Garmin Chartplotters

[jimmcgee]

I'm looking for feedback from folks who have Garmin 4200 series chartplotters and 4k radar.

I'm thinking of adding the 4208 to my boat this winter. Based on conversations with the Garmin and Raymarine folks at Annapolis this year it seems like you're getting more bang for you buck with the Garmin.

I know there were some weather seal issues with older Garmins, but they claim those problems were fixed with the new units. So how about it? Do you guys like your Garmins? Would you recommend them? Any quirks on installation?

Thanks in advance,
Jim McGee
94 C22 Island Time
95 C30 Goin' Coastal
Maple Shade, NJ

 

[Maine Sail]

I don't

I don't have the 4000 series but do have a 3000 series (preferred that menu system to the new one) with a GMR 18HD dome.

The plotter is fantastic and the HD radar is simply amazing. I've used a lot of small radars in my day, and some very large ones too, and have never had one that gave a clearer delineation of a target than the GMR 18HD does.

I will warn you that unless things have changed the instructions for the GMR 18HD and the radar screens on the plotter are literally non-existent! I'm not kidding there were NONE avaialble last time I checked. If you already understand radar this is no big deal but it is my one gripe..

I switched from a complete Raymarine C-80 system with 2KW dome to the Garmin and could not be happier..

 

[Tim R.]

I will concur with MS. I have a 3206 and the manual for that is more of a quick reference. You can download a later manual that includes a few pages on radar operation but it is very limited. Other than that it is a great unit. I would recommend to anyone getting a radar unit to buy a book to learn how radar works. The few lines in the manual is not enough. Also, use it in clear weather as much as you can so when it comes time to use it in nasty weather/night you will know what you are looking at.

I had one of the original 3206s with the seal issue. They replaced it under warranty at the end of the season. The next season I had the same problem. They replaced out of warranty(end of season) because they found that the majority of the units had this issue. I have not heard of any of the newer units having this issue.

Tartan/C&C could learn something about customer service and accountability from them.

 

[sailingdog]

Tim-

A lot of companies could learn something about accountability, customer service, and standing behind your product from Garmin.