Electronics Recommendations

Robf

Active Member
Apr 17, 2013
367
Winfield, WV
Boat Info
2006 44 Sedan Bridge
Cummins QSC 500s
Walker Bay Center Console Dinghy
Engines
Twin Cummins QSC 500s
Guys, I am looking at replacing the old Raymarine GPS that came standard on the 390 MY next year and am wondering if I should stick with Raymarine or change over to Simrad, Garmin, or another option. I still have the old open array Raymarine radar that works fine, but I assume it is not compatible even with the newer Raymarine products, so don't know if there is any benefit in staying in the family. Also, not sure of the real differences between the a and e class of Raymarine products. Any insights and suggestions are welcome!
Rob
 
I replaced my 390MY's electronics this year, with Ray A and E series.

I swore after the experience I had with them on my Formula I wouldn't but them again, but I did and can't say I'm totally happy with them. For the most part they work well, but there are some minor annoyances, though all could be corrected through software updates.

A to E is really just all touch or touch+physical buttons (which I find useful in rough water).

I didn't care for the new ES's controls, they didn't feel as nice at hand compared to the older e-series.
 
I ended up with Garmin across the board (radar, chartplotter, GPS, Autopilot, etc) and am very happy with the products and the easy integration (all NMEA 2000). The propriety network that Raymarine now has steered me away from them.
 
I am in the process of updating and I have been steered away from Raymarine by two different retailers that carry raymarine and other products.


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I am in the process of updating and I have been steered away from Raymarine by two different retailers that carry raymarine and other products.


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What was their rationale?


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t has been two years now since we joined the 'Dark Side', and the Ray Marine electronics that came with our 2000 Sea Ray 380 DA have worked well enough. We have funky problem with the Chart Plotter not wanting to turn on sometimes, but I have always been able to get it to work with liberal use of the clear and power buttons. Also, I learned if I am careful how I turn the switches off, (shutting down power to the antenna and autopilot first, then clearing the alarm and then turning of the plotter), Everything usually works stellar the next time. I did think about replacing the Chart Plotter but the new versions are not compatible with the current Radar array, so you have to basically upgrade the whole navigation electronics system. I crewed for anther Captain I know bringing a 47 foot Passport home from Puerto Vallarta Mexico. The super duper computer driven navigation failed the first day, but we were able to use the Ray Marine Auto Pilot and Ray Marine Radar in stand alone mode. They worked famously for the whole trip. Both our sail boats had Furuno equipment, and I loved it. Seeing as I have made the old system in the Sea Ray function adequately, I will stick with what we have, but when it dies my wallet will vote for Furuno replacements.
 
What was their rationale?


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The lack of raymarine being able to talk with other devices. Can not talk down to my autopilot which is 0183 raymarine. THey said going to Garmin would be able to talk down and with NMEA2000


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I just purchased the A128 with a rmk-9 remote and quantum radar. Hope to start the install in a few weeks. I will keep you posted. These units had everything I need for less than the Garmins. I got a great deal. I didn't go with the E series because it wouldn't fit. So I got the remote to mount in another location. They are user friendly. Hope to add the down vision next year.
 
I replaced my dual E-120's and analog radar with dual Es 127's, digital HD Color Radar and new transducer and fairing block. I was able to integrate my existing st8001 auto pilot. I much preferred the Navionics charts to the Garmin proprietary charts. I've been very happy with this new Raymarine system through one season of use. I'd highly recommend it.
 
I haven't had a problem with my Garmin. My last boat I had a 781 and this one 7610 with the HD radar and Vision card. I really like the touch screen. It make it easy to navigate around. Just a little tricky once underway to search for something bouncing around.
 
I replaced my dual E-120's and analog radar with dual Es 127's, digital HD Color Radar and new transducer and fairing block. I was able to integrate my existing st8001 auto pilot. I much preferred the Navionics charts to the Garmin proprietary charts. I've been very happy with this new Raymarine system through one season of use. I'd highly recommend it.

Hey @bmac I have the same setup with the st8001 autopilot and the ES127 displays. However my ES127 show “No Pilot”. When I brought this up to the installer he said it was because the st8001 was older and I would need to upgrade the AP if I wanted full compatibility between the MFD and the AP. Does your display also show “No Pilot”?

A68E0C7E-40CB-4C76-8D6C-2F62DA6815AB.jpeg
 
GARMIN!!!
Customer service and integration.
Customer service and integration.
Please don't buy a Raymarine!
After my experience with them I promised not only would I never buy another Ray product but I would go out of my way to ensure none of my friends ever did.
One example. Bought an upper end fish finder for my 24 cc. Used it less than a month. Took it off and put it in a custom electronics case I had made EVERY time I left the boat. Season was cut short by an Iraq deployment. When I got home I opened it up and the screen was foggy. I had all the paperwork to support my claim, dated receipt and Army orders. Their response, "I can send it back and they will give me $50.00 toward a new one.
All I owne is Garmin. Not only will tech support spend time on the phone with you but, if you have suggestions on how you think software should be tweaked or a better way to integrate two devices, they will make notes of your suggestions.
 
Hey @bmac I have the same setup with the st8001 autopilot and the ES127 displays. However my ES127 show “No Pilot”. When I brought this up to the installer he said it was because the st8001 was older and I would need to upgrade the AP if I wanted full compatibility between the MFD and the AP. Does your display also show “No Pilot”?

View attachment 60597
My AP works just fine. I'm not sure of the details since I didn't do the install myself, but if I recall correctly my electronics guy used a Seatalk 1 to Seatalk NG converter kit to allow the AP to communicate with the new eS127's along the new NG backbone.
 

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