Simrad/B&G UK stock levels

[AngusMcDoon]

But they don't seem to have been affected by any shortages. I can get pretty much any VHF off of the shelf, same as AIS, not had any issues at all with the Emtrak AIS i fit. Only exception is Simrad/B&G VHF sets, no UK stock an been on back order for months with to expected delivery date.

Firstly, VHF radios have very much less processing power in them than for example a MFD or autopilot, so are likely to be less affected as they have fewer complex components, but they will all have at least one microcontroller in them. And secondly, it's the brand of chips used by a manufacturer that's governing what's going on. Not all chip manufacturers are affected the same. Small market electronic device manufacturers (like marine) will tend to use a single processor supplier across all their products. It makes software development cheaper and easier. And if, for example, NXP say to their small customers 'sorry, nothing for you until we've got General Motors production lines back running, because they buy 100 million processors a year from us and their lawyers have big pointy teeth', then the small customers are a bit stuffed.

 

[lustyd]

For instance, the entire wholesale stock of B&G MFDs consists of 3 x Zues 12" models and 4 x Vulcan 12Rs. 0 VHFs, 0 Radomes. Those stock levels have not changed for weeks, except i think they might have sold one MFD.

The stock levels don't change because the stock goes straight out to fulfil orders. That's the nature of a backlog and the reason OP needs to get an order in. Suggesting a mix and match on a new install is ridiculous given OP has chosen a system and already has everything up to and including the pilot controller installed.

Perhaps you're having issues because you're a one man band with less purchasing power than the Force 4's and Superstores of the world, or maybe they just don't like your attitude

 

[dunedin]

Having refitted my Beneteau Oceanis 440 through last winter I am looking to add an autopilot. I installed B&G plotter with masthead wind unit, triton 2 screens and now looking to purchase a NAC 3 autopilot core pack to complete the autopilot install. However, many retailers show this as in stock, but when contacting them no one seems to actually stock it and can offer no dates for having it. This is really frustrating and makes me wish I had opted for another manufacturer like Garmin or Raymarine who dont seem to suffer this stock shortage issue.

I have even looked at buying from abroad but the addition of vat and duty payable makes this financially prohibitive. I have seen some used individual components on ebay in the USA but the thought of buying used electronic items for boats from the other side of the globe scares me.

On an item of that value I would have thought it should be quite viable to buy from somewhere like Germany, if they have it in stock.
You won’t need to pay VAT twice, only UK VAT. Not sure that there is any other duty payable, but somebody else will be along to clarify.

I would import a matching B&G pilot rather than buy a different make in the UK

 

[lustyd]

On an item of that value I would have thought it should be quite viable to buy from somewhere like Germany, if they have it in stock.
You won’t need to pay VAT twice, only UK VAT. Not sure that there is any other duty payable, but somebody else will be along to clarify.

I would import a matching B&G pilot rather than buy a different make in the UK

While I agree, Navico hold stock at the European level anyway so in theory stock levels won’t be better elsewhere unless some retailer has managed to hold onto some.

 

[lustyd]

Also, I assume OP is aware there is no B&G NAC3 all the brands use a single Navico SKU

 

[jwfrary]

Navico recalled all their stock to allocate it to the oem's I'm waiting for several things radars and vhfs there is no stock anywhere.

Paitence is the name of the game now.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The stock levels don't change because the stock goes straight out to fulfil orders. That's the nature of a backlog and the reason OP needs to get an order in. Suggesting a mix and match on a new install is ridiculous given OP has chosen a system and already has everything up to and including the pilot controller installed.

Perhaps you're having issues because you're a one man band with less purchasing power than the Force 4's and Superstores of the world, or maybe they just don't like your attitude

You just spout ill-informed nonsense. You have not got the faintest idea of how the supply chain works and who buys from where. Someone in post #4 is still waiting for an Axiom 12+, from one of the big sellers, i have one sitting here waiting for me to fit it. I also have, amongst other things, a complete new autopilot.

There's nothing wrong with my attitude and for your information i get the same deals as the likes of Force 4, i can compete on price with any of the "big" online sellers, most of whom carry a tiny stock and buy in as they sell, which is why they all got caught out when it hit the fan.

Best you stick with what you know, whatever that might be (certainly isn't marine electronics).

 

[PaulRainbow]

Navico recalled all their stock to allocate it to the oem's I'm waiting for several things radars and vhfs there is no stock anywhere.

