We recently received an inquiry from the owner of a 460 Sea Ray Sundancer who was interested in upgrading their original Raytheon equipment to a more advanced, user-friendly electronics system. Our first step is to board the boat and conduct a thorough assessment of the existing electronics. This includes inspecting all the marine electronics, wiring, and the overall layout of the vessel. While the customer is welcome to be present during this evaluation, their presence is not required. After completing the assessment, we meet with the owner to discuss the most suitable upgrade options. 

Original helm photo showing the VHF, autopilot display and extra instrument display. 

Original port side helm display for radar and additional autohelm display for the autopilot. 

After deliberating between upgrading the helm electronics with Garmin or Raymarine, it was ultimately decided that Garmin would be the best option. The key factor in this decision was the customer's strong preference for Navionics, as they wanted the charts to be seamlessly integrated into the new system. Another key reason was Garmin's advanced features, such as the superior radar capabilities, which offer enhanced target tracking and clearer imaging, crucial for safe navigation in various weather conditions. The customer was also impressed by Garmin’s Auto Guidance feature, which simplifies route planning by automatically calculating the safest and most efficient path based on the boat’s specifications. The durability and reputation of Garmin products for withstanding harsh marine environments also gave the customer confidence in the long-term reliability of the investment.

The customer wanted to install two large 12" screens in the location of the existing radar display, with an additional smaller display, Garmin GPSMAP 743, directly in front of the wheel for quick, easily visible data. Space was tight! but we were able to install 2 Garmin 1243xsv GPSMAPS on the port side helm and relocate the air vent below the dash area. A new radar system was also required, one that could effectively handle both short and long-range distances while clearly distinguishing targets close to the shoreline—important for the frequent local cruising on the Bay that the boat is used for. To achieve these features, we installed the Garmin 12kw GMR 1234 xHD3 4 Open Array Radar. To utilize Garmin’s proprietary Auto Guidance* feature, the outdated Raytheon autopilot and pump needed to be replaced with a Garmin Smartpump C2 with Shadow Drive* autopilot. We opted for the Garmin MSC10 Satellite Compass to accompany the Reactor Autopilot for better heading accuracy. Additionally, the old Raytheon VHF was no longer functioning and needed an upgrade. We opted for the Garmin black box VHF 315 with an external remote, paired with a black box Si-Tex MDA-5H AIS receiver/transceiver, to enhance communication and safety features on board.

Fresh helm brow featuring the Garmin GHC50 autopilot display along with a 7" GPSMAP 743. 

Newly updated port side panel with 2x Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv flush mounted into a custom Flounder Pounder panel. 

A few extra upgrades in this refit included a new stereo system. The existing Clarion stereo was outdated, and the accompanying amp lacked the power to deliver the clear and crisp audio our Dirty Heads-loving customer desired. We opted to upgrade to the Fusion RA670 Apollo stereo, which features three zones, a color display, and compatibility with NMEA 2000, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth. The amplifier was also replaced with the Rockford Fosgate PM1000X5, a 1000-watt, 5-channel amp, ensuring an exceptional audio experience on board. A Garmin GC200 Ethernet camera was installed in the engine room to enhance safety.

 

The dash panels were made by one of our favorite vendors, Flounder Pounder. They are a great source for original equipments boat parts for a variety of boat brands. The customer wanted to keep the classic look of the cherry burl and it did not dissapoint. The helm looks factory fresh!

 

The typical cost for an upgrade like this generally involves around forty labor hours from start to finish, which includes removing the old equipment from the vessel and installing the new. The current labor rate ranges between $169.99 and $199.99 per hour. In addition to the main equipment mentioned earlier, we also installed a complete NMEA2000 network, as the old system used Seatalk1 and Seatalk NG. To facilitate ethernet data sharing across the network, we utilized a GMS10 network expander. We also installed new VHF and AIS antennas. The total equipment package, including all cables and extensions, amounted to approximately $25,000.

 

Post Install Seatrial

Upgraded Garmin Radar and Satellite Compass

New Fusion Stereo 

Rockford Fosgate Amp

 

*Garmin's Auto Guidance is an advanced feature that simplifies the process of route planning for boaters. It automatically calculates a safe and efficient path from the vessel's current location to a desired destination. The system takes into account the boat's specific parameters, such as its draft, height, and preferred depth, to avoid obstacles like shallow waters, bridges, and other potential hazards. Once the user inputs their destination, Auto Guidance analyzes available chart data and generates a suggested route that minimizes risks and maximizes safety. The calculated route can be easily reviewed and adjusted if needed before setting off. This feature is particularly valuable for boaters who want to ensure a stress-free journey, especially in unfamiliar or challenging waters. Additionally, Auto Guidance can be integrated with other Garmin systems, such as autopilot, allowing the boat to follow the suggested route automatically, further enhancing convenience and safety on the water.

*Garmin's Shadow Drive is a feature integrated into their autopilot systems, designed to give boaters more control and flexibility while using autopilot. The Shadow Drive system automatically disengages the autopilot when the helm is manually turned, allowing the operator to take immediate control of the vessel without needing to manually switch off the autopilot. Once the operator has made the necessary adjustments to the boat's course, they can release the helm, and the Shadow Drive will automatically re-engage the autopilot, smoothly taking over the steering again. This feature is particularly useful in situations where quick manual adjustments are needed, such as avoiding obstacles or responding to sudden changes in the environment, while still benefiting from the convenience of autopilot for the rest of the journey.