Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine installer on Long Island.
We install all three major marine electronics brands on boats across Nassau County and Suffolk County. NMEA certified. ABYC standard.
Choosing between Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine is one of the most common questions we get. All three are excellent. The right choice depends on how you use your boat, what you're adding to, and what features matter most to you. We help you choose — and then we install it properly.
On this page
Garmin vs Simrad vs Raymarine — how to choose
All three brands make excellent chartplotters, radar, sonar, and autopilot systems. The real differences come down to ecosystems, interface preferences, and specific feature strengths.
Garmin
Best for: fishing boats, first-time upgraders, Panoptix LiveScope.
Strengths: most intuitive interface, best sonar ecosystem, strong dealer support.
Simrad
Best for: offshore sportfishing, cruising, heavy autopilot use.
Strengths: HALO radar, outstanding autopilot, B&G compatibility.
Raymarine
Best for: helm rebuild projects, Axiom XL glass helms, Doppler radar.
Strengths: Quantum radar, Axiom XL display quality, EV autopilot.
What a proper brand installation includes
Regardless of brand, every installation we do follows the same NMEA certified process: assess the existing helm, plan the layout, mount the equipment, run all wiring cleanly through the boat, build the NMEA 2000 network, configure all devices, and test everything on the water.
We don't do sloppy installs. Wiring is labeled, routed properly, and secured. Transducers are mounted correctly for the best signal. Network cables have proper connectors. Every display is flush-mounted or bracket-mounted the right way for the boat.
- NMEA 2000 network design and installation
- Multi-display helm layouts
- Flush-mount and bracket installations
- Transducer mounting and cable routing
- Radar arch and mast mounting
- Autopilot system installation and calibration
- Cross-brand integration and upgrades
Tidewater 28 — dual displays
Formula 37ft — Raymarine Axiom Pro
Cruisers 3860 — offshore ready
NMEA Certified MEI
ABYC Electrical Standards
Empire Wind NETP Approved
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix brands — like a Garmin chartplotter with a Simrad radar?
In some cases yes, via NMEA 2000. However, brand-specific features like integrated radar overlay and sonar sharing work best within the same ecosystem. We'll tell you honestly what integrates cleanly and what will have limitations before you buy anything.
What if I already have one brand and want to switch?
Switching brands usually means replacing the display, and sometimes the radar and sonar if they aren't cross-brand compatible. We assess what's worth keeping and what needs to go, and give you a clear picture before any purchase.
Do you help with the purchasing decision before installation?
Yes — this is part of what we do. We discuss your boat, how you use it, and what you want the helm to do. Then we give you a recommendation and a written estimate. We're not a dealership pushing a brand — we install all three and have no preference other than what's right for your boat.
How much does a complete helm upgrade cost?
A single chartplotter with radar integration typically runs $2,000–$4,500 installed depending on equipment. A full glass helm rebuild with dual displays, radar, sonar, and autopilot on a larger boat can be $8,000–$20,000+. All work is billed at our NMEA rate. See our pricing page for rate details.
Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine — installed by Long Island experts.
Most marine electronics installers specialize in one brand or push what they happen to stock. LIME installs all three major MFD brands — Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine — and helps you choose based on your specific boat, how you use it, your existing equipment, and your budget. We have no financial incentive to push one brand over another.
Brand comparison guide for Long Island boat owners
Garmin: Best sonar technology, especially Panoptix LiveScope. Best user interface for new chartplotter users. Strongest customer support. Best for sport fishing boats where sonar performance is the top priority. The GPSMAP series is the standard for serious offshore fishing.
Simrad: Best multi-display networking for large offshore helms with multiple screens. Best autopilot (AP44) for high-performance and commercial-grade applications. Best for dedicated offshore sportfishers and larger vessels with multiple helm stations. The NSS evo3S remains the top choice for a full multi-display offshore helm.
Raymarine: Best radar integration with Quantum Doppler system. Intuitive Lighthouse OS. Strong evolution autopilot with Optimus support. Best for all-around use and for boats already in the Axiom ecosystem. The most versatile choice for cruising boats that prioritize radar and autopilot over fishing sonar.
