Electronics Questions

[DulceSuerna]

We want to pull the trigger on some new electronics for the boat instead of Xmas gifts for ourselfs we would gift the boat Leaning towards Garmin 441s as the main unit and a Garmin either Colorado or oregon c model as a backup and for anchor alarm, etc in cabin. We do have some older handheld gps that function but for how long??? Also planning on a PLB.
I like the features of the Garmin but for forward thinking ( to add Radar down the road) was curious about the sitex models such as a CPF180i 5 it does chart, ff, gps etc and is also Radar compatible with sitex's radar domes, and ais compatible.

Does anyone have any experience on these units? My only dealings with sitex were radar units but they were the old green screens.
Any input would be great. Trying to get her Ready for Feb trip.

[sinead]

If its Garmin its good

[bljones]

What is your budget?

[jrd22]

I've had Sitex chartplotters on two different boats, both at the bottom of the price range and they have done an admirable job. One is about 10 years old and the other around 8 and both work as well as when new. I also have a couple of newer Garmin chartplotters that work very well, and reports about the Garmin HD radars are good. I don't think you would be making a mistake with either brand. The Furuno system would be my first pick, but then you are in a different price bracket.

[DulceSuerna]

as for price I Wanted to stay below 5-600 for the main unit.

[baboon]

I am going through the same process now too. I already have the oregon and it has been a great device, more of a mini chartplotter than a simple handheld. It has good color maps and the tides/current functions are handy. It is good enough in my local crusing area that I have put off the cartplotter purchase for a year or 2.

I have looked at the 441, and the truth is the screen is not much bigger than the oregon. It has other functions (weather, depth), but the screen size is small, it might be too limiting to use unless you can mount it very close to the helm (I cant). The 500 seies is not much more, the bigger screen and higher resolution are a plus.

Although a big bump in price the garmin 700 series has the better screen size, depth and radar options. I found it much easyer to see and use than the 441.

[bljones]

If you want Garmin, I think you may need to either increase your budget or change your specifications, unless you already own the chart chips.

OTOH, 5-600 WILL get you a Lowrance Chartplotter with decent built in base charts, a bigger screen than the Garmin, a sonar function and compatibility with radar.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|302026|141439|320789|328473&id=1130152

[carl762]

I mounted my recently purchased Garmin 441s on a ram mount inside of the entry. I can swivel it out so I can read it from the port side very easily while at the helm. It reads well in bright sunlight. I have the sonar unit for it, and am considering adding other items to the "network" that you can build with the Garmen systems. First thing I want to do after installing a satellite receiver for weather is to outfit it with a gas guage, usage meter, next AIS capabilities. I'll want to buy the Bluechart G2 chip eventually.

Personally, I love the little unit. Perfect size for my small 23-footer.

Shop around for the best price. You won't be sorry with Garmin.

[DulceSuerna]

Just got a deal on the Colorado 400c less then $135. it has the blue chart maps loaded on it. Looking for ward to it as a good back up.
Carl, why buy the G2 charts? the 441s seems to already have the bluechart for all us waters? Unless you are wanting it for the vision features. Which do seem pretty neat. Not sure how usefull. I was practicing with the one at west just a few min ago and I plotted a course to the Tortugas. I got so excited lol!!!! Think I am going that route. Their new touchscreen garmins are killer but I am not spending 1600. for it unless it came with Dinghy davits >
I do like your idea of a swivel mount in the entry way.

[carl762]

I want the G2 only for the fishview and other little toys it includes, like overhead map views of marinas, locations of gas docks, restaurants, etc. I like my Toys to be as complete as possible.

Glad you like the unit. I sure do. Touchscreen would be nice, but I'm a po-man sailor.