Garmin 3010C

[Shorty]

I am purchasing a Sabre 362 equipped with a Garmin 3010C chartplotter and a GMR 18 Radome, new 2007. On my Pearson 34 I had a Garmin 172c that crapped out pretty reliably every 3 years until they no longer supported it.
What is the experience with the 3010C? This is a pretty different animal and, for one, it seems to have lasted 8 years OK at this point.
In thinking ahead to a likely return to Nova Scotia (from Maine) in 2017, a couple concerns:
One, sure would be a drag to have this crap out in NS.
Two, a few folks still have a Canadian chart card available but they are generally not available. So I am thinking to grab it now before all gone, but if replacement of the unit is coming up, then maybe I should spend the $150.
Garmin website says they no longer support.
Thanks

[NewMoon]

There are at least 2-3 generations newer than the 3010 already out.

FWIW, I understand the 3010 has a solid reputation. My 2006, very similar but smaller screen and one generation older, still works like a charm at 13 years. If I understand correctly, a main difference between mine and the 3000 series is that networking support was added. Probably some additional processor speed as well. Both use the older proprietary Garmin "bluechart data card" for charts, rather than the later SD cards. Charts often available on eBay.

[witzgall]

Not sure if you can get charts for it anymore??


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[roverhi]

The plotter is fine but getting charts is an issue. With patience, regions in the US, Caribbean, South and Central America turn up on Ebay regularly. Haven't seen many Canadian Chart Chips. Would grab any that you need quickly if still available new. In conversation with Garmin Factory Reps at the Oakland in the water boat show a few years back, said they will load chips, that you supply, with whatever data you want. Might want to get hold of them and see if that is still true and what chips they'll work with. Does it need to be their blank chips or can they overwrite their pre-loaded area chips??

My nearly 10 year old 3206 is still working fine. 3206 has all the US charts and have the Canadian Chips I need for planned sail to Alaska and down the inland passage and Mexico West Coast so will keep the bugger till it dies.

My 3206 is still doing fine after nearly 10 years so

[Tumbleweed34]

The good news is the GMR 18 is digital and will work with Garmins current GPSMAP series of chartplotters.

[Quickbeam]

Those 3010 units were good, but the charts are outdated. Be careful for Notice to Mariner update changes. You might add some key ones as marks on the older charts. You could use the GPS/radar on the Garmin and run charts on a laptop (OpenCPN/Coastal Explorer/etc). The Garmin can supply GPS data via NMEA0183 through a serial/USB converter.