Mixed-brand systems
NMEA 2000 makes mixed-brand systems possible — a Garmin chartplotter can receive depth from a Raymarine transducer, display speed from a Simrad instrument, and integrate with a Furuno radar. We build mixed-brand systems regularly and understand the compatibility matrix, firmware requirements, and configuration steps needed to make them work reliably.
The most trusted marine electronics installer on Long Island.
Authorized installation specialist. Brand-agnostic expertise in Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine. NMEA certified. 5-star rated.
NMEA Certified
ABYC Standard
Empire Wind NETP
Fully Insured
Every review we have ever received is five stars. We earn that by doing the job right — proper NMEA 2000 networks, marine-grade wiring, correct grounding, and installations that hold up at sea, not just at the dock.
Marine electronics service across Long Island.
We are fully mobile and come to your boat. Nassau County and Suffolk County — from the western North Shore to Montauk Point on the East End.
All work is performed at your marina or slip — no need to trailer the boat or bring it anywhere. We bring everything needed for the job.
Project photos from Long Island boats.
Real installations by LIME technicians. Every photo is a completed project on a Long Island boat.
What you get when you hire LIME.
✓ NMEA Certified Installer
Our lead technician holds the highest credential in the marine electronics industry. Every installation is performed to ABYC standards — not just plugged in and turned on.
✓ Mobile — We Come to Your Boat
No hauling, no shop visits. We come to your marina across Nassau County and Suffolk County with all tools and equipment for the job.
✓ Clean Wiring Every Time
Marine-grade tinned copper wire, heat-shrink connectors, properly rated fuses, and neat cable management throughout. Your installation will not fail because of sloppy wiring.
✓ Honest Estimates Before We Start
We give you a written estimate before starting any work. No surprises on the bill — if conditions change the scope, we tell you before we proceed, not after.
✓ Perfect 5-Star Rating
Every single review LIME has ever received is 5 stars. We protect that record on every job we take — your installation is not a statistic, it is our reputation.
✓ One Call Handles Everything
Installation, wiring, NMEA 2000 network, testing, and training — all in one visit by one team. No coordinating between multiple contractors.
How LIME works — from first call to finished installation.
Contact Us
Call 516-448-6221 or submit a quote request. Describe your boat, what you want installed, and where it's located. We respond same day during season.
Scope and Estimate
We put together a written scope and estimate that covers labor, equipment, and materials. Line-item detail so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Schedule at Your Marina
We schedule the install at your marina at a time that works with your boating season. We confirm before the appointment and show up on time.
Professional Installation
We arrive with all tools, wire, hardware, and the equipment we're installing. Work is performed at your slip to ABYC standards.
System Test
After installation, we run a full system test — power, communication, display function, transducer performance, and NMEA 2000 network verification.
Walk-Through and Done
We walk you through how to operate every new system before we leave. You go fishing with confidence, not confusion.
Garmin marine electronics — the full product line.
LIME installs the complete Garmin marine electronics product line. Every product we install is sourced from authorized distribution channels and backed by the manufacturer's warranty. We configure everything correctly — not just mounted and powered on.
Chartplotters & MFDs
Full Garmin chartplotter lineup — from entry-level upgrades to flagship multi-display offshore helm builds.
Radar Systems
Garmin dome and open-array radar — mounted, cabled, and integrated with your chartplotter for overlay display.
Sonar & Transducers
Garmin sonar modules — installed at correct location, calibrated, and verified for real performance, not just a signal.
Autopilot
Garmin autopilot systems — commissioned and calibrated at the dock, verified operational offshore.
VHF & AIS
Garmin VHF radios and AIS transponders — antenna installed, MMSI programmed, DSC registered.
NMEA 2000 Networks
Complete Garmin NMEA 2000 backbone builds — correct power, termination, and device addressing from the start.
Project spotlight: Sport Fisher Helm Rebuild — 2024.
Complete helm electronics rebuild on a 36-foot offshore sportfisher — removing a cluttered old dash and building a clean, organized electronics station from scratch.
- ✓ Custom StarBoard dash panel — full helm rebuild
- ✓ Dual Garmin GPSMAP 9" chartplotters
- ✓ Simrad Halo20 radar dome and bracket mount
- ✓ Panoptix LiveScope sonar system
- ✓ AP44 autopilot commissioning
- ✓ NMEA 2000 backbone from scratch
A helm rebuild is the highest-value project we do — it transforms how the boat looks, works, and feels on the water. Every system talks to every other system. Clean wiring throughout.