Paitence is the name of the game now.

Pretty much inline with what Angus said above. They aren't going to risk losing OEM custom, which they'd never get back, just to supply a few retail customers.

 

[lustyd]

You just spout ill-informed nonsense. You have not got the faintest idea of how the supply chain works and who buys from where. Someone in post #4 is still waiting for an Axiom 12+, from one of the big sellers, i have one sitting here waiting for me to fit it. I also have, amongst other things, a complete new autopilot.

There's nothing wrong with my attitude and for your information i get the same deals as the likes of Force 4, i can compete on price with any of the "big" online sellers, most of whom carry a tiny stock and buy in as they sell, which is why they all got caught out when it hit the fan.

Best you stick with what you know, whatever that might be (certainly isn't marine electronics).

I think it's nap time. You're on a thread suggesting someone installs completely different kit than they want based on your own ideas and preferences and some made up BS about Navico. If they listen to you they will get a less functional solution that potentially is harder to support and upgrade. The OP should get on and place an order, just like I did on lots of occasions this year including very recently. They will then receive their kit in plenty of time to install ready for the next season and will enjoy fully functional solutions designed to work together.
I'm not surprised you have difficulty dealing with Navico, given how you talk to people. For me, the experience was fine, if a little slower than I wanted, and they kept me updated throughout with accurate timelines. The slowest one was my Radome and that was still only about 2 months.

 

[jwfrary]

I think it's nap time. You're on a thread suggesting someone installs completely different kit than they want based on your own ideas and preferences and some made up BS about Navico. If they listen to you they will get a less functional solution that potentially is harder to support and upgrade. The OP should get on and place an order, just like I did on lots of occasions this year including very recently. They will then receive their kit in plenty of time to install ready for the next season and will enjoy fully functional solutions designed to work together.
I'm not surprised you have difficulty dealing with Navico, given how you talk to people. For me, the experience was fine, if a little slower than I wanted, and they kept me updated throughout with accurate timelines. The slowest one was my Radome and that was still only about 2 months.

As a large commercial customer, last week navico couldn't give me a timeline for a vhf, maybe December for the radar. In the last month it's gone from long lead times to no lead times Paul is giving a realistic piture at the moment for everyone.

OP has two choices, fit what hey can get hold of now, or wait patiently probably well into next year.

On the subject of compatibility autopilots are just about the most universally compatible bit of equipment out there. The only thing that wont work is the steer from the plotter screen, not a deal breaker and I turn it off anyway personally.

Hit NAV the thing will pick up the active nav source and your away.

 

[lustyd]

maybe December for the radar

We're nearly in December, this is exactly what I said. Again, OP should just place an order and get in the queue.

 

[lustyd]

The only thing that wont work is the steer from the plotter screen

The Triton 2 pilot controller already bought and installed will work? Firmware updates? Or they could just get the kit they wanted, with a little lead time. It's November, I'm guessing it's not urgent.

 

[jwfrary]

The Triton 2 pilot controller already bought and installed will work? Firmware updates? Or they could just get the kit they wanted, with a little lead time. It's November, I'm guessing it's not urgent.

Yes the Triton controller will have to go by the wayside.

People go sailing in the winter too you know.

Other options for the core pack could be the AC70 course computer much the same as the NAC3

 

[PaulRainbow]

I think it's nap time. You're on a thread suggesting someone installs completely different kit than they want based on your own ideas and preferences and some made up BS about Navico.

Nothing to do with my preferences, if the OP wants an AP anytime soon, he won't want to be ordering Navico. If he wants to wait an indefinite period, that's up to him.

If they listen to you they will get a less functional solution that potentially is harder to support and upgrade.

Yeah of course, they need to press an extra button and don't get the software updates, which happen rarely.

The OP should get on and place an order, just like I did on lots of occasions this year including very recently. They will then receive their kit in plenty of time to install ready for the next season and will enjoy fully functional solutions designed to work together.

As you have not got the faintest idea of when any Navico kit will be available you are, once again, talking nonsense.

I'm not surprised you have difficulty dealing with Navico, given how you talk to people. For me, the experience was fine, if a little slower than I wanted, and they kept me updated throughout with accurate timelines. The slowest one was my Radome and that was still only about 2 months.

