Looking to upgrade from my current Humminbird Apex 16.

[CaptSpike]

I currently have a B175 and the HB side scan transducer along with the HB radar. The HB allows the two transducers connected to the unit and will select the best transducer for the water you're in. I really like the Apex but the radar is horrible, thus I need to change. I have had Furuno in the past and I'm a big fan. Anyway the installer was saying they could cut the connector off the B175 and wire one in for the Furuno but that sometimes it doesn't work out, colors are off or something like that. He did say both transducers can be hooked to the same unit. For radar he has spec'd out the DRS2DNXT 19". However on the quote is listed a Garmin GPS 24 XD receiver and antenna for the nema 2000 network (for radar overlay. Doesn't Furuno have something for that? Also could I just use my HB GPS receiver in the NEMA 2000 network? I think it plugs into the MFD right now but I don't know why it wouldn't work with the Furuno?
I'm also looking at adding AP since I have electric steering and it seems like an easy integration. Since I have a Yamaha he mentioned the AP will be limited interface, no fish it- drift mode. I believe he has a Yamaha Autopilot kit spec'd maybe not the Furuno one?
Thanks

 

[Titanic II]

Please provide the Airmar part number from the white tag on the transducer cable. There are a couple variants of that transducer.

In regard to RADAR overlay you do need heading and GPS position, the Furuno GPS/heading sensor is the SCX20 (NMEA2000).

You don't need to engage the AP at all for fish it- drift it operations. Please see the below procedures to set up a fish it drift it solution. I suppose you could drop a waypoint at the calculated drift start point and motor back to it by navigating to that waypoint.

 

[CaptSpike]

Thanks for that info. I have decided to forgo the AP at the moment. I also found out I have a mix and match transducer for the B175 so that will save me a bit. Just need the Furuno cable.
Can’t wait for the Furuno package to be installed.