New GPS this Spring

[denpooch]

Hey folks,
I am planning to upgrade the GPS on my 36 this Spring and would like to get feedback on the unit's screen size most appropriate for this vessel. As you know the screen sizes range from 5" and go on up.
My thinking is leading me to a 9" display. Does it make sense to look at 10 or 12"... or smaller for that matter?
Although there is a cost differential as I move up in size, I figure that I will be upgrading just one time and want to 'get it right'.
What display size do you folks use? Which manufacturers do you like?
I know one person that has their unit mounted on an 'arm' to move around. Does anyone employ that kind of configuration?
I will be likely be looking at models with a touch screen.
All thoughts are much appreciated.

[g36]

good luck with your search theres lots of nice stuff out there. presently i have 9 " displays for my 405 i have them mounted on a arm/pod. i didnt want to cut out the dash for install in case of selling the boat and because although i also "try to get it right" also, theres to many nice toys out there that really have a pull on you ever so often . so if i upgrade its less of hassle

[denpooch]

Thanks g36.
Regarding the arm/pod... is it secured using fasteners (drilled holes) or some kind of suction or Velcro fixation?
Also, since you mount as such does the unit function as a 'stand alone' or is it in fact interfaced to other systems (auto pilot, depth transducer, etc.)
I appreciate your input.

[bud37]

You do realize there is no such thing as a one time upgrade.. .......when I go from my old ray marine stuff, I will return to a Garmin something...likeky the 9 or 10" touch screen versions ....had one before and loved it, almost intuitive and you can interface all your engine data etc, etc on them, if you have a data bus etc installed, skies the limit I guess.......

[denpooch]

Yes. I am leaning Garmin. My friend has one and loves it.
They also feature a card that will provide a recommended route for your trip. I think that this feature will be helpful in unfamiliar waters. I dont know if other vendors offer that same routing software.

[Viper]

The bigger the screen you can practically get in the space the better IMO. Today's NMEA 2000 units allow so much integration that it almost IS "sky's the limit." The problem is that if you want to monitor all this stuff you're either constantly scrolling the display from one input to another or combining several on the screen at once. This can be very beneficial but the more inputs you display at once, the smaller the data/graphics get in each window which can make things difficult to read at a glance. Just 2 inputs up at the same time can cut the size of each in half or more and what starts off as a 9" screen suddenly only gives you an equivalent of a 4" display for each of the two inputs, hence the popularity of multiple display installations that allow you to maximize the display of a few inputs at the same time. Most will dedicate one display for the chart and another (or more) for all other inputs that can be switched as needed.

[RGrew176]

When I had to buy a new GPS last year I went with one of the 9" Garmin units. I am very happy I did. There is so much data on the screen the larger size makes it easier to read the data displayed on the screen. Obviously if you have the room go bigger, go as big as you have room for. You will not regret the decision.



My Garmin unit.

[g36]

Den pooch I have drilled the mounts so no velcro. I use lowrance hds / simrad system. Nmea 2000 network. I usually have display for chartplotter with radar over layed on top of the chart The other for depth, various sensor readings such as engine temps I set up temp sensors on the engines exhaust mainfolds so if there is a problem with cooling water ill see a rise in exhaust temp and know i need to do someting even before the engine sensor alarms and video input , fusion radio etc.my other boat I had fuel flow but not on my 405

[denpooch]

Great Information and as usual, your insights are very helpful.
Thanks for the feedback.

[smoky mt gypsy]

wowww help I have my first boat larger than an 18/ fish/ski. I have a 1995 carver 32. I really noticed by the reply there are many choices. WHat in your opinions do I need to show me depth so I do not bottom out, direction so I do not go in circles on the Mississippi.. lol and also, and please forgive my ignorance, but I need to know about any weather conditions I need to know about. Is there a good device that will show me these things, or do I need more than one to be able to observe all things?