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Old 30-10-2021, 02:54   #1
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Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

Hello everyone,

would appreciate impartial feedback from veteran monohull sailors: as a newly retired, NON-computer IT whizzo, possess just the basics; which are the easiest, simplest, most user-friendly, least complicated, most reliable integrated systems for 54 footer bluewater cruising :

B&G, GARMIN, RAYMARINE, FURUNO or SIMRAD

Difficult question I know, as wide range of products on the market, but would like to try to get it right first time around, and not rely on distributors sales patter in order and keen to make a sale.

Any general feedback and views much appreciated, thanks.
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Old 30-10-2021, 12:43   #2
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

Welcome SS. That is a subjective request. Some are more partial to one brand than others. I am a Furuno fan.
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Old 30-10-2021, 13:02   #3
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

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Originally Posted by SubSea View Post
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Any general feedback and views much appreciated, thanks.

Often the answer to these types of questions depend on what works for you in terms of use. For example, touchscreen vs. buttons. Often some manufacturer's menus confuse people, others like them. The answer is you have to do your own research and homework to find out what features YOU like, because whatever and when ever anyone replies by saying "X wins!" means that's what THEY bought and liked; then sit back and see all four or five of your candidates with the same answers!


Then go to a West Marine or other chandlery and try them out. In real life, real time.



My other reply is "It's like asking your mother what girl to marry or what car to buy." Think about it...


Good luck.
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Old 05-11-2021, 13:27   #4
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

Welcome.

I would suggest updating your profile with your general location and your boat make & model or “Looking” in the "Boat" category. This info shows up under your UserName in every post in the web view. Many questions are boat and/or location dependent and having these tidbits under your UserName saves answering those questions repeatedly. If you need help setting up your profile then click on this link: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3308797

I would happily help more if the link above is not enough.
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Old 05-11-2021, 14:48   #5
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

I've used Raymarine, B&G, Garmin and currently own Furuno. I think Raymarine has the most intuitive, easy to use interface, and Furuno is the most reliable (but definitely not the least complicated). Just my opinion. There will be no definitive answer to such a question.
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Old 06-11-2021, 14:27   #6
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

I have simrad on my boat and it works fine. Superficially it is easy to use, but if you need to dig down to do/fix something, it gets less than intuitive. Mine is now 9 years old. I have been thinking about upgrading, and one thing to note is that simrad and B&G are owned by the same company. They are very definitely now differentiating their products with B&G aimed at sailors and simrad more to powerboaters for what that is worth.

On a personal note, I prefer a plotter with physical buttons rather than purely touchscreen.
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Old 06-11-2021, 14:41   #7
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

As others have said, which brand comes down to personal preference. BUT...once yiu have chosen and brand, the easiest strategy is to stick w that brand for everything. Integration across brands is not what we would all like it to be and can become a serious PITA.
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Old 07-11-2021, 07:27   #8
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Re: Bluewater NAV and course Plotting, Auto-pilot systems

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As others have said, which brand comes down to personal preference. BUT...once yiu have chosen and brand, the easiest strategy is to stick w that brand for everything. Integration across brands is not what we would all like it to be and can become a serious PITA.


I fully agree. Don’t cross brands unless there is a really good reason to do so.
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