Raymarine vs garmin

[jmauld]

The vaccine thread is getting boring so maybe I can start a new debate.

raymarine axiom+ Vs garmin whatever.

Im leaning toward the axiom+. Whatever I decide On I will buy one for my family boat and one for the fishing boat. I don’t want to join multiple forums for tech info and I don’t want to learn two different MFD systems. I have to buy one now since my simrad is broken and I’m tired of giving them money for cheap parts that don’t last for more than a couple of years.

Which one did (or would) you pick and why? Do you regret your choice?

 

[ErikE]

I just installed a Garmin 942 + radar. Love it. Esepcially love the Active Captian Helm option on my tablet so I can have two active views of Nav/Radar depending on sun glare. My wife drove our boat for a half hour or so and easily figured out what she was seeing with zero experience prior.

I had previously used Navionics and now only use it at home for researching different routes, etc.

 

[bobeast]

When I was looking, I went into a West Marine and played around with all the display models. Based on that research, I ended up with Garmin because of the intuitiveness of its interface. You may reach a different conclusion, but I highly recommend you taking a similar approach.

 

[jmauld]

I went to west marine today. They are a generation behind on their displays.
They had the axiom, not the plus. They had the nss3 not the nss3s. For the Garmin, I don’t know.. I haven’t figured out their number system yet. The axiom had been taken out of demo mode, and it kept complaining about not having data, so I really couldn’t get a feel for it.

 

[pyro]

I just installed an Axion+ RV 12. I heard many times the Garmin had a more intuitive interface and the Raymarine gave more advanced options. As a tech junkie, it was Raymarine for me.

After using it for 1-2 months, I get the intuitive interface argument. It's not terrible, but sometimes Raymarine puts some options in really questionable places. For example, I can't comprehend why connecting to the marina's Wifi network (for app updates, firmware updates, etc) would be under "Apps" and not under "Setup". It also was a bit confusing how to sync Navionics routes/waypoints to the Axiom. It syncs to your SD card, which you then have to go import those from the SD card. At first I thought this was crazy, but then I started to understand you could actually pick and choose what you want to sync - but it is another complicated step.

A more typical example is how to start a track. You have to hold down your boat icon which brings up a menu full of good stuff. But at first, I didn't realize it was there - maybe that was just me. But now that you know, it's easy.

I also am very annoyed that Raymarine shut down their internet forums. That was a wealth of helpful information where you could usually just search for info. Now they make you send all questions privately to them. So far I have not gotten an answer back on a question from 1 week ago. I was hoping for better depth finder performance for < 10 ft when coming into very shallow areas. This may more of an issue with through hull transducer (which is also Raymarine) than the MFD.

Overall these things are way over priced for what they are. Charging an extra $1000 for 2" larger screen is crazy. In 5 years these hopefully will be half their price. So it was hard to even justify what I did spend on the 12". That was a pretty big motivating factor to go towards the slightly less expensive Raymarine.

So I can't speak to Garmin since I haven't tried it. I know on my 10+ year old Garmin, their tracks menu was even more confusing. In fact, I just had to help a guy at the marina last week with this. So I suspect I would have complaints if I went with Garmin.

But I agree with your comment with Garmin's model numbering system. This is probably what turned me off to them early on. IMO, it was extremely confusing to figure out which product has which features. Raymarine was much simpler in that regard.

 

[firecadet613]

Very happy with the Raymarine C80 on my last boat from '12-'17. New boat had a Raymarine e97 on it when I bought it. Happy with it, but I've heard great things about Garmin and their ease of use.

Neither Raymarine has failed me which is what matters most. Something to consider is the touchscreen - a major PITA in rough seas vs buttons on the side of the screen.

No way to hold off until boat show season?

 

[saopm]

Do they discount these units at the end of the season or over the winter? We got our boat this spring and is has a new open array so that is making me stick with Raymarine. I’d like to get two 12” MDFs to replace my E120 and Sea Ray Navigator.

 

[jmauld]

I just installed an Axion+ RV 12.
.

Thank you for the very detailed response. This is exactly what I was looking for!!!

No way to hold off until boat show season?

So, I’m going to miss fishing season if I hold off. Do you expect new models or better deals for boat show season?

 

[firecadet613]

Thank you for the very detailed response. This is exactly what I was looking for!!!



So, I’m going to miss fishing season if I hold off. Do you expect new models or better deals for boat show season?

I wouldn't imagine so, with all the supply chain shortages everyone is experiencing. If you can't find them in person to play with, there may be some good videos on YouTube explaining features/menus, then it's just finding the best deal you can.

 

[Jeremygavin]

I prefer Raymarine as well. I agree that Garmin has a better interface but the biggest problem I have with Garmin are their maps. I don’t like the look of them and find them a bit harder to get information from. It is really a Ford Vs Chevy question so there is no wrong answer. I agree with above and try to use them in person and see what you like.

