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GxK
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 124 City/Region: Frenchman's Bay, Lake Ontario
State or Province: ON
C-Dory Year: 2002
C-Dory Model: 24 Tomcat
Vessel Name: At Last! ex Goose
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Will-C
Joined: 21 Aug 2007 Posts: 2476 City/Region: Temple
State or Province: PA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 23 Venture
Vessel Name: Will-C
Photos: Will-C
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 12:09 pm Post subject: Furuno vs Garmin in 2016 |
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We have always used Garmin. We currently use a Garmin 7212 Chart plotter, with autopilot, depth finder with a thru hull transducer and a 18HD radar dome and we did have an issue with our original radar dome which Garmin replaced at no charge. An internal cable was the issue. The chart plotter no longer saw the radar on the system.
Our previous boat we used a 4208 with the 18HD radar 2009 vintage and never had an issue with the radar. I assume that it is still functioning for the new owner..
Furuno has always been at the top of the electronics manufacturers. I can't speak about their newer stuff but I suspect they still make a good product. I do think the Garmin is maybe a little more intuitive and maybe easier to learn how to use. Garmin's customer service even for dumb questions has always been good for us. Defender is who we use for almost everything for the boat. Been using them for years never a problem.
D.D. _________________ Chevrolet The Heart Beat Of America |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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We have experience with the XHD radar from Garmin using the 741xs chartplotter. Ask away,
Greg _________________ Greg, Cindie & Aven
Gig Harbor
Aurelia - 25 Cruiser sold 2012
Ari - 19 Cruiser sold 2023
currently exploring with "Lia", 17 ft Bullfrog Supersport Pilothouse |
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BrentB
Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 4419 City/Region: Greenwood
State or Province: IN
Photos: BrentB
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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For fishing,weather or both?? Transducers make a big difference, too.,, external mount vs in the hull? Radar mounting height makes a difference. Garmin are easy to use and dont know about Furuno. I would install 2 units. One for navigation and one for fishing with bluetooth to use the iPad in the cockpit
Both are great units. I dont see a down side except cost and a good transducer and radar mount _________________ Brent Barrett |
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tsturm
Joined: 01 Nov 2003 Posts: 1135 City/Region: Soldotna
State or Province: AK
C-Dory Year: 2003
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: JMR TOO
Photos: JMR-TOO
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20861 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2016 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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Georgs,
Always listen to Ben! There have been so many changes in the last year or so. There are new products coming out each year. The 2016's are better than the 2015's!
I think also get some hands on time. If you are gong to the Miami show, see if you can get on a demo boat with both of the latest versions of these. My personal preference currently is the Garmin. But, I think that Furuno was neglecting the recreational field--and has realized some loss of market share due to this. They are catching up. When we were cruising, all was Furuno, because of the reliability and being able to get excellent service and tech support.
I think the biggest changes have been in the radars, and fish finders. The faster re-fresh rate on the chart plotters helps, with overlay. Cartography is good on all. Again, see about local knowledge where you are planing to cruise. There seems to have been some disparity with certain areas with Garmin charts--probably fixed by now.. CHRIP and down scan, sound like maybe only for fisherman. I have found that looking at "structure" is really handy when anchoring! The latest Garmin transducer is 3" shorter than last years, and better resolution...
I have not fooled with Furuno since last years boat show at Long Beach--and there have been changes since then. There are some really good things said about the latest radar from Furuno. The ability to use an I pad for a "repeater" or even almost a MFD--is great.
With Furuno you have the choice of their NOAA data base (not sure about Canada)
C maps or Navionics. It used to be you had to make the decision when you bought the MFD, as to which format you want to use. I believe can switch, but it may need a different card reader, and some alteration..
Garmin comes with some pretty good charts--Active Captain may be integrated shortly on the MFD.
Any AIS receiver or transceiver--at least a receiver, should be a consideration if you do a radio upgrade.
Have fun--neat toys for navigation! _________________ Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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GxK
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 124 City/Region: Frenchman's Bay, Lake Ontario
State or Province: ON
C-Dory Year: 2002
C-Dory Model: 24 Tomcat
Vessel Name: At Last! ex Goose
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:00 am Post subject: Re: Furuno vs Garmin in 2016 |
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Will-C wrote: | Defender is who we use for almost everything for the boat. Been using them for years never a problem.
