Garmin, Raymarine, B&G or Simrad???

[ttac]

I know this will have a lot of opinion's and that is what I want!!

We were hit with Lightning and now need ALL new electronics. I need to pick a system that will work for my wife and I. We are full time cruisers now and don't need the best of the best! I have been looking at the Garmin line and our first quote that I was given was for Raymarine. The second quote he wants me to look at the B&G line. So I'm asking for some personal opinions and feedback on what you are using.

Our boat is a 1991 Hunter 42 Passage.

Thank you, Dean

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

I have Raymarine. It Is very close to my paper charts. I am a bit anal and like to double check with paper when I enter a new area. So far no complaints.

 

[woodster]

i have a Garmin cp and am leaning in the Garmin direction for auto pilot and wind instruments when the ray marine one goes out

 

[higgs]

I don't think there is a lot of difference quality wise. Buy for features you need.

 

[capta]

I have Garmin exclusively for GPS, radar, weather and depth, and Ray ST-60 for instruments (which I keep expecting to fail any day). Garmin is great gear, expandable and the networking is well thought out and user friendly. Their customer service is great. Every time I've operated a vessel w/ Raymarine gear (even their big commercial set ups) I've had trouble with their gear and customer service was terrible.
B&G had a great reputation 30 years ago and built some of the best gear ever, back then, but I don't know much of their quality today. However, I did pick up an auto-pilot motor of theirs last year, and when I contacted them for a manual, or just the technical specs, they insisted that it wasn't one of their pieces of gear. It was new, in the box, with the original labels, so that put me off a bit, because if they don't keep records on the equipment they manufacture, then how good can their customer service be?
I would definitely recommend Garmin for all electronics on your boat. So far, excepting the ICW, their charts have been spot on, and all the gear has been reliable.

 

[Tim R.]

I have all Garmin gear. New chartplotter and xHD radar this year and new instruments and AP last year. I removed miles of NMEA wiring and a mux. The charlottes has AIS MOB capabilities which interfaces with our personal AIS beacons. Below is our wiring diagram. Capta, did you have a problem with Garmin specific charts on the ICW or just electronic charts in general?

 

[capta]

, did you have a problem with Garmin specific charts on the ICW or just electronic charts in general?

Tim,
I was using the 2010 and the multiple east coast chips back in the early 90's and found the position of the boat relative to the ICW was often wrong. The position of the boat relative to the trip was fine, but the icon indicating the boat was often on the banks, rather than in the channel. It may be much better now, but I don't travel the ICW much these days, w/ a 71' air draft.

 

[Tim R.]

Tim, I was using the 2010 and the multiple east coast chips back in the early 90's and found the position of the boat relative to the ICW was often wrong. The position of the boat relative to the trip was fine, but the icon indicating the boat was often on the banks, rather than in the channel. It may be much better now, but I don't travel the ICW much these days, w/ a 71' air draft.

Understood. Thanks.

 

[ttac]

Thank you everyone! I liked reading all of your comments! After talking to yet another electronics contractor and getting his input. I think at this time we will be going with the Garmin system on our boat. We also went to the local West Marine and had a little hands on with all the products. We feel the Garmin Wes easier to use.

 

[DougM]

Personally, I don't believe that there is anything wrong with any choice. I happen to have Raymarine and have not had problems with any part of the system. I like Garmin because their interfacing system appears to be simpler. I like the appearance of the B&G (Simrad), but don't seem to see much of it around. It boils down to a matter of choice and pocketbook. The main issue with any system is that it must be installed properly so that every segment will communicate correctly. It's not rocket science, but I have seen some installations with some poor if not pathetic wiring connections.