New Guy

[dfbordz]

We just became the proud guardians of a 2001 42' Grand Banks Europa...
Looking for some input on refitting the electronics package. We'll be aiming towards cruising the San Juans through the inside passage up through Desolation Sound and North to SE AK. Currently looking at the Furuno TZT2 12 & 15 and the DRS6A but would like some feedback on Garmin and how well they might play with Furuno's radar. Have had great experiences with Garmins aviation products so I thought that they should deserve a look. Trying to be open minded. This is a big investment and want to make sure we've done our homework.

 

[GregBrannon]

Welcome!

 

[N4712]

Marine electronics are not for the most part inter compatible for things like radar, sounder, weather and other things. I have a TZTBB with a DRS6A and it's a great setup. I like it a lot, much better definition then my older stand alone sim rad of equal specs.

 

[wyoboater]

Welcome to the Forum, and Congrats on your new stewardship!

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Welcome aboard.

 

[twistedtree]

Nice. Where are you based? We are right in Salmon Bay a dock down from the Grand Banks dealer's dock - at least for another couple of days....

Re electronics, all I can really offer is to avoid Simrad at all costs.

 

[dfbordz]

Currently living in North Jersey but the boat's in Bellingham, WA.

 

[Wayfarer]

Congrats, and welcome aboard! We're gonna need some pics of your vessel... for uh... science.

 

[stornoway7]

Congratulations on your boat,Europa's are one of my favourites.Happy days ahead for you.
Hard to go past the Furuno gear,We've been looking at the same combo as you.
We have an older 72 mile Furuno radar as well as a Furuno depthsounder,both have been totally reliable.Hope the new gear is as good.

 

[dfbordz]

That's the setup we've been considering with the 14" Display at the main helm and the TZT9 at the FB, but with the new TZT2 coming out, have been wondering if we should head in that direction... Also is it worth upgrading AIS from the FA30 Reciever to the FA50 Transponder?

 

[No Mast]

If you're asking, if you should include AIS in your upgrade. I would say yes, with out a doubt.

Edit:
ok. so I paid attention the second time reading. What's the cost difference to go from receive only to transmit? I would lean towards doing it.

 

[dfbordz]

Between $400-$500... Would seem like a prudent investment cruising the inside passage. Just looking for other opinions.

 

[N4712]

Between $400-$500... Would seem like a prudent investment cruising the inside passage. Just looking for other opinions.

If you go with a non- furuno AIS they run about 800 vs 1200. TZT's can receive AIS pgn's over N2k where NN3D can't.

 

[N4712]

Also to add I would go with one TZT2 on the network so you have the future expandability to add a transducer without needing a separate transducer box. If you go this route you'll need a Ethernet switch since the TZT2's don't have 3 Ethernet ports like the TZTBB and TZT14.

 

[ranger58sb]

TZT's can receive AIS pgn's over N2k where NN3D can't.

Huh? I have NN3D and FA-50, and I see AIS targets on the plotter. Perhaps I don't understand your comment?

Also is it worth upgrading AIS from the FA30 Reciever to the FA50 Transponder?

I've been pleased to have the transponder. In contacts with local ship and tug traffic, it has seemed reassuring they can say they see me on their display, know where I am, understand my comments about course...



-Chris

 

[N4712]

Huh? I have NN3D and FA-50, and I see AIS targets on the plotter. Perhaps I don't understand your comment?







I've been pleased to have the transponder. In contacts with local ship and tug traffic, it has seemed reassuring they can say they see me on their display, know where I am, understand my comments about course...



-Chris

That's because it's either connected by Furuno's main network protocol which is a Ethernet cable or 0183.

 

[ranger58sb]

That's because it's either connected by Furuno's main network protocol which is a Ethernet cable or 0183.

Ah, OK, got your meaning now. Didn't realize your emphasis on the NMEA2000 vs Ethernet or 0183.


Although FWIW I haven't found the distinction to indicate any deficiency on our system. Got AIS targets on the plotter; I haven't had to care too much about how the get there.

-Chris

 

[ljk]

I have all Garmin on my 24 ft Mako offshore boat, and I love the brand, including the new autopilot.

I just bought an additional boat, a 34 ft Mainship Pilot. The previous owner installed a new Raymarine C series GPS/Chartplotter right before I bought the boat. To me, the Raymarine is cumbersome and difficult to understand and operate compared to the Garmin.

 

[Gbonas]

Congrats on new boat. Was it victoria at NW Exploration? We were next to her for many months. We acquired Stormy a year ago and have been studying electronics for a year. We have been using Navionics on the ipad this past year and have been thrilled with it while cruising the San Juan's and Gulf Islands. We have a very old plotter we have as back up. We have been to numerous seminars and the Grand Banks rendevous and many users are using Coastal Explorer along with a plotter. I would strongly recommend ais . You will love having the boat up north. We live in S. Calif and are frustrated with lack of easy access to Stormy but have a hard time trading the beauty of the PNW. Enjoy!

 

[dfbordz]

After doing some research, we're starting to look pretty hard at Garmin. Anyone offer any thoughts, positive or negative on their experiences, particularly on the 76xx vs. the 8000 series?

 

[Pura Vida]

Great boat, welcome.