Simrad vs Garmin

[Tripsdad]

I upgraded last year and went all Garmin as I had them on my previous boat and found the Garmins easy to use and intuitive compared to the original Raymarine on the boat. The PO had just installed a 942xs and I added an 8612xsv as well as Fantom open array radar and Garmin 315 VHF and I have been very happy with them. Sorry I do not have any experience with the Simrad.

 

[tc410]

Look at a new chart plotter, have my eyes on the Simrad NSS9 Evo 3. What would the compatible Garmin be? What's the pros & cons?

This is all I can say here.... I have three boats, one with Raymarine, one with Garmin, and one with Simrad. The happiest thing for me was I just sold my boat (29’ center console) with the Simrad package. It was difficult to navigate through the various screens, and I also had some “gremlins” related to autopilot cross-talk (which even Simrad tech support couldn’t diagnose or figure out). I’m so glad the boat is gone for this reason only. The new center console has all Garmin and I’m much happier and relieved.

Like anything, do your research and buy what you want, but I for one am glad to be done with the Simrad.

 

[Bottom Line]

I upgraded last year and went all Garmin as I had them on my previous boat and found the Garmins easy to use and intuitive compared to the original Raymarine on the boat. The PO had just installed a 942xs and I added an 8612xsv as well as Fantom open array radar and Garmin 315 VHF and I have been very happy with them. Sorry I do not have any experience with the Simrad.

Since you have a 360DA, do you have any pics of your helm?

 

[Tripsdad]

Since you have a 360DA, do you have any pics of your helm?

Jeff,

Here the picture of my helm after last years upgrades.The PO had the 942 in the center of the dash and the 8612 would not fit on the side panel so I moved the 942 and mounted the 8612 in the center which meant building it out about 1/2” to get it to fit. I am planning to upgrade the Smartcraft to Vessel View in the spring. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll try to help.

 

[Bottom Line]

Jeff,

Here the picture of my helm after last years upgrades.The PO had the 942 in the center of the dash and the 8612 would not fit on the side panel so I moved the 942 and mounted the 8612 in the center which meant building it out about 1/2” to get it to fit. I am planning to upgrade the Smartcraft to Vessel View in the spring. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll try to help.

View attachment 99370View attachment 99370 View attachment 99370

Wow! Looks great.

 

[Tripsdad]

Wow! Looks great.

Thanks. I’m not sure whether all the 360DA’s were like this but mine did not have the wood grain panel on the left side where the 942 is mounted. I sent the dimensions to Tecnografic and told them that I was planning to install the Garmin 942 and they made the panel and precut for the unit. Highly recommend them if you need a new dash panel.
BTW sorry for the 3 pics but not sure how that happened.

 

[LastCall350]

Well I've got a GPSMAP 1242xsv on the way, can't wait for it to get here and install it. Thanks for everyone's advice.