|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
From: Gil Johnson (no email)
Date: Thu Jun 01 2006 - 22:24:32 EDT
Gene, I've owned stand alone dedicated systems from Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, Northstar and Garmin. I've also had integrated networkable systems from Raymarine, Simrad and Furuno. And finally, I've had PC based systems from Nobeltec and Coastal Explorer. So, what did I go with when outfitting my new boat earlier this year?
I have a dual helm configuration based on Furuno's NavNet vx2 Integrated system, Furuno Sounder, Furuno Autopilot and Coastal Explorer PC Based chartplotter. I also have 2 Uniden 502 VHF Radios.
Here's the why?
-- Furuno is the hands down leader in radar (note I didn't say multi function systems).
-- Furuno's customer support actually answers the phone and responds to emails.
-- If I'm going with Furuno's integrated system, why not go all Furuno (unless there's a compelling argument that there's something better)
-- Coastal Explorer is too good a value not to have. It allows for planning, use of free NOAA ENC and Raster charts, and allows for a cheap way of having a larger display at the lower helm.
-- Uniden is the only radio that supports full function wireless remotes and that was the sole reason for selecting Uniden.
-- Two independent radios adds redundancy for not much more than a remote head, in fact, one radio did fail on a 1,200 mile trip.
I'm not thrilled with some limitations with Furuno's NavNet vx2 (no compass heading display, unless in radar or overlay mode--Coastal Explorer takes care of this one and the inability to display data boxes when in split screen mode)
I wasn't thrilled with Nobeltec when I used it, so I didn't give it consideration.
I was giving Northstar serious consideration, but they never returned my calls--so they where out.
FYI, Coastal Explorer is suppose to support Nobeltec's radar unit now or soon. I'd certainly go with Coastal Explorer over Nobeltec.
I'd strongly recommend that you try to have some hands on time with any system you're considering. Ease of use should be major evaluation criteria.
Best of luck,
Gil
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
_______________________________________________
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/trawlers-and-trawlering
To unsubscribe send email to
with the word
UNSUBSCRIBE and nothing else in the subject or body of the message.
Trawlers & Trawlering and T&T are trademarks of Water World
Productions. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
|