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electronics upgrade options

Discussion in 'Electronics' started by Castaway, Sep 13, 2012.

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  1. Castaway, Sep 13, 2012
    #1
    Castaway

    Castaway New Member

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    So i'm getting ready to buy my first boat is a 1986 trojan international and its 40ft with 2 6-71ti jt

    All of the electronics are 1986 and i am looking to up grade them.
    So far I like garmin, does anyone have any reccomendations ?
  2. MaxPower, Sep 13, 2012
    #2
    MaxPower

    MaxPower Senior Member

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    At Sea ... Aahhh ...
    really depends on yr budget mate ...
  3. Castaway, Sep 13, 2012
    #3
    Castaway

    Castaway New Member

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    budget is not as important as buying the right equipment first time around.
    I have no issue with spending more for better product. At this point just trying to see what my options are. What kind of budget do you think? i was thinking under 20k?
  4. Pascal, Sep 13, 2012
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    20k of electronic on a 40 footer??

    Not much fog in FL so you may not even need a radar. A good Garmin plotter and a hand alone sounder (personally I dont care for networked sounder on a plotter...)

    You re going have a hard time topping $5k but really depend on how you re going to use the boat...
  5. Capt J, Sep 14, 2012
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Garmin would be ok, and I would get the sounder on the plotter, I'd also get the small garmin just depth unit with it's transducer.......they read better in shallow water......and it's easier to glance at the large number.

    I've heard the new Lowrance sounders are what all the commercial fisherman are going to. They use multiple HZ not just 50 and 200, and will hold bottom at 35knots in 2000 feet of water.
  6. Castaway, Sep 26, 2012
    #6
    Castaway

    Castaway New Member

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    Here is what I ended up getting all garmin

    garmin 7212

    1204 hd open array

    12kw pedestal

    vhf 300AIS

    ghs20 wireless

    airmar B265-lh with chirp
  7. Capt Ralph, Sep 26, 2012
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm sure you already know this but I have to state it;

    The best stuff in the world is only as good as the installation.

    Dedicated power, separate wire runs, the best crimps & hardware. The best VHF antenna.

    Also find the extended warranty paperwork and get it mailed in.

    ,rc
  8. Castaway, Sep 26, 2012
    #8
    Castaway

    Castaway New Member

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    well i'm doing the install my self.

    I did not get the extended warranty....do you feel its worth it?
  9. Kafue, Sep 26, 2012
    #9
    Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    +1
    Especially the dedicated power.
    Adding an extra battery and charging via an extra alternator is the best way.
    Auto pilot uses a lot of power when you are in rough seas and that's NOT when you want to find out the bateries aren't getting enough charge to make up for the usage.
  10. Berean, Sep 27, 2012
    #10
    Berean

    Berean Senior Member

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    I'm curious why you don't like the sounder networked. I have a Garmin 3210 with a kickin 50/200 ducer and I love it.