Every marina on Long Island — Nassau and Suffolk County.
Nassau — North Shore
Great Neck, Manhasset Bay, Port Washington, Sands Point, Oyster Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Bayville.
Nassau — South Shore
Freeport, Inwood, Island Park, Long Beach, Oceanside, Baldwin Harbor, Hewlett Bay, Atlantic Beach, Jones Beach Inlet.
Western Suffolk
Huntington Harbor, Northport Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, Centerport, Half Hollow Hills boat access.
Central Suffolk
Port Jefferson, Mount Sinai, Stony Brook Harbor, Setauket, Patchogue, Bay Shore, Islip, Great South Bay.
Fire Island & South Shore
Fire Island marinas, Babylon, Lindenhurst, Amityville, Copiague, Massapequa — in-slip service available.
East End & Montauk
Southampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Greenport, Montauk Harbor. We run scheduled East End days during peak season.
Call 516-448-6221 to confirm availability at your specific marina.
More five-star reviews from Long Island boat owners.
★★★★★
LIME installed a full Simrad NSS setup with Halo radar and Active Target sonar. Perfect install, everything configured before they left the boat. These are real pros — not guys who install and leave you to figure it out.
— Tom B., Mako 284 CC
★★★★★
Had an NMEA 2000 issue no one else could solve. LIME found a bad terminator that was causing intermittent GPS drops. Fixed in two hours. Would have cost me a week chasing the wrong problem.
— Gary M., Albemarle 280
★★★★★
Full helm rebuild — new StarBoard panel, dual Garmin 9" displays, radar, AIS, and autopilot. Cleanest installation I've ever seen on a boat. LIME is in a different league.
— Steve K., Pursuit 325 DC
Every review LIME has received is 5 stars. Read more on Google.
Government vessels, commercial boats, and large private yachts.
LIME's work goes beyond recreational fishing boats. We have completed marine electronics installations and upgrades for government agencies, commercial operators, and large private vessels — work that requires higher documentation standards, tighter specifications, and no margin for error.
NYPD Marine Division
Marine electronics installations on NYPD CTOSS SafeBoat patrol vessels — navigation systems, communications, and electronics upgrades for active duty law enforcement vessels.
Town of Oyster Bay
Municipal vessel electronics upgrades for Town of Oyster Bay watercraft — government procurement standards, documented installation records, and certified workmanship.
NY State DEC
Marine electronics work on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation vessels — safety-critical navigation systems that need to work every time, no exceptions.
Commercial Fishing & Charter
Commercial fishing vessels and charter boats have zero tolerance for electronics failures. We build helms that work hard for a living — commercial-grade specifications on every component.
Large Private Yachts
From 56-foot sport cruisers to 95-foot motoryachts — we have installed and integrated marine electronics systems on large private vessels where the work complexity and standards rival commercial builds.
Empire Wind NETP
Approved vendor for the Empire Wind offshore wind project — one of the most selective marine electronics contractor programs on the East Coast. Our commercial track record is what earned that approval.
Transparent labor rates — no surprises.
LIME publishes labor rates publicly. We believe that transparency builds trust, saves time in the quote process, and allows boat owners to make informed decisions before picking up the phone.
Lead Installer
$140/hr
NMEA Certified rate for all onsite diagnostics, installation, and project work. NMEA 2000 networks, transducer calibration, autopilot commissioning, complex wiring diagnostics.
2nd Installer
$80/hr
For projects requiring two technicians — large display work, confined spaces, or multi-day builds. Efficient two-person crews reduce overall project time.
Service Call Minimum
4 hours
All field work is billed portal-to-portal with a 4-hour minimum. This covers travel, setup, and the first real hours of productive work at your marina.
Parts, materials, and equipment are itemized separately on every invoice. For large projects, we provide a full written estimate with line-item labor and equipment before we start.
Other marine electronics services from LIME.
Marine Electronics Installation
Full installation — chartplotters, radar, AIS, VHF, sonar, NMEA 2000, autopilot, and more.
