Garmin or tablet

d-reed

Member
Oct 23, 2018
53
Western Ma.
Boat Info
1996 Sundancer 250 DA
Engines
Gen 6 454 carb Bravo 1
I'm not new to boating but, I am a newbie as far as chart plotting goes. I boat in Western Ma. lakes and the Hudson River. I'm looking to head out to other areas this coming summer and I would like to be able to see where I am, where I am going, and also be able to map out a safe route and not get lost.
I've been doing some research on different products that I believe will work for me, but I'm not sure if I should purchase a Chart Plotter with GPS, like a Garmin 94sv or a tablet with GPS and use Navionics app? I do not have a WiFi Hot Spot device
I'm not much of an electronics guy so I want to keep it simple, keep the cost down around 7-800 dollars. So I'm wondering what guys are using, and what might work best for my application.
Also, is there a way to tie all my engine data into the device? My boat is older with no type of data link plug.

Thanks!
 
My vote: get a legit marine MFD, and connect to your DSC-enabled VHF.

Use a tablet or phone as a back-up only.

Your carbed engine presents an issue with collecting all data, but fuel meters are easy.
 
I'm not new to boating but, I am a newbie as far as chart plotting goes. I boat in Western Ma. lakes and the Hudson River. I'm looking to head out to other areas this coming summer and I would like to be able to see where I am, where I am going, and also be able to map out a safe route and not get lost.
I've been doing some research on different products that I believe will work for me, but I'm not sure if I should purchase a Chart Plotter with GPS, like a Garmin 94sv or a tablet with GPS and use Navionics app? I do not have a WiFi Hot Spot device
I'm not much of an electronics guy so I want to keep it simple, keep the cost down around 7-800 dollars. So I'm wondering what guys are using, and what might work best for my application.
Also, is there a way to tie all my engine data into the device? My boat is older with no type of data link plug.

Thanks!

Personally I like a marine MFD over a tablet (I do use an app for backup and also run multiple MFDs and different map sources). I feel these units are designed and built for the marine environment so they are going to deal with sun and splashes better. Additionally if you would like to integrate other equipment like a transducer into a single display you may find it easier. They also work off a hard wired DC voltage so you will not need to worry about charging or snaking charging cables.

If you look at devices the Raymarine Axiom's you will find that these work very much like a tablet and have Android running underneath it all. I also know many people who run tablets (IPad or Android) and swear by them so I feel its a personal preference in the end. Just make it based on facts and understand the differences.

-Kevin
 
While tablet devices and associated navigation apps have come a long way, I'm bias towards a real marine MFD. For all the same reasons mentioned above. Better viewing in sunlight, water resistance, dedicated power source, ability to integrate your DSC VHF radio for safety, transducer (fish finder) capability.

If you want a system that simple to use yet powerful, you can't go wrong with Garmin. I personally prefer how their systems operation vs. Raymarine, but your should check them out to see what you like and would will fit on your boat. Garmin has pretty good integration with tablets / phones too via their Active Captain companion app. You can load the maps that come with your device onto your phone / iPad and do some navigation that was as a backup. There are other nice features of Active Captain as well. It is a really intended to be a companion app and not a full stand alone navigation app so has some limitations but it is useful.
 
I have been using an iPad with Garmin BlueChart Mobile for my navigation needs since we purchased the boat in August 2016. It has served me well and it was an inexpensive solution to a pressing need. I had the iPad and only had to buy the app and an external GPS, which was $99. I used a GoPro ram mount to fix the iPad to my dash. It worked well, but......

Even plugged into a DC USB port, the battery continually drained. It was good for about 4-5 hours of use. On a 140 mile run from Solomons Island, MD to Occoquan, VA, the iPad was just about "dead" when we pulled into our marina. Also, iPads hate to get hot! They do not like it. Also, in bright light, you have to turn the brightness up to 100% in order to safely view the screen, which of course, exacerbates the battery life issue.

I have made the decision to install a new, modern MFD. In fact, I am ordering the dash panel from Tecnografic this morning. Last year, I installed a new VHF radio with a Vesper XB-8000 AIS Transponder, and created the first piece of my NMEA 2000 network. The installation of the new Garmin should be very simple, just plug and play.

I'll also share a piece of advice that I was given by members of this board. Buy as big of a screen that the space on your boat will accomodate and your wallet can stomach. No one ever said "you know, that MFD is just too darn big".

