What GPS/Chartplotter/Radar would you recommend for a T275

[ksgoldman]

A few weeks back I ordered a 2010 Tournament 275 with twin 150's (to replace my '06 Seaswirl Striper 2101DC). Needless to say I'm very excited about upgrading to a Grady White and the Tournament 275 seems like the perfect boat for me (I don't fish, mainly do day cruises, and go out by myself a lot making the dual console ideal for picking up my mooring or getting into a dock single handed).

I know that I want to add a GPS/Chartplotter/Radar and am divided between Garmin and Raymarine. I presently have a Garmin 545S (with the G2 Vision Card) which is a great unit (except for the small display coupled with my eyesight at age 50). I'd like something with a 10" or 12" display and have been told to stay away from the Garmin touchscreen displays.

I really have been very happy with Garmin in terms of ease of use and customer support (I probably have bought 6 Garmin GPS units for cars in addition to my 545S and Garmin has outstanding customer service).

Having just written a big check for the T275 I'd like to strike a balance between price and performance on the GPS/Chartplotter/Radar setup (in addition to the fact that I'm having a Radar Arch fabricated because I don't like a hard top). That said, I'd only like to buy the electronics once for the next few years so I'd like to make the right choice.

I would appreciate any suggestions other GW owners can make.

Thanks,

Ken Goldman

 

[choogenboom]

having just dealt with a lightning strike on my boat I have had to work with Garmin's repair service for my 3010C chartplotter and GPS17 gps receiver. I have to say that after that experience I will buy garmin whenever I can. They have a fixed price repair policy for units that are out of warranty and they will repair or replace at that fixed price. So I got a new/refurbished 3010C for $350 and a new/refurbished GPS17 for $69. Turnaround time was very quick as well. Make sure that whatever you do get has NMEA2000 interface - pretty sure its hard to find chartplotter without these days. Once you have a NMEA 2000 compatible display you can literally interface and display just about every sensor on the boat to it. Fuel level, fuel flow, all engine sensors (ie tach, temp, oil pressure, oil temp etc etc) can all be displayed. I would also delete the factory guages as these days they are effectively poor and expensive NMEA 2000 displays. Finally, I like the prices and service and phone support I get from BOE marine - talk to
Jim Maier
www.BOEmarine.com
443-458-4258 x104
He'll steer you to the latest and greatest/ most popular units.

 

[wahoo33417]

Ken: Welcome to the forum. I too am partial to Garmin for their good service and ease of use. I currently have the 4208. I see that BOE is running a great sale on the 3010. I looked at the Raymarine when buying and recall that their unit could not overlay weather onto the navigation chart. That made the decision easy for me. They may have since changed that.

Rob

 

[striped bass]

I second choogenboom and wahoo's Garmin recommendations. Ease of use is what sold me.

Congrats on the 275! What dealer did you buy it from?

Post soem pics.

 

[choogenboom]

the 3010C, which I have two of and like, is an older model and does NOT support NMEA2000.

 

[Parthery]

BOEMarine has a one day special...just received an email...the 3210 bundle - everything but the 'ducer - for $1479. This is new - not refurbed equipment.

The email from BOE was adamant that orders had to be placed today....

 

[ksgoldman]

Bought the T275 from Cataumet Boats in Cataumet MA (although I'm actually dealing with their Barrington RI location). They are fantastic - I can't say enough great things about them. Buying a GW is really a terrific experience. I had a few questions and e-mailed the factory. They have been extremely responsive (even before I placed the order). I'm really looking forward to owning this boat.

What a great forum. I hope to be a contributor for many years to come.