Switching out Garmin 100

[T20Lakedude]

Got a Garmin 100 with my new GSR expecting it to be adequate for our pleasure cruises. This week I discovered the Garmin 301dv and fell in love with it. I now have been wondering the complexity of changing out unit, wiring and transducer. I believe the foot print of the 100 & 301dv are realitively close to reinstall in current location. My question to all knowing on the forum is:

1. Does the factory make tight cable ties on the transducer cable to other wiring or deck frame?

2. I've read somewhere in the forum, the fish finder housing is formed fitted to helm bracket with wing nuts, is this the case or should extreme caution be made?

3. Is this possibly considered a DIY project or should I find a specialist near lake house or ask dealership to pick up and exchange.

4. Has anyone had experience with the Garmin 301dv? Found only one within 100 miles.

 

[Link]

Installation depends on your skill level.  Many on this forum have installed their own.  Carl installed his 531s including cutting and surface mounting it into the helm.  Me, if the only tool required is duct tape I might consider doing it. 


I looked at the 301dv, looks nice with the newer technology but at $270 you might want to consider the 531s which is a chartplotter because I see the following rebate;


BlueChart® g2 Vision® card + Garmin Chartplotter $200 USD Rebate


28 February 2014 @ 12:06 PM / On the Water /


Purchase a BlueChart g2 Vision SD™ card AND a qualifying Garmin chartplotter and receive $200 USD via mail-in rebate. Offer is valid for purchases made between March 1, 2014 and July 7, 2014. Rebate submissions must be postmarked by Aug. 7, 2014. Limit 2 rebates per customer.

 

[cwag911]

I actually installed the 431s (thanks for the upgrade Link) and it was easy. I didn't have to replace the transducer because it was the same part #. So........if you're a little better than duct tape and wd-40, you should be ok.       B)