Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Other

malyea · Jun 15, 2015

Mystiko said:
..... Simrad makes the best auto-pilot system hands down and then build your system and N2K network around that. Jeff in Miami, FL

This is my conclusion after two months of research ( not experience ) as I plan the complete electronic upgrade of my 1987 Irwin 43. Although all manufactures equipment now talk to each other via N2K...I still want a single vendor so when problems occur there can be no tech to tech finger pointing.

I'm going with Simrad/B&G.

tigerpilot · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

Either B&G or Garmin. Both have great network options. Stay away from Raymarine-you can't even get them on the phone if you have a question or problem.

cygnussailor · Jun 15, 2015

Monterey385 said:
We are getting ready to outfit a new 39 foot sailboat. We've been hearing interesting things about the different electronics vendors. Looking for Chartplotter, Radar, Depth, Speed, Wind, VHF, AIS, and Sirius Weather (or alternative). Would like a 12" screen on the MFD.

Are there strong thoughts about Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, or any others that we should consider?

Personally I like Raymarine, but I have heard good things about Garmin and Simrad. I like to stay with the same brand name for as much of the electronics as possible. The system seems to integrate better and, if you have some trouble, you're not going to have Raymarine blaming Garmin who will then say it's Simrad's problem!

Gary

sailingseadragon · Jun 15, 2015

First – let me say that this just my observations, nothing more.
I have used B&G, Garmin, & Raymarine products. Our boat has an older Raymarine network (SeaTalk) network including NMEA 0183 I installed almost 10 years ago.

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/images/SeaDragonSeatalkConfiguration.pdf

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Instruments.htm

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/AutoPilot.htm

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/S100Remote.htm

I have been very happy with the Raymarine instruments and autopilot. Service has been great and everything works well together. The plug-n-play is a dream and makes it very easy to add components and functionality as needed. I, like others, find the Raymarine user interface less user friendly than the Garmin but about the same as the B&G.

I have talked with many people who have had too many problems with their Raymarine autopilots. However, in almost every case the autopilot was undersized for the boat. Size does matter with autopilots.

So my thoughts are, first when choosing an autopilot bigger is better these things take a lot of abuse (use) so do not skimp on this component. Second, if I were to do it again today, I would be more willing to mix and match components from different manufactures due the interoperability offered by NMEA 2000 support by most manufactures.

For what it is worth,
Garner

PGIJon · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

As an owner of Raymarine products, I am generally happy with their products, however their service (turn around times) and after having an extremely bad experience with one of their VP's. I would go with either B&G or Garmin.

Barnacle Bill · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

I am not familiar with all of the brands listed, but I have navigated with Garmin and Ray Marine a lot and I find Garmin to be very intuitive to use. Their chart plotter is so easy to navigate through and, while I am familiar with how these things work, Garmin definitely is the top of my list. I have used the Ray Marine systems (but not the latest, in case they have made some significant changes) and it was difficult to use. I had to pour through the book to figure out how to do certain functions and with Garmin you don't need their book (well, maybe if you are new to these electronics you might have to read it once). Regarding Radar, I think Furuno has the best reputation among commercial vessels. I have one on my powerboat. On my sailboat I have a different brand, which I bought merely because I got a good deal on it. The Furuno has the nicest readout. I am so sold on Garmin that I have put them on all of my boats (which is 3) and I have a few hand helds as well as back ups. All Garmin. Go Garmin. ;-)

Barnacle Bill · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

I should add that I also have an iPad and an Apple phone and I can navigate on those as well and do, almost more for fun, when day sailing, etc. I have used it in the Caribbean and on Lake Superior, but when sailing long distances like from the Chesapeake to Key West, I like to have a GPS plotter that has all the info you need and for plotting waypoints, etc. That's my 2 cents.

Mike4116 · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

Got a Northstar chart plotter at the Chicago Strictly Sail show about six years ago. Never a problem, reliable, accurate, can get a chip to program for trips and a mere $600 to boot. Not fancy and the screen is smallish but it fits my needs. Point being whatever you get from the minimum to something which will take you around the world you need to buy what you need.

Lander · Jun 15, 2015

Ray Marine EV 100

I installed a new Ray Marine EV 100 auto pilot system late last summer to replace my Ray 60+ series on the Hunter 375 and have had nothing but problems. Chiefly, it lacks the ability to hold a course steadier than 10 degrees either side of the programmed compass course, even in the calmest motor sailing conditions Frustrated :cussing: to say the least, I had the old Ray 60+ repaired, I re-installed it and it has been working flawlessly. I sent the new EV100 back to Ray Marine, but have not heard back at this writing... I may have gotten a "lemon", or it may not be the best choice for a sailboat.

ttac · Jun 15, 2015

Just wanted to add my two cents worth here. One year ago we got hit by lightning and had to change all our electronics. After looking at all the brands and getting quotes from installers, going and playing with them at a store, and asking the same question here on the forum. We found a great installer and he ask more questions. He ask my wife if she can figure out electronics easily? That she can not do! So he suggested we go with Garmin.
We both are so happy with our choice! But I MUST add make sure you get a great installer. That makes a big difference.
Good luck with your choice.
Dean

ROBT · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

B&G has a "racing sailor's pedigree" designed, programmed, and tested predominately with the racing community. It has many advanced and complex features that are practical and indispensable for the sailor wishing to maximum vessel performance. However and as pointed-out by others, the B&G equipment is less intuitive than Raymarine or Garmin. If you want the absolute cutting edge, then B&G is for you. But if cruising is more your pleasure, then stick to Garmin or Raymarine with a slight advantage going to Garmin

gregorybross · Jun 15, 2015

B&G, Simrad and Raymarine all make good stuff and have good online support. I would never buy Garmin. Very bad customer support. They would only give me 10% off list price of a new unit when my chartplotter quit just out of warranty. Marine electronics is not Garmins main market.

