Starting from Scratch, Which Brand is the way to Go?

[Terra Nova]

First, I don't care for touch screen electronics.

Terra Nova has a Furuno monochrome radar because Furuno makes good radars and because West Marine had their display unit on sale for $1,000. It is unimportant that all electronics be from the same maker. Her SSB radio is Furuno only because I happened to find a deal on an unused one from a private party. The rest of her electronics either came with her or were used take-offs that I had salvaged. Even her electrical distribution panel had an additional column of breakers added, courtesy of a take-off panel.

It is uncommon, perhaps impossible, on even the most expensive and tastefully done yachts, to find all matching brand electronics. Nor is it desirable to restrict your choices to only one brand.

Through your own due diligence, discover which companies are best at each electronic specialty. For example I would trust Icom VHF, Furuno radar, Garmin GPS, etc. Then watch for a deal.

[ricksegal]

With respect to a PC flying all over the place, would the MSFT Surface or Acer Tablet work with PC based software for navigation. I thought about the PC taking a header over the side and your story kinda confirmed it!

Rick Segal

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by Jetexas

<snip>I think I'm going to pony up for another "real" system.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to investigate the Simrad/B&G stuff.

I am all for integrated gadgets and pretty lights. Your money, your boat. have fun. New stuff is always cool.

Just out of curiosity. What is a line of electronics gonna set you back?

I am still Mr. iPad Navionics. I am still years away from a boat that would deserve a plotter install.