Albin Owners Group

I'm looking at a complete upgrade of ALL the original 1999 navigational equipment. Does anyone know what manufacturer Albin is currently installing in their new boats?

The electronics package you go with is 100% owner preference. I wouldn't worry about what went into the last few or the next few Albins built.

There is A LOT to choose from. I would recommend going to a boat show, or two and checking out as many manufacturers as you can. They are basically all good but all very different in their own ways. The hull truth site is great for getting user feedback, pros and cons, etc etc.

Tech support should be one of your deciding factors. I have an all Furuno network and I am 100% satisfied with Furuno tech support. Furuno is probably the highest rated tech support out there and they support all of their discontinued models. That does not matter so much for installation of new gear but it certainly keeps the value of the used gear higher than most other brands.

Another recommendation is, if possible, stay with a complete package of the same manufacturer if you will be networking (chartplotter, sounder, autopilot, etc) It just makes diagnostics a little simpler when you do need tech support. It also it avoids the "well, it must be the "other" gear" comments.

BTW, Raymarine's new dragonfly sonar sure looks interesting...

RobS wrote:
BTW, Raymarine's new dragonfly sonar sure looks interesting...

That I agree with 100%, not that I am biased or anything

We've virtually changed everything on our over to what we know and that's Raymarine (helps when they are just built just five miles from me)

We have a C90w with HD radar and AIS so it is all viewed on one screen as an overlay, Makes night time navigation a doddle.

We have also just bought the new Dragonfly sonar as an addition to our Sitex CVS 106, we will run one transducer on Chirp and the other on Sonar so they don't interfere .

Then, once funds allow next year, we shall install a Raymarine Autopilot to compliment the set up.

Lee

Tree wrote:...Makes night time navigation a doddle.

Lee

So I take it that's a good thing?

DougSea wrote:So I take it that's a good thing?

Gonna have to learn to speak Brit, Doug!

At least I figured out "calorifier"! (Eventually...)

Come on chaps keep up, we invented the language, you lot just adapted it

Great information gents!! I'll be heading to the nearest boat show to see the latest stuff; Furuno and Raymarine will be high on the list. Thanks.

Daryl: Both of your choices are fine. Have had the newest of the Furuno on my previous Luhrs. Spent a fortune on new Foruno. Problem is Furuno is the commercial guys choice. I found it so complcated as to not work well for me.
Recently put new Raymarine touch screen on the Osprey and love it. The Ablin has older 2006 12" upper and lower multiple screen Raymarine. Not as nice as the new touch screen but much more user friendly than Furuno. Unless, you have been a commercial guy in the past or you are computer geek you will likely find the Raymarine easier and it will do all you need- from auto pilot to depth finder and more.
whwells "Howard"
2006 35te Sportfisher/flybridge

Howard Thanks for the first hand information. I'll likely go that way as the '99 28TE came with Ray Marine equipment.

Darryl,

I've just had this mail shot from Raymarine that might be of interest to you.

http://www2.raymarine.eu/webmail/7392/4 ... 97b41f5412

Something worth bearing in mind - If you choose something like this, the E90W and C90W are the largest screens you can fit in your overhead electronics bracket if you have one.


Lee

Lee, thank you for passing along the information. I've been traveling for the holiday's and just saw your post, but I will do more research from the link you provided.

Darryl