Jaybeaux
 
I have been using an iPad with Garmin BlueChart Mobile for my navigation needs since we purchased the boat in August 2016. It has served me well and it was an inexpensive solution to a pressing need.

I'll also share a piece of advice that I was given by members of this board. Buy as big of a screen that the space on your boat will accomodate and your wallet can stomach. No one ever said "you know, that MFD is just too darn big".

Jaybeaux

I really liked the BlueChart mobile app for trip planning. It had some features that were significantly better than the current Active Captain app. I was really bummed when I found out that Garmin was not longer going to support it, and that the iOS 13 update broke it.

100% on the MFD screen size. A bigger screen really does make a difference. It's easier to operate and view on a moving boat. Especially if you want to do a split screen view. The touch screen models do have a bit of a price premium, but yield a bigger screen in the same or smaller footprint. Having moved from a Garmin 4208 non-touch model to a pair of Garmin 8612 touch models, I can confirm the Garmin touch screens are awesome and much easier to use.
 
I really liked the BlueChart mobile app for trip planning. It had some features that were significantly better than the current Active Captain app. I was really bummed when I found out that Garmin was not longer going to support it, and that the iOS 13 update broke it.

100% on the MFD screen size. A bigger screen really does make a difference. It's easier to operate and view on a moving boat. Especially if you want to do a split screen view. The touch screen models do have a bit of a price premium, but yield a bigger screen in the same or smaller footprint. Having moved from a Garmin 4208 non-touch model to a pair of Garmin 8612 touch models, I can confirm the Garmin touch screens are awesome and much easier to use.

I've selected the 8612xs. Can't wait to play with it. Regarding the iOS 13 update, well, my iPad is so old that it is still running something like 10.3. So, my BlueChart Mobile still works, but as you know, the Active Captain information hasn't updated in years!
 
I have both a plotter and ipad. The plotter is my backup as it's quite old. I love using my ipad with navionics, and I have access to all my charts and trips on my iphone, computer, etc. If you go the ipad route, you need to get one that is cell service capable. You don't need to activate it, but they are the ones that have a built-in gps. So all you need is that ipad and a power cord.
 
b_arrington....question for you about the 8612. When I get this thing, can I set it up on my kitchen table with a 12 volt battery to play with it before installing on the boat?
 
I agree with my fellow boaters above. I use my iPad for much but not for navigation. Plus the iPads with cellular service cost $700-$900 and I don't like the mounts.

Take a look at the SIMRAD GO5, 7 & 9 models. I don't recall how much space you have for mounting but these don't take a lot of room. I installed the GO5 in the panel of my 1985 Cobalt CM23 when I refurbished the panel. I needed GPS and did not have much room so this worked perfect for me as I don't like instruments that sit on top. The GO Series use familiar touch screen technology, accept all chart formats, are Wi-Fi equipped and are pretty easy to install. If you don't need the depth sounder cost for the 5" unit is under $450.

IMG_0600.JPG

IMG_0603.JPG
 
Thank you to everyone for the feed back. It seems that the MFD is the preferred unit of choice. Now I just need to make a decision as to what one to purchase! There are a lot of units on the market under 1k that will do what I want.
Seems as though the Garmin is the choice of many
 
Thank you to everyone for the feed back. It seems that the MFD is the preferred unit of choice. Now I just need to make a decision as to what one to purchase! There are a lot of units on the market under 1k that will do what I want.
Seems as though the Garmin is the choice of many

I'm in the Garmin camp as well. That said, the user interface is different for each manufacturer. I'd spend some time in a West Marine store and play with units from each manufacturer, and find one that works for you.

Also, while NMEA2000 attempts to standardize the communication protocols between devices, you'll find that sticking to a particular manufacturer, as much as possible, will yield the best experience. This is especially true when integrating a radar system with an MFD.

Finally, if you go with an MFD, make sure you spring for a Heading Sensor, as well. Otherwise, your MFD won't know which direction your bow is pointed, unless you are moving.
 
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b_arrington....question for you about the 8612. When I get this thing, can I set it up on my kitchen table with a 12 volt battery to play with it before installing on the boat?
Yes.

I didn't because I had it installed on my new boat, but you can. The power cable attaches to the back and there are 2 bare end leads. Just clip them to a battery and you're good. I did this with my 4208 years ago and it worked nicely.

You don't need an external GPS antenna either, which is nice. I think you'll really like it.