D.D. |
Dave, I'm up in Canada, thus, not familiar with dealing with U.S. discounters like Defender. As Tim pointed out, The GPS Store is advertising an even lower price for the Furuno TZT9. Here's the range of pricing, all in US$:
MSRP $3,695
Best price I can find in Canada is US$3,178, from a Furuno dealer
Defender $2,885
GPS Store 2,599.
Obviously, the Defender and GPS Store prices are mighty appealing.
Is there no downside in buying a name brand product from a Defender or GPS Store?
--Georgs |
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GxK
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 124 City/Region: Frenchman's Bay, Lake Ontario
State or Province: ON
C-Dory Year: 2002
C-Dory Model: 24 Tomcat
Vessel Name: At Last! ex Goose
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:09 am Post subject: |
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Aurelia wrote: | We have experience with the XHD radar from Garmin using the 741xs chartplotter. Ask away, Greg |
Thanks, Greg!
How challenging was the installation? Would you recommend that someone like me, with limited aptitude for things mechanical or electronic, hire a professional?
--Georgs |
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GxK
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 124 City/Region: Frenchman's Bay, Lake Ontario
State or Province: ON
C-Dory Year: 2002
C-Dory Model: 24 Tomcat
Vessel Name: At Last! ex Goose
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:23 am Post subject: |
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thataway wrote: | I think also get some hands on time. If you are gong to the Miami show, see if you can get on a demo boat with both of the latest versions of these. My personal preference currently is the Garmin. But, I think that Furuno was neglecting the recreational field--and has realized some loss of market share due to this. They are catching up. When we were cruising, all was Furuno, because of the reliability and being able to get excellent service and tech support |
Thanks, Bob, always good to hear your words of advice!
I did spend many hours at the Toronto boat show at the Garmin and Furuno booths. I went to the show expecting that my Garmin choice would be confirmed, only to have my head turned right around by Furuno.
It's such a toss-up between the Furuno TZT9 and the Garmin GPSMAP 7610 that it might eventually come down to dollars, with the Garmin the clear winner on price.
First, I'll see what Ben Ellison has to report from Miami.
--Georgs |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 1:12 am Post subject: |
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The installation of the RADAR dome and chartplotter is relatively straightforward if you have ready surfaces/positions for mounting. This is quite important for the RADAR, as the unit is heavy and needs a solid mounting location. There is at least power to run for the plotter and separate power plus network cable (from plotter) for the RADAR run so you want to think about your wiring route and how hard or easy that might be. I would recommend taking a look at the pieces of hardware once you have them, and thinking about the mounting locations and wire runs before you decide it is too much for you. It may be easier than you think. Mine have gone pretty quick but I was always pretty good at Legos.
Greg |
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gulfcoast john
Joined: 14 Dec 2012 Posts: 990 City/Region: PENSACOLA
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2010
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Cat O' Mine
Photos: CAT O' MINE
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Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:56 pm Post subject: Garmin |
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Georgs,
I have room for a Garmin 12 inch plotter plus G741 using a pivoting RAM mount and a little imagination so you do too (pics in album). I agree with all above...you can start using most Garmin products right out of the box without reading the manual.
However, what no one else has posted here is that the preloaded Garmin cartography is ONLY LOW RES BACKGROUND. You'll want Garmin VISION chips for you trip, and they are not cheap.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmin--vus007r-norfolk-charleston-u-s-northeast-coast-bluechart-g2-vision-sd-card--8935264
Cheaper on Amazon.
