Garmin GMR 18HD

[colbysmith]

Just thought I'd start a new subject on this radar unit for anyone that might be googling for a review. I purchased a Garmin GMR 18HD from TheGPSStore.com for $1029. Unit came well packaged and fairly straight forward to install with good instructions. My first shock was the noise this thing makes when turned on. Sounds like a turbine winding up. I have it mounted directly to the top of my C-Dory 22' Cruiser. I have placed several plastic spacers between it and the boat to get the desired angle. I'll add more comments later after I've had a chance to use it. But welcome anyone else to add their comments for others interested in this unit. BTW, I chose to go to this unit, rather than the XHD as after discussing my use of it with Garmin they agreed I did not need the more expensive unit. I primarily use it for painting land and other targets such as other boats, buoys, etc, in low visibility conditions. (Dark and fog...) This unit replaced and older Raymarine 72+ Pathfinder black and white unit, which worked well, but I was ready for an upgrade to a multi function display unit (Garmin GPS 840xs) and decrease the number of screens at the helm! A few other notes. The wiring does come with an inline fuse. I would have preferred to remove the inline fuse, as I attached it to a fuse block on my boat. However Garmin seemed a little cautious about my removing the inline fuse for warranty reasons, although they agreed it probably would not hurt the unit (as stated in the installation instructions.) The wiring between the GMR 18HD and GpsMap 840 is basically an ethernet cable. The new package came with a "field install" connector so if one wanted to cut and shorten the cable. I did cut my cable, and the connector was also somewhat simple to install. (I have had experience and the tools necessary to install such connector end.) Colby

[colbysmith]

While the instructions that came with the unit show 1 year manufacturers warranty. I received this from the company:

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

I’d be happy to assist with your inquiry. The warranty on a new GMR 18HD is two years from the date of purchase. I have provided a link below to the Garmin marine warranty policy.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Garmin marine warranty policy: http://www8.garmin.com/support/pdf/marine_warranty.pdf

With Best Regards,
John
Customer Care - Marine Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-440-8280 (fax) Att: John 6984
www.garmin.com

[localboy]

Our unit works well. It is mounted on a short arch with another 12" pedestal so it shoots over the dinghy. With my limited experience using radar prior to ownership, it was still simple to use, read and interpret. I ran with it during clear summer weather to get used to what it showed on the screen when compared to what I was seeing w/ my eyes.

Last yr on our return from Desolation it came in very handy crossing Georgia Straight. We could not see 30' in the fog the entire return but w/ the radar, 740s combo and the wife also on lookout, we crossed w/out incident.

There is a "spool up" noise but it does not bother us. Once you are running, the engine noise, water passing under the hull etc are all we hear and enjoy.

[Captains Cat]

I did buy the XHD model and it's back ordered to ship on 10-18 from West Marine. No worries as I won't be installing until the whole Garmin setup comes in, the GPS MAP 4210 arrived yesterday and it's patiently waiting in the garage. The AIS is coming separately and the GSD 24 FISHING SONAR MODULE and the GHP 10 Autopilot should come with the Radar.

My original Raymarine electronics has attracted some attention with two in line for the ST 6001 autopilot (with pump) and a possible taker for the Navionics East Coast Mid Atlantic chip from the C-80. Still have the Flowscan 3100 (display needs the Pat Anderson fix [$70] and the C-80 itself. Am in the process of installing the Barry Daniel upgrade from the chip he loaned me. Whoever buys it will have to have the right equipment to have radar overlay. Also have the Sonar module as Les installed the Super C-80 when he did it for the original owner. The Wallas will be going to a good home with Montana Kev once it comes out. It does need service but he's got a friend who is experienced and I think I gave him a good price.

Colby I'll be interested in the performance of the new radar with the Garmin GPS MAP unit. I wont find out until early spring.

Charlie