This is my install. 2 8612’s. The smaller screen is the 5” vessel view (Simrad). That thing is a pain in the neck to navigate.
1DAD073E-05F4-4776-8496-12B0CABFBE80.jpeg
 
Finally, if you go with an MFD, make sure you spring for a Heading Sensor, as well. Otherwise, your MFD won't know which direction your bow is pointed, unless you are moving.

Eh, I'd say a heading senor is a "nice to have" for a basic install. You really do want one with a radar installed to make it function properly. But with just a GPS, it's not that big a deal. Maybe if you fish and drift a lot it has some more utility.
 
b_arrington....question for you about the 8612. When I get this thing, can I set it up on my kitchen table with a 12 volt battery to play with it before installing on the boat?

I did the same thing - I had to ease the pain of buying boat toys in the middle of winter. I loaded all my routes and waypoints into the new unit, only to discover that once it was networked on the boat that all the data showed twice. Ooops.
 
I’m with Brad. I’m a long time Raymarine user now on my third boat with RM gear. I needed to add a dedicated display for engine gauges, and since Volvo uses Garmin, I chose a Garmin 7608. It’s an all in one with built in gps, built in maps. It is also networkable so connecting to a nmea2000 network, or nmea0183 devices is possible.
I really liked the BlueChart mobile app for trip planning. It had some features that were significantly better than the current Active Captain app. I was really bummed when I found out that Garmin was not longer going to support it, and that the iOS 13 update broke it.

100% on the MFD screen size. A bigger screen really does make a difference. It's easier to operate and view on a moving boat. Especially if you want to do a split screen view. The touch screen models do have a bit of a price premium, but yield a bigger screen in the same or smaller footprint. Having moved from a Garmin 4208 non-touch model to a pair of Garmin 8612 touch models, I can confirm the Garmin touch screens are awesome and much easier to use.


Yes, bigger is better. But more is betterer. Two screens really makes things easier.
 
Eh, I'd say a heading senor is a "nice to have" for a basic install. You really do want one with a radar installed to make it function properly. But with just a GPS, it's not that big a deal. Maybe if you fish and drift a lot it has some more utility.

Fair enough. I just get annoyed when I'm at anchor, planning the next leg of my route and I can't correlate the map to the surrounding landmarks, unless I am moving. I suppose it doesn't much matter, if you are offshore but for inland waterways, it is invaluable.
 
Fair points.

I too noticed on my old system that the boat wasn't pointed the "right way" on the screen when at anchor. I just felt correcting what was to me a very minor issue wasn't worth the cost for a heading sensor. Anyone that wants to fix that should go for it! I got the sense, however, that the OP's objective was a minimal cost approach.
 
I agree with my fellow boaters above. I use my iPad for much but not for navigation. Plus the iPads with cellular service cost $700-$900 and I don't like the mounts.

Take a look at the SIMRAD GO5, 7 & 9 models. I don't recall how much space you have for mounting but these don't take a lot of room. I installed the GO5 in the panel of my 1985 Cobalt CM23 when I refurbished the panel. I needed GPS and did not have much room so this worked perfect for me as I don't like instruments that sit on top. The GO Series use familiar touch screen technology, accept all chart formats, are Wi-Fi equipped and are pretty easy to install. If you don't need the depth sounder cost for the 5" unit is under $450.
View attachment 79325

How do you like the way that the Simrad system functions? I have the 5 inch version of that in the form of Vessel View; I have a lot of trouble locating various functions and recalling where they are in the various menus.
 
b_arrington, RollerCoastr....thanks for the confirmation. Glad to see that I'm not the only one fighting winter blues by playing with electronics at the kitchen table!!!

So I've been trying to get my head around my network design. tmott has such fantastic drawings, I thought that I would lay mine out to see it. At the time, the entire network is under the helm as I only have the VHF and AIS on the network. The MFD (8612xsv) and new DST Transducer are coming soon. So here is my question: As shown on the drawing, can I just run a backbone extender from the helm down to the engine room and then connecting the DST-800 to it via a T-connector and then terminate the network in the engine room? Does the transducer get its power from the network?

I have drawn it out how "I think" it is supposed to go. I'm trying to accomplish this before Spring Commissioning while the boat is in the water. If anyone has any advice or experience in changing out their old depth transducer let me know. I'm looking for a solution that will fit the existing thru-hull.

Jaybeaux
 

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