mtenzer · Jun 15, 2015

I second this. I hate the raymarine interface and loved my garmin. Much more intuitive and easy to see

sailaway78 said:
My experience is limited to Ray and Garmin. While Ray works as good as Garmin, I have found Garmin to be much more user friendly.

mauruuru · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

I can not rate the other suppliers but I have the full suite of Raymarine instruments on my sailboat except for radar and AIS. If I were to replace them I would definitely NOT buy Raymarine. While the instruments seem robust enough, the support is terrible, the instructions are incomplete, and their proprietary data formats make transporting data almost impossible-yes it can be done but at tremendous effort! In addition, the wheel pilot does not work well under heavy load. Admittedly, with a stern hung rudder, balance is an issue but the pilot hunts relentlessly in following seas of any significant (2 meters or more) size. The interface to the onboard PC running their software via their proprietary ethernet connections are problematic. The Ethernet cables they use do not work well --I replaced them with standard Ethernet cables to get the system to work! They seem to have now gone away from this problem with their new wireless devices but I still would prefer the integrity of a hardwired system.

Gunni · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

This will be my 6th season with a Simrad/Navico chartplotter, integrated multifrequency radar, AIS, and sat. weather/music. Chuck Wayne describes the features and reasons well. Use an installer with a relationship with the manufacturer - these are complex systems, lots of components and networked. Navico now works with a range of charting kits, so you have some really good chart options.

My backups are two varieties of Garmin handheld devices and an old chart station Raymarine.

Colts Fan · Jun 15, 2015

Re: Sailboat Electronics: Raymarine, Simrad, B&G, Garmin, Ot

I just finished a complete re fit on my Hunter 450. New everything! $19K I changed over from Raymarine and went with B&G. My vendor who sells both believed the B&G is more for sailors. Slightly more expensive but not much.
I agree. It is very good and user friendly. I did a lot of research. Raymarine gets mixed reviews out there on the internet blogs. Had Raymarine since 2001 without any problems but I am glad I switched to B&G.

mmhewes · Jun 15, 2015

The "new" electronics.

Greetings,

We have a Catalina 42 mkII; rigged for offshore. We did our research and decided to go Garmin. We have had a couple of issues- 1. the radar "spun off the track". 2. The auto pilot failed (too small for our size of boat). 3. The wireless wind meter will occasionally stop working.

If I were to change anything I think I might hardwire the wind meter in vs. the wireless. But still working out bugs.

Garmin has been TOP NOTCH in helping us to resolve the issues. They took back the gear that failed, and replaced it at no cost (other than return shipping). They even upgraded the autopilot at no additional cost, and ovenight mailed it to us. They have knowledgable tech support and ALWAYS answer the phone and emails. This was the tipping point for us. Ok the gear is very qualified as well.

We have touch screen chartplotter and HD radar- it is great. I would have nothing else.

You must look at the power consumption- ours is high. We have solar panels to help off set this but it is not enough.

Good Luck- do your home work and happy sailing!

Margie

jimmcgee · Jun 15, 2015

My boat came with some very dated Raymarine instruments. Three years ago it was time to replace them and I spend a fair bit of time researching and then talking with vendors at the Annapolis show. The goal was all new instruments and a new chart plotter that would work with our existing Simrad wheel pilot.

At that time Simrad and B&G were much more expensive. B&G had a lot of features for racers that didn't apply to us as bay cruisers.

When I talked with Raymarine they admitted they were not fully NMEA2000 compatible. That was a BIG negative. Garmin was. I'd also had a negative customer service experience with my old Ray gear.

Playing with both systems I found the Garmin chart plotter and displays easier to use and more intuitive. For most things you really don't need a manual.

Over three seasons our Garmin gear hasn't had a problem. A friend who installed a complete Raymarine system on his boat at the same time has had numerous system and wheel pilot problems. His display has had to go in numerous time for warranty work. So often that he bought a second display so he'd have one working unit while the other was in for service

Another issue - updated charts are free downloads from Garmin. Raymarine charges for them (a couple of hundred).

I'm replacing our original four inch display with a seven this season (441s & 741xs). The original plan was to mount the 441 below when I upgraded to the larger display. Instead the 441 will go onto another boat since the 741xs has wireless built in. It will work with Apple or Android tablets and allows you to set way points and do all your route planning from the tablet. In our case a 10 inch Galaxy we already own. And to correct a previous post the wireless is a local WiFi network; it doesn't require a cellular signal to work.

An important feature to look for is the ability to adjust chart resolution. On the Garmins I can adjust how much detail I want to see at various zoom levels and it really comes in handy. Another handy feature is the ability with a couple of button presses to see historical data on any of the displays. Want to know how much the wind has built through the day or how much the barometer is dropping? A couple of button presses will get you there.

Finally if you're reasonably tech savvy you can install one of these systems.

robertsapp · Jun 15, 2015

Defender dropped Garmin

Personally, I find it interesting that Defender, the country's largest marine outfitter, stopped carrying Garmin over a year ago due to issues with their customer support (or lack thereof).

It's also interesting how there are so many different experiences. We've been an all Raymarine boat for quite a while, and have never had a problem. The gear has always worked well. They always answer the phone whenever I've called, and usually have an answer to my question. We're running two new A series touch screen MFDs in our onboard network, which run the free Lighthouse charts that Raymarine provides for download. They're basically a ported version of the NOAA ENC charts. We also run Navionics, which does charge for updates but it's only $99 a year, which is a deal when we get unlimited updates including sonar charts for the entire Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico and all of South America.

I think everyone's stuff is pretty good. But I do have to circle back to the fact that Defender dropped Garmin over warranty and support issues.

Good luck!