Worth it or not ?

ocdansar

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2005
Messages
446
Reaction score
108
Points
43
Location
orlando, fl
Pricing Garmin electronics for the next boat. Looking at two 12” screens dome radar and a 1 kw transducer . 7412 garmins v 8612’s. Over 2 thousand dollars difference. What do you guys think Spend the money and get the newest thing out or put the savings in the gas tank ?
 
Assuming you are considering the xsv models, (definitely go with the xsv) there is only a $500 difference and according to the Garmin website, the 7412 does not have preloaded maps. Go with the 8612xsv.
 
I could be wrong because its a confusing subject but....I think the side vu transducers only come as 600w so if you want to use sidevu AND the 1kw down sonar capability you will need 2 transducers. The 8612 does have multiple inputs....but if you have two (with sonar) then thats a moot point...

7412 can come preloaded with G2 charts vs 8612 with G3 charts...dunno if that is that important.

Love to spend other peoples money so I say 86 but if were me I'd be maximizing my dollar and staring at every possible combination for months.... :rolleyes:

you'll need autopilot too and the heading sensor will allow your radar to use MARPA
 
Last edited:
If you are going with a pair of Garmin's like 8612 , you will only need one xsv model paired with a standard unit as when networked will work the same on both units. We actually have the 10 inch screens (7610) which work just fine. if you went to a 10 inch screen pair, you would save a couple 1000 dollars or more. Great units
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: wspitler and JJMag
Thanks for the replies. The boat I’m looking at has auto pilot my brother says is compatible with the garmins. I need as big a screen as I can get but I’m going to look at 10” also. I am hoping this is the last boat I have to redo and don’t want to regret my decision down the road based on money.
 
btw, what boat are we discussing. Yes you never want any regrets. Here's a picture of our screens on a 282.
dash 3.jpgdash 2.jpg
 
Looking at a 330 that needs some love. What size screens are those? I had twin 942’s in the marlin just like you have set up. Trying to keep it at 10 grand or less.
 
Looking at a 330 that needs some love. What size screens are those? I had twin 942’s in the marlin just like you have set up. Trying to keep it at 10 grand or less.
I have two 12" screens on my 330. Works good for my old eyes!
 
I also did a pair of 12" garmins on my older 330. I mounted on black acrylic but don't have a photo handy atm. (they fit great, about 1" on each side and 2" between them IIRC)

I went with a pair of 1242 XSV Plus (touch only) units. The only regret I had about not going to the $$ more expensive units is that I don't have HDMI input, which would have been cool to hook up a TV tuner and watch TV at the helm. The $2k I saved offset that pretty well though.
 
I may be getting ahead of myself as I haven’t bought a boat yet. I went to ft Meyers today and picked up a trailer. I have been shopping the garmin 8612’s well last night for some reason the went down 900.$$ for the 2 screens. Today is my 42nd anniversary so I took it as a sign to buy them for my wife to go with her new trailer . I’m sure she will love them.
I’m taking my mechanic brother with me Sunday to go scope the motors on the 33 I’m looking at. I will take pictures and try to post some up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Quicky and kirk a
I may be getting ahead of myself as I haven’t bought a boat yet. I went to ft Meyers today and picked up a trailer. I have been shopping the garmin 8612’s well last night for some reason the went down 900.$$ for the 2 screens. Today is my 42nd anniversary so I took it as a sign to buy them for my wife to go with her new trailer . I’m sure she will love them.
I’m taking my mechanic brother with me Sunday to go scope the motors on the 33 I’m looking at. I will take pictures and try to post some up.

You have about twice the experience I do in marriage, but darn, if you are not daring!

What is she getting you, diamonds?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DogBone
she’s the one that wanted to get a bigger boat. Seriously she’s a keeper.
Dang I ordered the units yesterday late and they were here before lunch. Now I’m hoping for a good survey.