Best electronics for 280 Sundancer

[Will Bridger]

I recently bought a 2007 280 Sundancer (I'm new to Sea Ray so super excited) - it had manuals for a Raymarine C80 and the electronic connections.
Any advice on which electronics to replace it with?
We are cruising the islands around Vancouver/Vancouver Island so not too adventurous to start with!
Cheers

 

[bobeast]

I'm partial to Garmin, but others will be along shortly to praise their own favorite. I guess the point is that it is too subjective to really make a decision based on our opinions.

I would suggest going into your nearest West Marine and play around with the various display models to figure out which interface works for you. Then actually buy your stuff from BOE

Your MFD is going to be the heart of your system, so that should be your first purchase. Then build the rest of your system around that.

 

[ErikE]

I recently upgraded ours to a Garmin 942xs Plus their 18" Radar. I love it so far. Integrates with our depth finder, simple to operate, nice split or overlay options. Plus, you can link it to your tablet and plan/plot and actually operate the unit from the tablet rather than the main screen. Very cool feature ( I suspect many others do this?).

9" display is a good size for me, though I am others that have larger ones would say it is too small.

So, I don't have much experience with other brands, but I can certainly say good things about this one.

 

[Will Bridger]

Really appreciate the guidance - I hadn't looked at Garmin but will go find some display models to have a look at. Thanks

 

[Skybolt]

Going from the C80 line of Raymarine will require a complete switch up for any manufacturer you go with, even if it is Raymarine.

It's really a matter of preference as to which manufacturer you go with. But I am also partial to Garmin, they seem to be a little more user friendly and allow easier upgrades then the others. Don't get me wrong, all brands have there limitations when you get into the advanced features. But for me Garmin has the least amount of limitations.

 

[Will Bridger]

Thanks again - Garmin seems to be the consistent message so I'll take a look. Much appreciated all.

 

[Coz]

I put in Nmea 2k backbone. Axiom 9” with c80 adapter plate which fit the cutout in dash panel. Garmin gps with heading sensor. Merc engine gateway. Was pretty simple install. Only thing left is maybe changing the vhf.