Upgrade with Raymarine or Simrad

[Robf]

David, you are correct regarding my boating waters. The GPS I use for timing trips and input to Smart Craft for gas mileage and miles remaining, etc. Yes, I know I can easily calculate and use river daymarks to estimate time and location, but like the electronics. The radar is very useful at night due to the heavy barge traffic and periodic heavy fog. As far as brand, unless there is a huge difference in cost, rather stick with names that is better recognized for that eventual resale that always happens!
Rob

I look at things a bit more pragmatically. If you are from Winfield, WV you are running the Kanawha and/or Ohio Rivers or driving some serious miles to get to big water. That said, what electronics are going to suit your needs vs. tickle your fancy. Is Simrad necessary or will Lowrance do? Both are owned by Navico, as is B&G. Just sayin'!

OH YEAH!!! Those engines aren't talking to anything without some sort of Merc Bridge inbetween. Thanks for nothing Merc.

If I were king or at least if I had a brain, I would figure a way to run all the data; GPS, engine, gennie, weather, etc.... through a PC and display all the information on monitors at the helm. I would think it would be cheaper to upgrade software and memory than electronic hardware. But what do I know or matter..... I'm just the customer.

 

[Boston-boater]

Most of the kit has been installed now except plotter. I added an IS35 multi function gauge because my raymarine tri data was not working. I am wating for pictures from installer which I will share.