 

[dtfeld]

I updated from 2000 era Raymarine to an Axiom 12 and an Axiom+ 9” with new Doppler Radar, Autopilot, all networked together ( both NEMA2000 and RayNet) including Fusion Apollo stereo head. I've been very happy with the Axioms and how it all turned out. The reason I chose to stay with Raymarine was there was an upgrade path that allowed me to upgrade small parts of the system over a couple years without breaking the bank.

You don't say what other equipment you will be upgrading, but if moving to the Axiom line (or Garmin), you will have to consider integration of other things that feed into the system like transducers, autopilot course computers, anything with NEMA 0183 data like a VHF radio, and especially the radar, as not all radars are compatible.

The only difference between the Axiom and Axiom + is the screen brightness/color, some more memory and better screen resolution in the 7" and 9" models --> http://raymarine.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3903/~/differences-between-axiom-and-axiom-+. If looking for a deal, consider the older Axiom models (maybe even used). My 12" Axiom was "refurbished", probably bought and returned, nothing wrong with it. The 9" Axiom+ screen is slightly nicer looking, compared to the 12" Axiom. Noticeably, brighter, and a little more colorful, not that the Axiom is bad.

As far as operating it, there is a learning curve, so find out how to do something does take some reading and practice, as a lot of thing require tapping on the screen item you want to change (boat icon, the route or track etc). One you've done it a couple times, its not hard, and becomes "intuitive".

I think the biggest difference is integration with other items you will find on a boats network these days, stereos, inverters, battery chargers etc. Both have their preferred list, so if that's something you might be considering down the line, you might want to consider it now. Raymarine has a Victron Energy app, that seems to be pretty functional if your adding their equipment.

I think both are REALLY good options, and will get the job done. The bottom line will be cost and ease of integration. Raymarine was pretty easy for a DIYer.

 

[Skybolt]

I went to west marine today. They are a generation behind on their displays.
They had the axiom, not the plus. They had the nss3 not the nss3s. For the Garmin, I don’t know.. I haven’t figured out their number system yet. The axiom had been taken out of demo mode, and it kept complaining about not having data, so I really couldn’t get a feel for it.

Garmin does not have "nss3" as a model type, that looks like Simrad? Garmin are all GPSMAP xxxx, the latest models are a bit confusing. They are in the 86xx series for their main product, but also have the xx43 series which have almost all the same features. Very subtle differences between those models. The 86xx nomenclature has the screen size after the model 86 numbers and the xx43 has the screen size before the model number. Any model with xsv after it is for sonar support being built in to the unit directly. The 86xx series has/supports three transducers via hardware and the 43 series, i.e. 1243xsv series supports only one, non xsv has no hardware support for transducers, but does support the external sonar modules. Some of the other model differences are for J1939 support via a direct connection not needing any converter/cable. All of the fore mentioned models run the same software and support what ever hardware they detect. That hardware will "automatically" show up if the MFD detects it, if it does not detect it (even if connected) there is not a menu option for that device. Garmin really shines in their NMEA 2000 support and their 3rd party integration allowing the end user to add/modify things like digital switching and camera's. Raymarine has gone out of their way to stop that integration on many levels.

As mentioned above and I agree, I feel Raymarine has better chart look and feel of the higher end subscription (Navionics). It really is Ford vs. Chevy as both Raymarine and Garmin are high end chart plotters and are great products. Both have high end radar that can detect bird swarms around bait etc. For cruising both chart types are excellent.

I think the real decision and one you will not see in the store if demoed, is the the NMEA 2000 support and integration. While Raymarine does support NMEA 2000 very well, the more custom aspects are limited with Raymarine and is where Garmin picks up the ball and goes the extra mile. But not everyone is interested in all of that, but may be something to consider for future upgrades. At the end of the day I have all Garmin products and would not even consider switching. I did have a 9" Axiom+ but returned it because of no end user support for digital switching and cameras, Axiom does support camera's but very specific models. Garmin is also a little particular on camera support as well, but a little more friendly about it.

Good luck as this is a tough decision. What ever road you choose it is very costly to change directions.

 

[Irie308]

I planned to move from Raymarine to Garmin in 2 stages so i installed both. Have a Raymarine 12" Axiom and a Garmin GPS Map 1222. Kept the Raymairne because I wasn't ready to replace the Radar. After using both side by side this season i'm now 50/50. I really like the usability of the Garmin but I do tend to like the accuracy of the Raymarine and Navionics chart. I also like the way Raymarine accesses Vesper AIS and displays that info. The auto routing on the Garmin is fast and accurate if you set the right parameters. The Raymarine gets a bit cluttered with the over use of waypoints. Its easier to jump in and out of screens on the Garmin. Not so much on the Raymarine. I still have the Raymarine autopilot but I've been following those who have installed the Garmin which now have the shadow drive feature. One other thing i love about the Garmin is that you can mirror and control your screen from your iOS device via the active captain app. This is huge when anchoring overnight. I think the deciding factor for me will be who has the better Radar unit which I plan to check out at the boat shows this season. Currently not loving my Raymarine HD Color open array unit.

 

[jmauld]

I haven't looked into the digital switching part yet, that would be beneficial.

Raymarine has this: https://www.raymarine.com/multifunction-displays/digital-switching/czone/index.html which looks to integrate with the axiom. How does the garmin offering differ from that?

