2022 257 Fisherman Dash Electronic Installs

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1st8Eer

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Millsboro, DE
Model
Fisherman 257
Finally, we are getting our first Grady. We will be taking delivery of a new 2022 Grady 257 Fisherman and are stoked to say the least. We will be outfitting our dash with new electronics and I'm curious of what some of you have done with the newer 257's? We likely will land with a combination from Garmin including a chartplotter (or 2), radar, VHF/AIS. Our use will be a mix of inshore fishing, offshore trolling and chunking, and then hanging out on the sand bar with the family. Please share thoughts on what you'd suggest and if you have some pictures, they wuld be appreciated as well!
 
I don't have a 257 but I have rerigged my 265 with Garmin. Do the same kind of fishing in NJ.
The 257 has a lot of room for big screens. IMO one big screen (12" +) is better than two smaller screens. You have the ability to split screen but also can view a chart Full screen when you need to. The 8600 series is top of line but the 1243xsv is nice for the price. I have one and I really like it.

The Yamaha CL7 screen is actually a Garmin 7400. You can also use Garmin MFDs to display the engine data/gauges. If you do opt for two MFDs you might be able to save by not getting the CL7. However, IMO its nice to have dedicated engine screen rather than doubling as sonar or radar.

Sonar. You need to decide on thruhull vs transom mount. You are going to want to utilize the sidevu sonar. I switched from transom to thru-hull on the centerline and its a great improvement. GT51M-TH transducer is what you want for the fishing you described.

The Fantom radars just got updated to 50W , so the 40W versions are discounted (while the supply lasts). The 18" radome is good enough. The 24" will give better target separation and marginally better range. The older xHD radars are discounted too. Depends on your budget. IMO if you have a brand new boat, get a Fantom model. I have a 40W 24" Fantom and I really like the motion scope feature and the MARPA tracking.

GET AUTOPILOT. You cannot live without it. Period.
Garmin Reactor 40 with smart pump . The garmin MFDs will operate the autopilot but I opted for a GHC20 as a dedicated AP control/screen.

Gee, this is fun fitting out a new boat....:p
 
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Thanks for the great perspectives, Skunk! I'll be meeting with Martek for the install and see what they have available at the time. The Grady dealership said I could install 2 10" monitors, but I am thinking that a large 12" might be a nice option??? I just want to know and have insights prior to meeting with Martek. In the past the boats I've been on with autopilot, most had Simrads. I wasn't really thrilled with how they operated.....could've also been the operators? ;) Thanks again! Rob
 
skunk, it reminds me of when my friend asked me to help him with is purchase of his 23 Wellcraft center console. Can't remember ever have more fun spending large chunks of money! :)
 

1st8Eer,​


Curious as to what you ended up deciding on electronics etc...I'm about to order a 257CC and in process of similar electronic decisions.

Thank you ~


1st8Eer said:
Finally, we are getting our first Grady. We will be taking delivery of a new 2022 Grady 257 Fisherman and are stoked to say the least. We will be outfitting our dash with new electronics and I'm curious of what some of you have done with the newer 257's? We likely will land with a combination from Garmin including a chartplotter (or 2), radar, VHF/AIS. Our use will be a mix of inshore fishing, offshore trolling and chunking, and then hanging out on the sand bar with the family. Please share thoughts on what you'd suggest and if you have some pictures, they wuld be appreciated as well!
Click to expand...
 
I have a 2019 257 Fisherman bought new in 2020. Instead of two screens I bought a Garmin 8616 which is the 16 inch screen. I can read the screen without my glasses. The 12 inch was 4k and the 16 inch was 6k plus transducer. I highly recommend the larger screen. I struggled with the decision but so happy I got the bigger screen.
 
I kind of thought about doing similar but leaning towards one 12 and later adding another one...but the resolution does make a difference as I have glasses too.
Lisa C said:
I have a 2019 257 Fisherman bought new in 2020. Instead of two screens I bought a Garmin 8616 which is the 16 inch screen. I can read the screen without my glasses. The 12 inch was 4k and the 16 inch was 6k plus transducer. I highly recommend the larger screen. I struggled with the decision but so happy I got the bigger screen.
Click to expand...
 
I have a 2021 257 I went with the dual 12 inch screen simrad evo3, auto pilot, Halo 24 and remote light. no regret. Love the boat and happy with the electronics.
 
Just finished installing on a 2022 257 - we put in a 8216 - it’s absolutely as big as you can fit, I had to temporarily remove the grab handle, mounted it on the right side so it’s not behind the wheel. Also put in a steady cast heading sensor and an 18” fantom radar. You’ll need to “fix” the nmea bus Grady installs, add power etc. I recommend a 4-port nmea hub, then put short nmea cables to the Yamaha, Garmin, fusion, and fusion remote. Once done, everything will talk to everything. Still waiting for vhfs to get back in stock. Most difficult part is cutting the network plug off the radar feed and fishing it though the t-top tubes. That and cutting a 16” hole in the console….
 
Interesting...Thank you for the information but can you expand on the 'fix' the NEMA bus comment???

rockpool said:
Just finished installing on a 2022 257 - we put in a 8216 - it’s absolutely as big as you can fit, I had to temporarily remove the grab handle, mounted it on the right side so it’s not behind the wheel. Also put in a steady cast heading sensor and an 18” fantom radar. You’ll need to “fix” the nmea bus Grady installs, add power etc. I recommend a 4-port nmea hub, then put short nmea cables to the Yamaha, Garmin, fusion, and fusion remote. Once done, everything will talk to everything. Still waiting for vhfs to get back in stock. Most difficult part is cutting the network plug off the radar feed and fishing it though the t-top tubes. That and cutting a 16” hole in the console….
Click to expand...
 
Not sure what he is refering to specifically but
NMEA gauge displays for the motor(s) are wired to be powered by the key. The bus has a power isolator so only the data connects to the rest of the N2k system. So you need to know that so you can power the rest of the system without the key and still run the motor gauges from the key.
 
On the '22, the gauges are in the Yamaha CL7 - which is a Garmin 743 - they are not over NMEA. Grady plumbs in a Fusion marine stereo and remote which talk to each other over NMEA but don't require NMEA power - everything else does. So to get the CL7 and any other Garmin chartplotter talking, you need to both network them together and also add a power feed to the NMEA bus and extend it to include the CL7 and chartplotter (and any other devices you might have).

The result is that everything is available anywhere - All the features of the GPSmap, charts, stereo controls, radar, engine readouts etc.

Skunkboat's comments may be true for previous years/other models, but not for the '22 257.
 
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