Navionics System

[OBXTucker]

If anyone is looking to upgrade to a REALLY nice professional grade nav system for short money, take a look at this link.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/parts-f...-radar-chartplotter-system-sonar-capable.html

This is a SERIOUS system and can be had for a great price. I've had a couple of conversations with the seller and toyed with buying this and swapping out my current Navionics and Nobeltec systems. In the end, since my Navionics software and the one for sale are the same - it really didn't make a lot of sense. That said, the 6 indoor/outdoor monitors are worth what the entire package can be purchased for.....

Although I don't know the seller from Adam, he's communicated well and seems very genuine. If you're interested in knowing the cash price he was going to accept from me, please send me a PM. I know he wants them out of his house - especially that honking open array!

 

[jim rosenthal]

This is a screaming deal, if you ask me, but way too big for my boat. What kind of radar does Nobeltec use- looks like it might be a Sitex/Koden? They can't be making up their own radar antenna.

 

[Boatsb]

I have a customer with the searay version and it crashes a lot and by the way every time he starts his mains he needs to shut it down or it fries the computer.

He is definitely not a happy owner and will be changing it out although I do not think he will sell it for obvious reasons.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I have a customer with the searay version and it crashes a lot and by the way every time he starts his mains he needs to shut it down or it fries the computer.

He is definitely not a happy owner and will be changing it out although I do not think he will sell it for obvious reasons.

Has he tried starting with the parallel engaged? My Raymarine unit shuts down unless I do.

 

[OBXTucker]

Scott,
Is he not happy with the Navionics software or his computer/hardware?
My system has been pretty bulletproof.

This one I mentioned for sale above is a great deal as listed, but I'm pretty sure it can be had for about $4,500-5,000, which is a smoking deal.

The more I talk about this, this more I'm tempted to buy it.

Anyone have experience with running dual radars?

 

[ThirdHatt]

Those screens are very small by todays standards not to mention all the software is outdated. Nobeltec 8.1 is three generations old as they are on 11 now and 11 is MUCH better than versions 9 and older and uses completely different charts, so you casn't just upgrade software you must buy all new charts. Nobeltec 11 is alot like the highly regarded Furuno MaxSea now that they have the same parent company, and Nobeltec is now fully integratable with Furuno systems.

The real problem with those monitors is that nobody knows how many hours are on them and LCD monitors lose HALF their brightness after 50% of their rated life, so what was once daylight brightness is now pretty dim. This is why all new marine monitors are LED backlit, so they retsin their brightness with less heat and power draw. Small monitors like that are not terribly expensive like the larger sizes so I bet you could build a current technology, comparable system with only what you need for close to the same money and have up to date electronics and warranties and support. A new system would add value to the boat where a system like that is dated already, so why spend good money and go through the trouble to install it? Buying slightly used electronics a year or maybe two old is one thing and can save money and make sense, but that system is several generations old and not worth anywhere near the money or trouble IMHO.

 

[Boatsb]

Neither the hardware ( repaired 3 times in 5 years ) or the software is something he would trust. Considering the stability of windows and most computers I would strongly urge anyone who is cruising or fishing to get a real purpose built industry standard GPS and accessories.

 

[ThirdHatt]

I agree with Scott, a nice dedicated marine GPS (Garmin, Furuno, etc) is THE way to go for most of us boaters that run our own boats. When I designed a system from scratch for my 58YF I chose a complete Furuno system alongside a complete and independent Garmin system for redundancy. With that in mind, remember that most big boats rely on and swear by Nobeltec. If your boat already has Nobeltec, I highly recommend that you keep the software up to date, keep your PC updated and have a UPS backup power supply so that the computer does not skip a beat or even know when you go from shore power to generator or start the engines, etc. My boat came with a six-monitor Nobeltec system (three 19"s and three 17"s FB/PH) but it was the older generation 8.1. The system would freeze up from time to time which concerned me, so I added a touchscreen Garmin at the Nav Station as a redundant/backup system that I knew I could rely on.

I figured since the main system was already there and top of the line technology from a few years ago, I'd just bring the software up to date and see what happened. I upgraded to Nobeltec 11 and bought all new charts. I changed the mirror image hard drives out to the new flash drives (no moving parts), added the max amount of ram and did all software updates and replaced the batteries in the UPS power backup. The thing is absolutely bulletproof now! I have had ZERO hiccups since the updates.

I am glad that I added the Garmin system because I now have a completely independant system that is using a separate GPS antenna, depth sounder, XM weather antenna and power supply than what the main Nobeltec system is using.

 

[OBXTucker]

Points well taken.
Let's not forget though that nothing can take the place of current paper charts and an accurately adjusted compass...

 

[Boatsb]

Points well taken.
Let's not forget though that nothing can take the place of current paper charts and an accurately adjusted compass...

And a captain that regularly uses them.

No chart or compass will take the place of real experience. If you do not refer to the charts and compass regularly chances are they will not save you in an emergency.

 

[carolinacoast]

I agree, and like to bracket nav information with an exit strategy of... if the depth gets to xxx turn left or right to deeper water. dead reckoning is less stressful with plenty of water under the keel.