Autopilot garmin vs simrad

[smac999]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

Except that you can't update the software unless you have a plotter of the same brand that can control the autopilot.

And you can't use Garmin auto routing unless you hsve a Garmin pilot.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by smac999

And you can't use Garmin auto routing unless you hsve a Garmin pilot.

If I understand autorouting that's software that chooses your course from A to B and automatically avoiding islands, rocks, shallows, etc?

Don't think I would trust my boat to autorouting anyway.

[Simi 60]

What do commercial boats, ones that actually earn their keep use?
That's the type of autopilot I choose.

I doubt garmin would meet the mark.

[rbrentp]

Except that you can't update the software unless you have a plotter of the same brand that can control the autopilot.

Kinda confused by that. I haven't tested the st4000 with the Garmin yet for chart plotter's auto routing but Garmin said it would work fine so far they have been right. I guess I am not sure on which software the updating applies to. Or what the issue is but would really like the clarification.

[b-rad]

Pulled the trigger and ordered the garmin will let everyone know how it goes.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by smac999

And you can't use Garmin auto routing unless you have a Garmin pilot.

My Garmin MFD works great with my Simrad AP system. The Garmin doesn't care if you've even got an AP when it generates the route. Likewise, it doesn't care how the route was generated when you select it.

That said, you don't want to follow the auto-generated route blindly. Not only may it not be safe, but sometimes it errs on the side of caution and generates an overly long route around areas that are not unsafe at all.

[Capt Gill]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

It has been my experience that Garmin specializes in "obsoleting" equipment after 3 years and often, after 5 years, claims not to have replacement parts for "old equipment" (but will gladly sell new replacements). Nor can the stuff be repaired by local marine electronics shops as Garmin will not share wiring diagrams/schematics nor sell parts. Simrad gear is more robust and parts are more readily available, even for older gear which can often be repaired, when necessary, by competent marine electronics shops. I wouldn't take Garmin equipment if it were offered for "free".

FWIW...

That's been my experience, sad, but true.