boat. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

[hamiam]

As long as both the Garmin GPS/Plotter and the Autopilot have data ports and support the NMEA 0183 protocol (which they do) you will be fine. I have owned 5 Garmin units and cannot sign their praises enough. Go with the Garmin especially if you are already familiar with how to use Garmins.

[gkyle]

Thanks for the advice. If you (or anyone else) happens to know, can you color code contour lines in BlueChart (i.e. set depths below 10 ft to show as blue) to serve as an easy visual warning or reference shallow areas? I understand you can do this on the Raymarine GPS/Chartplotters.