help fitting out my boat

[DaveC]

Hello everyone.

I've just purchased a 1990 3400 Luhrs (t-454's). It's not fitted with much for electronics, rod holders, searchlight, etc. I'm in the Corpus Christi area and will be obviously operating around the Texas gulf coast.

I could use some suggestions, opinions and ideas.

Electronics: Thinking about individual units versus the 'all-in-1' types. There are so many GPS, fishfinders, radars, etc on the market these days that when I go looking I end up worse off than when I started. Indiviaual opinions are welcomed and please state the reason for your choice(s).

I want to add some rod holders as it only has one on each side and I'll like some across the back. Is it ok to drill holes to put in recessed holders or should I go another route? There isn't a search/spot light on the boat and I'll probable want one for night cruising/fishing trips. And I'm sure the list will go on.

Thanks in advance for any information you may offer. Additionally if you have a 3400 and know of any issues I should be alert to I'd much appreciate that kind of information also.

Thanks!
Dave

[Maximillion]

Hey DaveC,

When it comes to doing individual electronics. I like the Raymarine. The thing I like is that you can interface all the units together through Sea Talk or NEMA. That way you can have positioning or speed on any screen. The only thing is Raymarine only talks to itself. "kindof like myself":lol: Anyway, The new E-seires has overlaying abilities on the fishfinder and chartplotter that are worth it.

Just my opinion. Hope it helps.

[kcummin]

DAVEC,

I too like individual instruments, I guess I like the feeling that if one unit dies, that I have other instruments that I can count on to get me home.

I would recommend you look in the boating stores at the different vendors equipment to see what feels best to you.

For my preferences, I installed a Garmin GPS, and have Furuno for Depth Sounder and RADAR. Using NMEA connections I can get the Garmin GPS to send NMEA data to the RADAR, ICOM VHF(DSC), and SIMRAD Autopilot, and not be locked into any one vendor.

That said, I think there are many advantages to the "all-in-one" approach, like Weather/RADAR overlays, and space savings. I think it comes down to what is most important to you.

Hope this helps....Kevin

[DaveC]

Thanks guys. I was leaning to the individual side. Now I just have to figure out which units I want and probably more importantly, need. I've been looking at Garmin with the G2 maps. Probably more time in the store is in order ( wonder if I can make myself go there...:):) ).

[logadmin]

Boat show season is coming up soon too. You should be able to do plenty of investigating there.:drool:

[Rusty]

I have a 1999 Luhrs Open. It came with raymarine chartplotter, radar, depth finder.

The depth finder is stand alone.

The chartplotter/radar unit is one piece. I have another unit chartplotter/radar to be mounted on the fly bridge with nav pod that displays the same reading as below. All units are 7" monochrome and were working fine.

A year or so ago I purchased the raymarine large color models. I have the 7" monochrome units in a box and would sell for a good price if you are interested in such. The transducer for the depth finder was destroyed when we removed it from the boat. You would likewise need a gps antenna and consult with a local Raymarine installer for required wiring, etc.

If money is no object, definitely get a new "large" color model.

Rusty

[DaveC]

Went with the Lowrance 28C HD. Hopefully it will do well for me. Bought from BOE, excellent proces and service. Highly recommended! Now that I'm past that decision it's time for the rest of it.... :) Thanks to everyone who contributed to my post.