Garmin and networking?

[benw]

Just concluding purchase so dont exactly know how things are configured but.....
Installed already Garmin: 200i VHF, Garmin 5010 Plotter and Garmin HD Radar.
I want to install new autohelm and AIS. So should i stick with Garmin, there will be some benefits I am sure (someone please tell me) and how involved will the wiring be for networking or should I just replace with other manufacturer kit?

Ideally want to use this opportunity to install AIS transponder.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Just concluding purchase so dont exactly know how things are configured but.....
Installed already Garmin: 200i VHF, Garmin 5010 Plotter and Garmin HD Radar.
I want to install new autohelm and AIS. So should i stick with Garmin, there will be some benefits I am sure (someone please tell me) and how involved will the wiring be for networking or should I just replace with other manufacturer kit?

Ideally want to use this opportunity to install AIS transponder.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

I would def stick with Garmin. There will be some features of AIS that are supported by your plotter that will only work with Garmin. I know this as I have non Garmin AIS.

Do you connect your existing stuff with NMEA 2000 as well as the Garmin network?

 

[Sans Bateau]

I have a Comar AIS on a Garmin network via NMEA 0183, works fine. I have also just installed new Garmin GMI 10 instruments on NMEA 2000, could not have been easier. I will replace my autohelm, one day, with a Garmin control head.

 

[benw]

Thanks Galdriel.
Looking at autohelm options seems the wheel mounted systems are increasingly replaced by a drive unit hidden away out of the elements.
Considering laden displacement the boat will be pushing 7500kg which is at the upper operating end of most wheel pilots.
But are there any advantages of keeping within the same Garmin group for other benefits?
Would an Raymarine well proven in the market be a better option that Aa Garmin drive unit who are relatively new in this particular sector of the market.
If we are to fit new I would want something that will be over spec'd rather than under.

 

[David2452]

I have fitted numerous Garmin products including “full suite” installs, the quality IMHO is on a par with Raymarine in every respect and the value for money is hard to beat. Whilst the fact that you have the beginnings of an N2K network means that you can use almost any compatible AP quite easily, in my view it is often less stressful not to have a mix. My main reason for saying that is that bitter experience has taught me that if you do encounter issues then each manufacturer blames the other and it all goes round in circles, removing that possibility is a good thing if you can. Also though compatible on a functional level if mixed you often lose useful features that work only within one manufacturers kit.

 

[ghostlymoron]

If starting from scratch I would use a single provider as the protocol/menu systems will then be easier to get to grips with. However, most of us are retaining some existing equipment and theoretically all should talk to each other via NMEA.

 

[Oscarpop]

We have just had all of our boat fitted with garmin. It all integrates perfectly and easily.
The drive motor for the ap is a ray marine, so you can use any brand.