Sailing Instruments - How to Select

[sailordog]

The masthead sensor to an older B&G Hercules 1000 system has bit the dust and the temperature sensor part of the depth sonder has also. I'm looking into replacing the system, upgrading to all NMEA2000 compliant instruments. I already have a Garmin GPSMAP-546s and VHF-200. The Garmin GMI-10 and GWS-10 is one option, and the B&G Triton system is another.

Any thoughts on Garmin, vs. B&G, vs. Raymarine? I'm not sure how to compare, other than price.

Thanks.
sailordog in the Chesapeake

 

[Rick D]

If I were to do it again, I'd go with Furuno. I replaced my Autohelm ST50's with Raymarine ST60+. My excuse at the time was I could use the old sending units. I replaced all the sending units later anyway. I'd stay away from anything but NEMA 2000 instruments IMHO. http://www.furunousa.com/products/productdetail.aspx?product=FI50DSW&category=Products+:+Instruments

 

[Bill Roosa]

This is a long term question. If you are planning on adding stuff in the future then sticking with one manufacturer is recommended. Alternately you can buy only NMEA 2000 capable equipment. Unfortunately most manufacturers who do support the NMEA 2000 do so by providing only the basic sentences. They really want you to enjoy the full benefits of a fully integrated system by buying their products and using their proprietary comms formats.

 

[sailordog]

Thanks for the posts. I'm a bit suspicious of the Garmin masthead unit. Looks flimsy compared to others.