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Have to give a tip-of-the-hat to Garmin. Was recently on a delivery of a new 63' with all Garmin components and it was impressive. It wasnt' the 8212, but I think the 8212 is just the 'glass screen' version of Garmin's other models, the 'guts' of the system are the same.
Ended up running at night in the 63' to make St. Augustine first day of the delivery and the radar was quite impressive; picked out markers, anchored blowbotes, etc, with ease. Instead of a splotch showing that there may be a group of boats anchored, it picked off each and every mast.
Have heard good things about Simrad, but have very little hands on with there new stuff.
Another thought, given what you do, is Garmin's VIRB camera integration. I imagine that it could be valuable to video towing and rescue incidents, and Garmin makes that really easy. On the other hand, Garmin is the only one without paper-chart-like raster charts, if that's important to your team.
I know, it's a tough discussion. Any thoughts?"
So Garmin. has options. B&G has options. Both are OK.
I have had Raymarine, but am now partial to Garmin for ease of use. But Simrad seems to be making such great inroads in the marine industry lately. Garmin appears to be somewhat more expensive than the other brands.
The 5/5 Furuno guys choose Furuno videos on BD dont count either. It looks nice. Really nice. here
Simrad is on third rev of EVO series. The first Rev is still great on my boat with 4G and 175 Airmar transducer.
I'm tired of my state-of-the-art vintage 2000 furuno. It still works it's just a small screen and paints slowly.
Narrowed it down to the 16 inch Raymarine Axiom Pro or the Simrad NSS Evo3. more
I know a few folks on here have the Simrads anyone running Raymarine? Thoughts, reviews, input? here
"The Old Days"
Ray Jefferson
Apelco
Both with the stlyist kinda thing that burnt the paper on the scroll
That being said, I would buy a boat with Yamaha (Of course) and would prefer a boat with Garmin. here
Personally I am used to Garmin and the new 86xx series is AWESOME.
Lately, last 5-7 years, Garmin has REALLY stepped up their game, certainly in the MFD market, and is working on the bottom and radar market, still have a ways to go in VHF, IMO.
Simrad, it seems is "dumbing" itself down to the "small pleasure" boat market.
Furuno is staying at the "mid size and commercial" market.
Garmin was for "small pleasure boats". Simrad was for "ships and commercial". [links]
Lately, last 5-7 years, Garmin has REALLY stepped up their game, certainly in the MFD market, and is working on the bottom and radar market, still have a ways to go in VHF, IMO.
Simrad, it seems is "dumbing" itself down to the "small pleasure" boat market.
Furuno is staying at the "mid size and commercial" market. [links]