Garmin Radar and MFD on Searay 280

[gerryb]

This took about 3 days - mostly scratching my head and thinking. Like most things you do with a boat, it is always hardest the first time. This would be much easier if I had to do it a second time.

We're really pleased with the equipment - the 52xx touchscreen is something that once you have, you can't think of doing it the old way with buttons. Jim here at BOE had the best prices and was helpful with the equipment selection.

The helm layout on the 280 is awful for adding any type of electronics.

 

[Presentation]

Thank you for the pictures. I’d like to see more and also I’d like to know if you considered placing the display in other locations.

I agree the 280 Sundancer’s helm layout is not friendly to adding electronics.

I have seen small GPS/Charplotters mounted where the VHF radio would go then re-locate the VHF down low and to the left. I have also seen the chartplotter’s mounted down low and to the left.

I mounted our charplotter on a ram forward of the throttles.

Our radar screen was installed when we got the boat so I did not have a choice. The unit is on top of the dash but to the left of the compass and further away.

I have no issue reaching the controls however I am tall with long arms. My biggest complaint of the location is blocked visibility if I am sitting.

 

[CSR_Admin]

That touch screen is awesome right! :smt038 :thumbsup:

You did a nice job. Often, the new Garmin domes will fit on the radar mounts backwards better than forwards, especially with Seaview mounts. Looks like yours is fine, just saying this for others that may read this. Don't be afraid to mount them backwards, you can spin them back around electronically.

 

[lorenbennett]

This took about 3 days - mostly scratching my head and thinking. Like most things you do with a boat, it is always hardest the first time. This would be much easier if I had to do it a second time.

We're really pleased with the equipment - the 52xx touchscreen is something that once you have, you can't think of doing it the old way with buttons. Jim here at BOE had the best prices and was helpful with the equipment selection.

The helm layout on the 280 is awful for adding any type of electronics.

I'll start another thread with pics of installation but wanted to add to the 3 days thing. Now I understand why the dealer wanted so much to do this for me. I installed a lowrance lms 520c, lra-1500 radar and transom mounted transducer. Spent more time just trying to take apart the boat to get access to run the 50' of cables. Sure was sweet last night a 9pm when I turned it on and it all worked!:smt038

 

[cr0ck1]

This took about 3 days - mostly scratching my head and thinking. Like most things you do with a boat, it is always hardest the first time. This would be much easier if I had to do it a second time.

We're really pleased with the equipment - the 52xx touchscreen is something that once you have, you can't think of doing it the old way with buttons. Jim here at BOE had the best prices and was helpful with the equipment selection.

The helm layout on the 280 is awful for adding any type of electronics.

what did you use to make that hole look so clean and professional?

 

[Presentation]

Boy oh Boy, I hope this is not stealing this thread. If you feel it is please tell me and I’ll start a new post.

I’d like to ask you some questions about the Garmin radar. I presently use a Garmin GPS Chartplotter and a different Radar unit. I find the Garmin unit to be easy to use and well thought out. When I go somewhere for the first time I clear the memory then once at the destination I save the track and name it accordingly.

I was on a boat with the Raymarine C120. They also have the track back feature. I could hardly see that line. I did not know the unit well, so, it’s possible a setting was wrong but the line you follow was very small.

How do you like the Garmin multi-function unit? Is it intuitive? Have you come across anything that you found to be surprising, better or worse then you had expected?

 

[gerryb]

Doug, sorry for the late reply. Before the 5208, I also had a Garmin unit (the little 276c auto/boat unit) and got used to the layout of the charts and usage but that was really not a factor in my purchasing decision. I initially wanted a unit with the smartcraft interface (which is not Garmin or Raymarine) but realized that all the info is on the helm and within easy reach on the 280 so it was cool info to see on a nice lcd screen, but not terribly important compared to better/faster/easier navigation on the water.

The one single thing that got me to the Garmind 52xx was the touchscreen. I though about how and when I use the chartplotter and gps -- and that was while I was on the water. I always had a hard-time using the buttons when underway as it is distracting and confusing so I would just leave it alone. The touchscreen makes it much much easier - see a new or moved buoy?... touch the screen, touch the screen a few more times and I have a new waypoint. Yes, this technology is expensive and may beeperceived as 'fluff' to some -- but it works for me and my wife can even use it (the true testimonial to ease of use).

My suggestion? Go to your Westmarine and try it before committing to any brand.

The other question raised was about drilling holes. Yeah, I didn't like that part of the job. I did learn a few things along the way. My trusty, reliable Dewalt 18v XRP was not suited for this job. Neither was the cheapo hole bits. If you do this install yourself, take some of the money you saved and get a heavy duty electric right-angle drill and a couple of good hole bits with carbide tips. It was my excuse for getting the Milwaulkee 1/2" drill.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=74460-000002138-3107-6&lpage=none

The hole required in the arch opening especially is a serious strain on a drill with subpar cojones. Lots of fiberglass to go through there. Also learned that you can cut the cable even though the manufacturer warns very strongly against it. There is a technique to this and you will need some additional special electronic items. Your choice may come down to making a bigger hole or cutting the cable for the radar.

 

[barryg]

I have the same Garmin 5208 and Garmin 4KW raydome on my 320 and while I wish it was Smartcraft compatible it is a great unit. The Garmin Radar is more powerful than the small Raymarine Raydome but like all Radar takes some getting used to. The 5208 fits nicely in the dash of the 320, but if I could have fit the 12" instead of the 8 I would have done that in a heart beat. The G2 card gives amazing graphics and the touch screen is easy to use.

Now I have to figure out whether it's worth buying a Smartcraft VesselView, or a color navman that I can use as a system monitor and connect with the Smartcraft system. (I have an older Navman 5500 Tracker grayscale that came with the boat when I bought it), and I just left it in until I figure what to replace it with.