For electronics, I'd go with the major players. Standard Horizon for VHF,
Garmin for GPS, Furuno for Radar and whoever for FF. I don't like the all in
one package deal cause if you lose one, you may lose all. In a thick fog
with no radar or gps and things could get hairy.
Gordon

"bo jangles" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 17 Apr 2005 10:44:04 -0400, "Harry.Krause"
wrote:

bo jangles wrote:
Thanks y'all for your insight and direction. With your info and the
info I picked up on sites you directed me to I was able to make a
reasonably informed decision. After making some loooong trips and
some failed negotiations (Seaswirl) I actually located a dealer about
an hour from my home that carried Key West and happened to have a 2004
leftover he was motivated to move out the door. Not in the driveway
yet but will be if I can locate a long haul trailer I like and my
motor comes in.

She's a KW 225CC with a Merc 225 4s (Yamaha) with a free motor
extended wty. Now, if anyone would like to suggest electronics, I
would be glad to listen. It was suggested that I get a Raymarine C80
w/DSM300 and P66 ducer. Any opinions?

Thanks again for your help.


Nice boat; you'll enjoy.

As to electronics, I'd first find myself a big West Marine or Boat/US or
similar store, and plan on spending the day there, messing around with
the various electronics that interest you. Raymarine stuff is fine, but
there are plenty of good brands out there. What matters is user
friendliness, ability to see the screens in various sunlight conditions,
warranty, et cetera.

I don't know where you boat. Your first electronics purchase should be a
first class VHF radio and a first class antenna. I prefer separate
fishfinders and nav units, but others like the combo units, which I
believe the Ray is.

Is the dealer going to install your electronics?


Yep - part of the deal is to install the electronics at no additional
charge. I have a few weeks to decide what and where. And, I live in
a landlocked portion of PA so no West Marine, etc.