Garmin guys...how would you build a new boat?

[clemsondds]

What would you put on your boat if you were building one from new?  I am looking for exact models and system flow.  I am thinking a kraken for a tm since it will be used in salt water as well.  Looking at 3 or 4 graphs all 12". Can't decide if I want two 12" or one 16" at the console.  Will have two 12" graphs at the bow.  So what all would you need/get? transducers, tm, graphs, livescope.... Have always had humminbird so new to garmin.  What would you need for being able to tell depth and possibly bait at speed, mega Side imaging, mega DI, livescope and good gps.  Any help?  I need to order this stuff in the next few weeks.  Would like solix/apex level with touch screen.  Any thoughts? Thanks

[clemsondds]

any thoughts?

anyone heard any good black friday sales for garmin stuff?  Or lithium batteries? 

[12poundbass]

Check out bassfishinelectronics.com or the GPS store for Black Friday deals. I don’t know what they have for sales but I’ve ordered from both and they usually have good deals and are great to work with.

[NinjahGoose]

I saltwater and bass fish from my Egret Moccasin 210. What boat are you rigging that can do both well?

 

I have an Echomap Ultra 12” on my console. I do not have any experience with the new ultra 2’s. I like the Ultra but the resolution is a bit lower than I was expecting. If it were me, I would go with a single 16” graph on the console, I just like the simplicity of one larger graph. Plus, there’s less wires to run. If you go with a Kraken you have the option of LiveScope (I wish I could do the same). Go with 2 ultra 12” graphs in the now for mapping and LiveScope. 

[clemsondds]

Ok thanks!  Will have a skeeter sx. Yeh, it's a tough decision between 16 and two 12". 

[WVU-SCPA]

I decided to go Garmin, but my situation as quite different then yours.  Building an all electric setup so all my focus is on the bow and compatibility to switch equipment(live scope) between boats.

 

My debate has been do I really want to shell out the money for a Force on a 17' boat.  Ended up at yes as the TM will be the most important part in all of it.  Kinda knew it going in to it, but will have more invested in equipment then the cost of the boat.

 

 

[DaubsNU1]

** Dissenting voice approaching **

 

I was all-in on Garmin when renovating my old tin boat a few years back. Really loved the Echomap 7SV touch screen...and was fired up about the Garmin trolling motors.

 

Then my Brother purchased his dream boat, and outfitted it with an Ulterra and Humminbird Helix 9's. It did take me a while to come around, but when it came time to outfit my Adventure, I went away from Garmin and toward Minn Kota / Humminbird.

 

Garmin makes a great product, but after owning both, I am happy to be fishing my Humminbirds.

[clemsondds]

Here is my plan so far: Console: Garmin 8612xsv (side imaging, 2d and down imaging) and 8612 (mapping). Bow 8612 (livescope) and 1243xsv for mapping. I'll run the new garmin 63 kraken with the uhd transducer. Then have two 10' raptors. I'll get the GMS network and the 24xd gps. On the stern I'll run the GT8 and the GT56 transducers. I'll have to figure out some sort of mounting brackets for the two graphs at the bow so that they are removable...some sort of ram mount I assume.
I assume I'll have 5 batteries...(3 12v lithiums, 1 X2 AGM group 31 12V for cranking battery, and 1 12V 100ah lithium house battery)
I know several say that it's perfectly fine to run lithium as cranking battery, and obviously it's fine since countless people do it. But for me, at the end of the day, yamaha and skeeter both say that they don't recommend it and so for peace of mind...I'm going to stick with AGM.
Thoughts on this setup and suggestions for charging the system? Thanks