However, their automated AUTO-GUIDE route-making feature is FABULOUS (only on VISION chips). Once you have used it, you will never go back. From your spot in Canada, enter your Norfolk marina and just follow the purple line all the way there. At first use, enter your min preferred depth, whether you want to be routed as close to shore as possible, as far from shores as possible, or in the middle. It does all the rest without you having to put in interim waypoints. Garmin has a patent on it, so I don't think anyone else will have it. The most important new automated navigation aid in decades. Put your Garmin suite on a Garmin network ($68 backbone, install yourself) and your Garmin autopilot (get a pro to install it) will follow the purple AutoGuide line for you. Also cool photos of harbor entrances, aerial photos of land masses including towers, tanks etc to click on right on the plotter. With my networked 4212/741/ VHF 200 or 300 (but not 100) and AIS 300 (rec only) or 600 (tx and receive) your plotter shows your AIS target with the 1-touch option to call the bridge directly using the target's MMSI #. That's nice and good design but not NEARLY as great as Vision chips with AutoGuide routing. I would not even CONSIDER other brands if they can't match it. Once you use it, you will NEVER go back!
Happy hunting!
John _________________ John and Eileen Highsmith
2010 Tom Cat 255, Cat O' Mine
Yamaha F150, LXF150 |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 11:05 am Post subject: |
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Just one clarification, Many Garmins come preloaded with detailed G2 marine charts and/or inland lake mapping. In the Garmin ad language, it would sound like this: "The 547 chartplotter comes preloaded with both Garmin U.S. offshore and U.S. lakes cartography"
Our 741xs came with both US "coastal" G2 charts and lake charts.
They are completely usable (and used by most owners) and comparable to the basic marine charting available on most other brands.
There are models that will say this: "GPSMAP 721 Series versions include a worldwide basemap"
The worldwide basemap is not detailed and not very useful. The variation in charts provided with a unit is part of what makes the pricing so variable and confusing. Many of the separate models marketed by Garmin are actually the same model but including or not including charts. The 720 compared to the 740 series would be one example.
The G2 Vision chart data John is referring to adds additional functionality to many Garmin units including the autoguidance features that we have also added by purchasing an additional Vision chart chip for our area.
More info and compatible product list here,
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/maps/on-the-water-maps/bluechart-g2-vision-/prod9618.html
Greg |
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gulfcoast john
Joined: 14 Dec 2012 Posts: 990 City/Region: PENSACOLA
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2010
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Cat O' Mine
Photos: CAT O' MINE
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 6:32 pm Post subject: GARMIN |
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Greg is Right On as usual, thanks for the details.
PS not all older Garmin units can use the Vision chips, so don't buy them til you contact Garmin tech support (very responsive, even to email).
You can download free g2 cartography updates from Garmin, but NOT free updates for Vision chips.
Happy Hunting!
John |
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GxK
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 124 City/Region: Frenchman's Bay, Lake Ontario
State or Province: ON
C-Dory Year: 2002
C-Dory Model: 24 Tomcat
Vessel Name: At Last! ex Goose
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 9:35 pm Post subject: Furuno vs Garmin in 2016 |
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Wow! I host several forums for trawler yachts-- http://www.trawlersandtrawlering.com/forums/forumsintro.html --that altogether have some 5,000 subscribers, but you guys on C-Brats are awesome!
Thank you, John, Greg, Bob and so many others for being spot-on the topic with your advice.
At this point, I'm really leaning toward
Garmin GPSMAP 7610
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-water/chartplotters/gpsmap-7610/prod151678.html
Garmin GMR 18 xHD
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-water/radar/gmr-18-xhd-radome/prod86235.html
which I can purchase for a decent price in Canada, I have learned, but I still have a Furuno MFD and RADAR on the short list until I hear what Furuno has introduced this week at the Miami show.
Thanks, again!
--Georgs |
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SouthLake
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 111 City/Region: Celina
State or Province: OH
C-Dory Year: 2008
Photos: Get~Aweigh
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 5:57 am Post subject: |
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Just my 2 cents. I've had fully integrated (chart plotter, radar, sounder, autopilot, VHF radio) from Raymarine, Furono, and currently Garmin (on my Ranger Tug). For me the user interface and features of the Garmin are outstanding. If I were in the market to get new electronics I'd go Garmin. The autopilot options for plotting a course are very cool. You can pick a destination and simply say take me there and it can automatically set a course accounting for charted obstacles and depths. Of course that is a feature of the chart plotter integrated with the autopilot. I'm not a fan of tying components from different manufacturers together. _________________ Jeff and Deb Marcum
the Get~Aweigh
2010 R-25
www.GetAweigh.com
email: TheMarcums@GetAweigh.COM |
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