NMEA 2000...Soliciting Thoughts
I am embarking on a refit of my Tartan 372's electronics. While there is a lot I don't know yet, I do know that I've settled in on Garmin as the core (already purchased the 4208 Chartplotter).
I am looking to replace the old DataMarine masthead unit, transducers and instruments with the following:
Garmin GWS/GMI 10 Bundle Masthead Instrument Combo
Garmin 18 HD Radar
Maretron DST100 NMEA 2000 Triducer (speed/temp/depth)
All the pieces are NMEA 2000 certifed. So tell me this is as easy as plug and play? It all seems to good to be true. The only NMEA 0183 instrument will be the older Autohelm 4000 Wheel Pilot.
And because I am staying with NMEA 2000 devices, I am assuming this means I do not need items like Garmin's Sounder device (GDS 20/21/22)? The masthead and triducer install instructions indicate not (plug into the NMEA 2000 network).
One other aspect....for a primarily Great Lakes sailor, does it really matter whether the triducer has a plastic or bronze housing (I tend to over-engineer so I am leaning to bronze).
Anyone's thoughts, ideas, criticisms and other general opinions welcome.
Mike
I am embarking on a refit of my Tartan 372's electronics. While there is a lot I don't know yet, I do know that I've settled in on Garmin as the core (already purchased the 4208 Chartplotter).
I am looking to replace the old DataMarine masthead unit, transducers and instruments with the following:
Garmin GWS/GMI 10 Bundle Masthead Instrument Combo
Garmin 18 HD Radar
Maretron DST100 NMEA 2000 Triducer (speed/temp/depth)
All the pieces are NMEA 2000 certifed. So tell me this is as easy as plug and play? It all seems to good to be true. The only NMEA 0183 instrument will be the older Autohelm 4000 Wheel Pilot.
And because I am staying with NMEA 2000 devices, I am assuming this means I do not need items like Garmin's Sounder device (GDS 20/21/22)? The masthead and triducer install instructions indicate not (plug into the NMEA 2000 network).
One other aspect....for a primarily Great Lakes sailor, does it really matter whether the triducer has a plastic or bronze housing (I tend to over-engineer so I am leaning to bronze).
Anyone's thoughts, ideas, criticisms and other general opinions welcome.
Mike