Recommended Multifunction displays

[pvb]

No, unfortunately Garmin plotters can only take Garmin charts. Raymarine use Navionics.

That's confused me. You claimed Garmin plotters have awful charts, then justified your claim with a Navionics gripe. All electronic charts have mistakes and anomalies, but the information and convenience they provide is unmatched.

 

[Storyline]

Well apart from the strange colours used, and the even stranger choice of names of shore features, someone transferring info from whatever information they have chosen has been very careless. There are areas on the GB Navionics chart where there are several "+" marks, iindicating a sounding of less than 2 metres, in clear deep water. On investigation, it turns out that in these precise positions, BA charts show "R", denoting a rocky seabed. Need I go on?

Maybe I am unusual but I prefer the Garmin chart look. There are several ways to alter the appearance and I have mine set to mimic normal admiralty colours. The list of names for marks and their respective icons are very poor though - things like Levee & picnic area are typical !

As regards my new instrument head I am no closer. The B&G Triton looks good and there is nothing like a personal endorsement from someone who has seen that and the Garmin display but I do not like the wind screen on the Triton as it is too busy. I just want apparent wind and it would be nice to have a one button press between a 360° view and close hauled/running.
The logical thing would be to go to the boat show and see them all. The alternative is to see them in a dealer.

Does anyone know of any retailers (preferably in N. England) that might have displays from the major manufacturers on display ?

 

[Monique]

I like Garmin and Navionics charts; however for RTW coverage with Navionics, the cost will be + - GBP 1000.

Garmin?? not really sure but I think it will be far more expensive.

This is the thinking behind my choice of Ray electronics... boxes also much cheaper than Garmin

 

[biscuit]

I replaced old Stowe speed and depth with 2 Echopilot Bronze Trio Displays (and added a Tacktick wind indicator)
I guess they are in the "budget" range, but are certainly multifunctional, with GPS repeater, compass, speed and depth history etc nicely displayed, though the screens could be brighter, and the handbook clearer.
The really big advantage is that you can calibrate the displays to your existing transducers.
No problems (yet) 3+ years after fitting.

 

[NormanS]

Whoops, apologies all round. I see that I made a mistake in my post #15(?). I referred to Navionics when I meant Garmin.
So what I meant to say was that on the Garmin chart, there are areas where someone transferring info from BA or whatever, has carelessly taken the letter "R" to denote a submerged rock, i.e. a sounding of less than 2m. The result is that the Garmin chart shows "+" in clear deep water. I am not prepared to accept such shoddy work.

 

[pvb]

I just want apparent wind and it would be nice to have a one button press between a 360° view and close hauled/running.
The logical thing would be to go to the boat show and see them all.

That's easy to set up on the Garmin display.

 

[Storyline]

That's easy to set up on the Garmin display.

That does sound good - I just don't know which way to turn