Garmin versus Furuno

[svaron]

Contemplating upgrading my navigation electronics and I am focused on either Furuno or Garmin. Specifically for chart plotter; Garmin GPSMAP 8015 versus Furuno TZT14 and for the Radar; Garmin GMR 606 versus Furuno DRS 12A (6' open array)

Would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions. I have a 1990 54ED so I will need 2 stations.

Thank you,

 

[Boatsb]

That like asking acura or lexus. 2 very good choices. Have you used either and gotten a feel for the user interface.

 

[rsmith]

Unless you just want to look Kool the radome units work almost as good as the open array with out the seal between the scanner and the housing to go bad and leak moisture. Unless your spotting birds on a SF IMHO it's overkill

 

[thoward]

I agree with the answers above. I went Garmin because Furuno had not released a CHIRP sounder at the time of my install. The Garmin autopilot is definitely a plus because it integrates into the MFD. I believe the wiring of the Furuno is a little more robust than Garmin but I would be happy using either brand. Radar is line of sight so it becomes impossible to pick up anything at water level beyond 10 miles(assuming 20' mounting height). I have a Garmin 12kw which picks up single birds at 6 miles but this is way overkill for the average recreational boater. A 4kw dome is more than enough unless you have specific needs.

 

[Texastailboard]

I am going through this also. I have always been furuno and now with the tz touch it's hard to decide. I do want a large display do I don't have to lean over an look closely when I have the screen divided up with multiple functions. Also with the garmin there is no knob, I wonder what I would do if the screen would malfunction and the touch concept fails. I talked to my electronics guy this morning and he is checking with airmar since the chirp transducer is the same part number for both. I have the boat out of the water now and need to get the transducer on while we can. He also told me that as long as you have the tz version and a furuno auto pilot it will be as intuitive as the garmin set up. When you are at the point it all needs replacing its tough the decision to make. Espically with the rebate at furuno at the moment.

 

[Texastailboard]

Well the electronics guy just called and it's confirmed from airmar it is the same transducer. I will be ordering that today and continue my decision making process. Look forward to see where this thread goes, sure would help make this decision.

 

[thoward]

I went with the 1kw transducer. My only issue is, beyond 1500 feet, you have to manually adjust the gain to get it to read. I do not know if the 5kw is any better at those depths. We do not deep drop beyond 1600' so the 1kw easily gets the job done.

I was not sure about the touch screen either so, I went with a 5212 and a 4210(almost the same cutout). I like the touch screen better. I use the 4210 for sonar and the 5212 for navigation.

If I were to install new electronics tomorrow; the choice would be Garmin or Furuno. I would base my decision on quality of local service and price.

 

[Texastailboard]

Well I pulled the trigger on the Garmin unit, I purchased a 7212 display with a 3kw transducer. It was a hard decision between the two brands. One deciding factor was the garmin has far superior sounder capabilities. I think think for what we use the chartplotter and radar the garmin unit will suit our needs. Also the price was really nice with the garmin units. Our representative had recently told us that weather is not supported at this time, but that could have been a salesman claim. Either way we are happy with the performance.

 

[Boatsb]

Not sure what the weather issue is. I haven't installed one this year but have not heard its not available.

 

[PeterK]

Sirius XM is available for your unit. I think it is a GXM 52. Go to Garmin's website.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Interesting that Garmin sounders are better. Furuno has been making commercial fishing gear for decades. I am surprised that Garmin has an edge on them, if they do.

 

[Cbm]

I did full garmin bought most of the units off eBay

4212 , 6212 , garmin sounder , garmin radar , xm weather , and garmin VHF radio .

For me all are linked together threw there garmin net work if i turn one on the all power up and they share all the data .

I did the install Cost me around 6k total retal would Been around 12 k . Saved some money buying used.

I love the system to only thing I should have done it touch screens but that would have been more $ wich was out of my budget

 

[thoward]

XM weather is supported by Garmin. It is a little slow though.