Upgrading Garmin recomendations

[Alaska Gray]

Ok, looking to up grade my 198C to something more advance...
Any recomendations? I would like and all in one unit. i will keep my 198C and use both..
Size of screen 12-15 inch.

Also braking down and going with Howling Storm and getting a back cover for the boat.

 

[SkinnyRaven]

I bought the 740s with radar from West Marine last year, have yet to install the radar and have a 1kw transducer to install as soon as it warms up a tad. There was a recent software update to allow radar overlay on the chart screen. So far has performed as advertised, am anxious to see how it performs with the transducer upgrade. Also plan to install a NMEA 2000 network to interface engine data and fuel level. Should be an all in one unit when complete. Larger screen than the 540s that I replaced but not the 12-15" you're looking for. You will be in the 6000-7000 series for that size screen, no s in the model number means you will also need a sounder module.

 

[akdeweyj]

Ok, looking to up grade my 198C to something more advance...
Any recomendations? I would like and all in one unit. i will keep my 198C and use both..
Size of screen 12-15 inch.

Also braking down and going with Howling Storm and getting a back cover for the boat.

Gary

I upgraded to the Garmin 4208 two years ago, lived thru the card recall & I just got my 18HD radome last week. The 4210 & 4212 are great units if you have the helm space - I didn't think I could get the 4210 to clear the windshield on my on my old SeaRunner. I still have my old 188 that I use for depth while running & as a backup with its own transducer & antenna. The GPS store on Old Seward has been real close to internet pricing by the time you add freight into the equation - if you want to look at the units, they have a couple on display or you can go to West Marine & look at the Garmin side by side with Raymarine.

 

[jrogers]

I have a 4212 and love it. Since Garmin is on to bigger and better things such as the 6000 and 7000's these units are getting cheaper. I understand that the new units have faster refreshes, but the display quality and the functionality is excellent on the 4000 series, especially if you add the G2 vision card.

 

[bcriverhunter]

Gary

I upgraded to the Garmin 4208 two years ago, lived thru the card recall & I just got my 18HD radome last week. The 4210 & 4212 are great units if you have the helm space - I didn't think I could get the 4210 to clear the windshield on my on my old SeaRunner. I still have my old 188 that I use for depth while running & as a backup with its own transducer & antenna. The GPS store on Old Seward has been real close to internet pricing by the time you add freight into the equation - if you want to look at the units, they have a couple on display or you can go to West Marine & look at the Garmin side by side with Raymarine.

i'll second the 4208's..here you can see two, side by side networked...cant really give you a report on them, only have a few hours expereince usiing them....have to wait 5 more weeks:lol:.....larry

 

[pilebuck]

Check out the NavNet VX2 products from Furuno, very good stuff.

 

[Alaska Gray]

So many to pick from !!!! I feel like a kid in the candy store..

 

[POLE BENDER]

So many to pick from !!!! I feel like a kid in the candy store..

only issue, candy isnt CHEAP any more!!

 

[kaisersosei]

I would go with either the 4000 or 5000 series as there are limitations to the 740 series and by the time you add the cool modules available for the network, you will be into the money and not have the larger display. You would end up pay the same for installation anyways regardless of which unit was bought. Once you add the engine monitor and fuel use monitor and other display gauges, the 10 inch is probably the minimum to be useful. The 5000 series is probably the best value for what you get in my opinion. We have installed and program many units and I like the 5000 series since it is so easy to use in real life. (no buttons)

 

[SkinnyRaven]

Now you're only limitations is you're wallet, but that would be one heck of an up-grade from the 198c. But if you got an extra 7 grand burning a hole in your pocket, then i would say go for it.