Some quick basic help needed

[1978SeaRider]

I'm about to get a 7.3M RIB built and i need some electronic kit for it... the only problem is i'm new to it all and need some basic advice...

I will be using the RIB for diving, fishing and messing around... i will need:

- to locate wrecks etc using GPS co-ordinates (needs to be pretty accurate)
- a bottom demographic display to locate wrecks / reefs etc
- to be able to navigate from anglesey to dublin / isle of man etc on occasion

i am going for Garmen due to good feedback i think... i don;t mind paying the right money... but i want something that will work.. without being too advanced for the job in hand... and i know not to touch Navman thanks to this site !

can anyone recomend some decent kit...

[nik]

I have no idea how well it works, but there is wreckfinder from echopilot.

http://www.echopilot.com/products/si...ck_finder.aspx

As for plotters, I woulg go with garmin.

Nick

[codprawn]

I know I am a little biased but my Raymarine is an excellent bit of kit. Not cheap but then the best seldom are. Your requirements for sonar are a little higher than most people's - the GSM 300 for the Raymarine is an excellent fishfinder but you need more than that for wrecks.

http://www.echopilot.com/

The echopilot forward scan connects up to the new Raymarine E series.

If you want to go further for wreck spotting etc you need sidescan sonar using a tow fish. Not cheap but there are DIY types around - may have a fiddle myself if I get time!!!

http://www.echopilot.com/

[GED]

Originally Posted by 1978SeaRider

I'm about to get a 7.3M RIB built and i need some electronic kit for it... the only problem is i'm new to it all and need some basic advice...

I will be using the RIB for diving, fishing and messing around... i will need:

- to locate wrecks etc using GPS co-ordinates (needs to be pretty accurate)
- a bottom demographic display to locate wrecks / reefs etc
- to be able to navigate from anglesey to dublin / isle of man etc on occasion

i am going for Garmen due to good feedback i think... i don;t mind paying the right money... but i want something that will work.. without being too advanced for the job in hand... and i know not to touch Navman thanks to this site !

can anyone recomend some decent kit...

im using garmin 3010 c. not only finding the wrecks but looking at them on my video drop camera which is connected to the garmin.. get in touch if you want a demo....

[codprawn]

The Raymarine E series also has video inputs - a great feature!!!

[Stoo]

I use the Lowrance LCX-25C... Combo GPS/plotter/sounder, with radar antenna inputs etc. I use it for the same uses as you and it's a fine unit.

http://www.lowrance.com/Marine/Products/LCX-25C.asp

I have no idea about service/sales over there however...

[graphicsguy]

Hi searider,

You have a pm.

Regards,

Tony

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by 1978SeaRider

can anyone recomend some decent kit...

Just one name for the echo sounder, Lowrance.

Reason? The better lowrances are very high powered therefore give good definition of the bottom and with practise you tell the difference types of bottom conditions and identify wreckage. Having seen the difference when we had several ribs over the top of a wreck the lowrance was the clear winner and some of cheaper ones couldn't even pick up the wreck when diven right over the top.

Hopefully you have the console space to have a separate GPS and echo sounder which makes wreck location much easier with big screens rather than using split screen option.

Pete

[marknj]

Also have a look at the smaller furuno kit the FCV620 is a very good sounder. Never hear much good about echopilot but they have been going for many years so can't be all bad, not easy to install in a rib though.

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by Stoo

I use the Lowrance LCX-25C...

Incidently, you can download a simulator from their site as well. It's very realistic. I have an Lowrance handheld GPS as well, that shares te same charts. I find it useful to be able to copy waypoints between the two...