Diagnostics & Repair
Full system diagnostics and repair for all brands. We find root causes, not just swap parts.
Boat Electronics Repair
Chartplotter, radar, VHF, autopilot, and NMEA 2000 network repair on Long Island boats.
Chartplotter Installation
Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine chartplotter installation with NMEA 2000 network integration.
Radar & AIS Installation
Open-array and dome radar plus Class B AIS transponders for Long Island offshore boats.
How to choose marine electronics for your Long Island boat.
Choosing marine electronics is more complex than reading specs sheets. The right system depends on your boat, how you use it, where you fish or cruise, and what other electronics you already have on board. Here is what actually matters.
Start with the Chartplotter
The chartplotter is the hub of every modern electronics system. Choose your chartplotter brand first — then build the radar, sonar, autopilot, and instruments around it using the same NMEA 2000 network.
Size Matters for Offshore Use
For offshore fishing on Long Island, go larger on the display — at least 9 inches, preferably 12 or 16. Small screens in a wet cockpit with sunlight and motion are nearly unreadable.
NMEA 2000 First
Design your NMEA 2000 backbone before you buy a single device. The network is the foundation — everything else plugs into it. A properly sized and terminated backbone prevents most of the problems we diagnose.
Transducer Placement is Critical
The best sonar unit in the world performs poorly with a transducer in the wrong location or with a bad cable run. This is where professional installation pays for itself — we place it right the first time.
Plan for Radar
Even if you are not buying radar now, plan the cable route and mounting location during installation. Retrofitting radar to a finished helm is expensive and disruptive. Planning ahead costs nothing.
Get a Written Scope
Before any work starts, get a written scope that specifies every component, cable run, mounting location, and configuration step. Vague estimates lead to scope creep and bill surprises. LIME always provides written estimates.
Long Island marine electronics — season planning guide.
Long Island's boating season runs roughly April through October, with offshore fishing at its peak from May through September. The timing of your electronics work matters — here is how to plan it right.
February – March: Book Now
The best time to schedule installation work is late winter. We can plan the project, source equipment, and schedule you for a spring install before the season rush. Do not wait until April.
April – May: Spring Installs
Our busiest installation period. Boats are coming out of storage, owners are discovering problems, and everyone wants to be ready before Memorial Day. Book early or expect a wait.
June – August: Peak Season Service
Diagnostics and repairs during the season. We prioritize boats with scheduled offshore trips — call us at 516-448-6221 and explain the situation. We do our best to accommodate urgent needs.
September – October: Fall Upgrades
One of the best times for upgrades — season is winding down, boats are still in the water, and we have more flexibility to schedule larger projects. Great time for helm rebuilds.
November – March: Winter Prep
Electronics that need bench repair, custom panel fabrication, and major wiring projects happen over winter when the boat is out of the water. Best time for big jobs.
Year-Round Availability
We work year-round. Winter work — bench repairs, panel builds, pre-season planning — keeps the schedule productive. Call 516-448-6221 for current availability.
We stand behind every installation we do.
LIME's workmanship is guaranteed. If something we installed fails due to our labor — a loose connection, a wiring error, a missed configuration step — we come back and fix it at no charge. We are not in the business of charging for our own mistakes.
Workmanship Warranty
Our installation labor is warranted against workmanship failures. Loose connections, incorrect wiring, misconfigured software — these are our responsibility and we fix them.
Equipment Warranty
Equipment warranties are handled through the manufacturer. For units still under warranty, we help you document the failure and work with the manufacturer on your behalf.
ABYC Standards
Every installation follows ABYC E-11 DC electrical standards — the industry benchmark for safe, durable marine wiring. This is our insurance against installation-caused failures.
Ready to schedule your marine electronics service?
Three ways to get started: call, text, or submit a quote request online. We respond same day during the season.
Portal-to-portal billing · 4-hour minimum · Written estimate before we start
Reach Long Island Marine Electronics.
Phone / Text
Call or text for fastest response. Available throughout the boating season.
Service Area
Nassau County & Suffolk County
Mobile service — we come to your marina, boatyard, or private dock.
Not sure which brand is right for you?
Call us — we'll help you choose the right equipment for your boat and budget.