Raymarine C90w vs Garmin 740s

[Mood Swings]

The time has come to update and add some new electronics to the boat. Originally I thought the Raymarine C90w with radar was what I wanted but now I have seen a lot of ads touting the Garmin 740s. I would appreciate some imput on pros and cons of each and other units to look at if possible. We currently are on Lake Allatoona but are planning on shipping our boat to the east coast for a while and later to the Tennessee River. The Chart plotter and radar will probably get the most use. Thanks for the help.

PS. I know the Antenna is at an angle and I appologize in advance. We have covered slips in GA and she came out just long enough for the picture. I will try to update the picture when the weather improves....

 

[RollerCoastr]

In an apples-to-apples comparison, there isn't anything in the Raymarine lineup that I would choose over Garmin.

I like the look of Raymarine open arrays more than I do the Garmin, but not enough to sway me.

Having said that, you're not comparing similar models. The Garmin is a 7" touchscreen, while the Ray is a 9" softkey, and is about half again more expensive.

I like the 740. The performance is impressive and it has Garmin's excellent user interface, but it's small!

 

[Mood Swings]

Thanks for the insight. I did realize that they are not equals but I was really wondering if the reduction in screen from 9 on the Raymarine to 7 on the Garmin was offset by the touch screen feature on the Garmin. I have been leaning towards the Garmin for a while based on features and newer technology.

 

[RollerCoastr]

IMO, a smaller screen works against a touchscreen device MORE than it does keyed one. If the situation were reversed, if we were discussing a larger touchscreen vs. a smaller softkey, there wouldn't BE a discussion. I spend significantly less time and effort steadying my hand to hit a touchscreen virtual button than I do reaching for a small softkey, which by virtue of being dynamic, might be in a mode that enables a function other than what I want. The action I perform most often while underway is panning. I assume that applies to many people. With a touchscreen, it's just a swipe of your finger, which makes a trackpad seem hopelessly awkward and old fashioned.

This summer, after recommending the 740 to some friends, I set aside part of an afternoon to teach the admiral how to use "her" new plotter. I had already uploaded a set of routes I had created for myself, so after 10 minutes, we had created new routes, zoomed, panned, viewed aerial photos, discussed tracks and waypoints... there was nothing else to do! In contrast, I know tech-saavy Raymarine owners who haven't completely mastered their plotters after years of ownership.

The benefits of the 740 include:

- hands-down the easiest interface of any plotter mfr
- great speed/performance
- better support/updates
- SD card interface. (RayM uses a CF. Seriously guys?)
- Excellent and inexpensive PC plotting
- smaller overall footprint

The disadvantages:

- small screen requires a steady hand
- small screen requires frequent zooming to see detail

I'd argue that the Garmin 5x08 is more comparable. It's a little slower than the 740, but has an 8.4" screen with VGA input/output capability. (engine room camera, TV at the helm, your plotter screen displayed on your TV below...)

 

[RollerCoastr]

Note: to be fair, I should've mentioned that Raymarine has introduced touchscreen functionality on their higher-end plotters, but afik, the prices start well above the range we're discussing here.

 

[Mood Swings]

I really appreciate the insight. I will look at the 8.5 Garmin now with your explanation. Thanks

 

[arcticspud]

I have the 5208 in my boat and it is great.

 

[MrFL54]

Just picked up the 740s last summer and love it. Extreamly easy to use. Here is a like and demo of some of the features.
http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/4683060

 

[kaz911]

- SD card interface. (RayM uses a CF. Seriously guys?)

While I do agree on your choice of the 740S your SD vs CF made me laugh.

The CF is MUCH more appropriate for marine usage than an SD card. You have PIN's in a CF that enter into the CF card and provides 4 sided contact so a LARGE surface for electrical contact.

On an SD card you have a surface that is "pushed" by a thin PIN type application (much like an old vinyl record player - or your SIM card in your phone) - and only push on ONE side - not 4 sides like CF.

That is why you see CF cards in PROFESSIONAL cameras - and NOT SD Cards. They are just much more reliable in the rough and less prone to corrosion.

Apart from that - CF is also faster (5-10 times dependent on who you ask) - but have ONE problem - and that is pin's can get damaged - that is quite expensive to replace.

 

[electricaldoctor]

720s $1,599.00 loaded with inland maps

740s $1,699.00 loaded with coastal maps

Other than the loaded maps, these units are identical.

 

[mawyatt]

Our boat came with the Raymarine E120, so Garmin was not an option. I installed the new High Def RM 24" Dome Radar (RD424HD), and DSM30 FF/Sounder (with B60 Transducer), along with a KVH heading sensor and some interface electronics (SeaTalk & NMEA0183). I am very pleased with the result, the RM radar and FF work very well. I believe the RM Radar is best in class and maybe the FF too. Now I have so much info on the E120 I am probably going to install another E120 or E80 MFD. My point is the newer RM stuff is plug n play, easy to install and gives very good results. I think Garmin put the pressure on RM to improve their products or lose market share and RM responded. My only gripe with RM is they tend to be more expensive, and Garmin seems to be a better value IMO.