This clearly shows your lack of understanding about the supply chain. I don't deal with Navico, neither does anyone else, apart from their sole UK distributors. I get on absolutely fine with all of the distributors, they don't talk a load of old rubbish, unlike some.

Like i said, best stick to what to know, although we've yet to discover what that might be.

 

[lustyd]

You’re putting significant effort into convincing a stranger to buy a solution they don’t want and that won’t be as good as the one they do want. You should ask yourself why that is. Lots of people have ordered and received this kit this year including myself, so I have some idea of delivery times. You have an extremely clear bias in this which you show in every possible thread. That’s fine, I like Garmin too. Going out of your way to insult people and talk others out of a solution they’ve already invested in though is a pretty poor show and I’m going to put it down to you having a bad week as you’re usually a decent guy, but seriously you should step away from this thread as you’re not looking good here.

 

[jwfrary]

You’re putting significant effort into convincing a stranger to buy a solution they don’t want and that won’t be as good as the one they do want. You should ask yourself why that is. Lots of people have ordered and received this kit this year including myself, so I have some idea of delivery times. You have an extremely clear bias in this which you show in every possible thread. That’s fine, I like Garmin too. Going out of your way to insult people and talk others out of a solution they’ve already invested in though is a pretty poor show and I’m going to put it down to you having a bad week as you’re usually a decent guy, but seriously you should step away from this thread as you’re not looking good here.

Dude I dont think your taking onboard what's being said.

There isn't any navico stock to be had by anyone, oems sunseeker etc and more are taking everything that's availible. Princess are buying up all the garmin and raymarine they can get there hands on. As of the start of November it navico took the dealerships away, now theres barrus in the uk that's it, (and aquafax for b&g) neither can give any delivery dates currently.

In the last month it's gone from 4 weeks or so to, no idea mate.

You were lucky to get the parts you got.

If the op wants the integration then go for the wait for it option.

If you can deal without and I suggest that it's not a deal breaker and time scales important for you then do that.

Honestly firmware isn't often updated for autopilots all that often, unless you have navico gear in which case there loads, like the one where it stops working after 30 days....

 

[lustyd]

I am, and I know what’s being said is not helpful. You guys crack on trying to sell whatever, I’m sure OP got what he needed ages ago

 

[PaulRainbow]

You’re putting significant effort into convincing a stranger to buy a solution they don’t want and that won’t be as good as the one they do want. You should ask yourself why that is. Lots of people have ordered and received this kit this year including myself, so I have some idea of delivery times. You have an extremely clear bias in this which you show in every possible thread. That’s fine, I like Garmin too. Going out of your way to insult people and talk others out of a solution they’ve already invested in though is a pretty poor show and I’m going to put it down to you having a bad week as you’re usually a decent guy, but seriously you should step away from this thread as you’re not looking good here.

I'm not putting any effort into convincing anyone to do anything. In post #2 i suggested the OP fit a Garmin AP, in post #5 he said he as "Seriously considering this " and asked me what the downsides were. I told him exactly what they were. You then jump in at post #8 claiming there is no real shortage and continue throughout the rest of the thread arguing that the shortages i, and other, have described basically don't exist.

I won't be stepping away from this thread just because you say so. I will continue to post information that i know to be correct. There is currently no Navico stock in the UK, save for a few "odds and ends".

 

[PaulRainbow]

I am, and I know what’s being said is not helpful. You guys crack on trying to sell whatever, I’m sure OP got what he needed ages ago

Accurate information is always helpful, infinitely more helpful than inaccurate information.

Ah, the old "you're trying to sell something" line. Even if i was trying to sell something, it wouldn't change the fact there is no Navico stock, insults from you won't change that.

 

[lustyd]

There is currently no Navico stock in the UK, save for a few "odds and ends".

There’s no spare stock, no. As I said the stock goes directly to the people with orders in like myself because there’s a backlog. If you wait for stock you may well never receive a unit, but once ordered it will arrive if a little slower than we’d all like. If this was some old MAB where OP was adding to existing electronics what you’re saying might be reasonable. It’s a full refresh though so crazy to lose functionality for the sake of a few extra weeks wait. It’s also a 44 footer so very likely at some point to have an MFD at the chart table where it would be nice to have full control from. I only have a 36 but am glad of the extra position. I also love that firmware updates automatically because the MFD has WiFi. OP can make their own choices, I just wanted to make sure they’re not led astray by biased people with clear agendas.