Navigation equipment supplier recommendations

[V12diablo]

After our first season with our 356, I would like to update all my navigation equipment/electronics. I have all the old ray marine equipment that is inoperable or has burnt screens. I also want to add a autopilot since the boat doesn’t currently have one. I am looking for a supplier that will explain what equipment I need and works well with each other. Not just sell me stuff I may not need for my type of boating. Thanks, in advance.

Jason

[Rocketman]

My 44 Sojourn had Garmin electronics onboard. I wanted to upgrade the chartplotter and Garmin (on the phone) was great at helping me understand what all I needed to be able to interface with the existing backup camera, radar, GPS antennas.
They were great at helping me get part numbers and everything to make t fit perfect and interface with my Volvo engines. I would give them a call. I went with the 1243xsv since it fit right in place of the old unit.
Bottom line, they were great at helping me understand all the piece parts I needed.
Give them a call and they will walk you thru everything you will need. Then you can price online at other places as well.

I ended up purchasing from several places to get the best prices for everything I needed.

[V12diablo]

Did you talk with Garmin directly. I planned on going with garmin, I just want to make sure I get the correct gear that will work with my boat and with what I plan on doing.


Jason

[Helmsman]

Sounds like you are looking at two issues. The first is finding a supplier. I replaced all the old Raymarine equipment on my 2006 Carver 33 SS with a little help from a mechanic (hydraulics for AP) and advice from the folks here. I replaced with new Raymarine, and did the plan for it first. On my new boat I am installing everything myself. I am going with Furuno, due to their support and the fact they don’t sunset their equipment like Ray and Garmin does. So, my vote is Furuno.

I went through all of the NMEA workshops in September to learn all of the rules regarding electronics installations. If you are looking for an installer, look for a NMEA installer. NMEA.org.

If you would like to discuss what you want to actually put on the boat, lay it out here and there will be good advice received here.

[Rocketman]

I called Garmin direct. I did look on their website first to get an idea of the chartplotter that I wanted from a size point of view. They the website will list all the equipment that is compatible with that chartplotter.
I really wanted the 16" unit but in the end it would not fit in the dash. Had to go with the 12". I absolutely love it.
The 1243xsv (xsv version) comes with all the US detailed charts installed.