Also, what does the garmin do that raymarine cant in terms of NMEA2000 support? Do you have an example? I also keep seeing references that garmin (and to a lesser extent raymarine) are missing options/features when compared to simrad or furuno. What I can't find is a list of those options and features. Maybe I'm just not searching for the right thing, but a thorough spec comparision between the units seems like it would be extremely beneficial.

 

[jmauld]

I planned to move from Raymarine to Garmin in 2 stages so i installed both. Have a Raymarine 12" Axiom and a Garmin GPS Map 1222. Kept the Raymairne because I wasn't ready to replace the Radar. After using both side by side this season i'm now 50/50. I really like the usability of the Garmin but I do tend to like the accuracy of the Raymarine and Navionics chart. I also like the way Raymarine accesses Vesper AIS and displays that info. The auto routing on the Garmin is fast and accurate if you set the right parameters. The Raymarine gets a bit cluttered with the over use of waypoints. Its easier to jump in and out of screens on the Garmin. Not so much on the Raymarine. I still have the Raymarine autopilot but I've been following those who have installed the Garmin which now have the shadow drive feature. One other thing i love about the Garmin is that you can mirror and control your screen from your iOS device via the active captain app. This is huge when anchoring overnight. I think the deciding factor for me will be who has the better Radar unit which I plan to check out at the boat shows this season. Currently not loving my Raymarine HD Color open array unit.

Have you tried this app? https://www.raymarine.com/mobile-apps/raycontrol.html

How does it compare to the garmin offering?

Both devices will send GPS and sonar info to navionics on a tablet, right?

There is something to be said for having both system available in case one goes down.

 

[Irie308]

I think I did when I first installed but I believe you need to have your wireless network up to do so. The Garmin lets you connect directly to the garmin's wifi. I could be wrong though. Will revisit next time at the boat.

 

[jmauld]

I think I did when I first installed but I believe you need to have your wireless network up to do so. The Garmin lets you connect directly to the garmin's wifi. I could be wrong though. Will revisit next time at the boat.

Looks like you just need to enable the wireless router built into the axiom:

The lack of NMEA0183 on the raymarine really makes it difficult to upgrade incrementally. But I respect their forward looking commitment

 

[jmauld]

. I did have a 9" Axiom+ but returned it because of no end user support for digital switching and cameras, Axiom does support camera's but very specific models. Garmin is also a little particular on camera support as well, but a little more friendly about it.

You guys have so far given me a bunch of stuff to search today. I really should be doing my TPS Reports and cover sheets instead.

BUT it looks like axiom supports IP cameras, but will need an external ethernet switch:
https://panbo.com/broad-ip-camera-support-a-raymarine-advantage/
https://www.meridianyachtowners.com...ra-s-with-raymarine-axiom-chartplotter.14981/

 

[Irie308]

You guys have so far given me a bunch of stuff to search today. I really should be doing my TPS Reports and cover sheets instead.

BUT it looks like axiom supports IP cameras, but will need an external ethernet switch:
https://panbo.com/broad-ip-camera-support-a-raymarine-advantage/
https://www.meridianyachtowners.com...ra-s-with-raymarine-axiom-chartplotter.14981/

Ran into this too. Had a hell of a time finding a non raymarine camera that worked. Did eventually find one from over seas (maybe china) that worked.

 

[Skybolt]

I haven't looked into the digital switching part yet, that would be beneficial.

Raymarine has this: https://www.raymarine.com/multifunction-displays/digital-switching/czone/index.html which looks to integrate with the axiom. How does the garmin offering differ from that?

Also, what does the garmin do that raymarine cant in terms of NMEA2000 support? Do you have an example? I also keep seeing references that garmin (and to a lesser extent raymarine) are missing options/features when compared to simrad or furuno. What I can't find is a list of those options and features. Maybe I'm just not searching for the right thing, but a thorough spec comparision between the units seems like it would be extremely beneficial.

From what I had read and spoke with Raymaines tech support, Raymarine only supports that above link to czone through boat manufacturers. Meaning no end user support, so you can't buy aftermarket and make it work for you. I had bought a small 9" Axiom to paly with and setup for digital switching because of what I had read in that same article, but ended up returning the Axiom because of the tech support conversation. Garmin's digital switching just works and supports a few different manufacturers devices, CZone, Yacht Devices and Maretron to name a few. Search the Panbo site, Ben Ellison has a great write up on this exact subject. But for one, Garmin allows on screen setup and assigning of lights and switches and boat pics etc.

As far as what does Garmin do better in support of N2K? That does seem to be the most debated subject. I believe it's because Garmin doesn't show you what it can do unless the devices are configured and on the network and because of that there is a lot of bad information floating around. I will say this, and because the list is too massive, Garmin supports just about any N2K device out there. But there are subtle differences as @Irie308 pointed out with the Vesper AIS. I have vesper 8000 and Garmin doesn't have a special screen for that integration, it supports it just fine like any other AIS. The issue there is the Vesper AIS has some really cool advanced features that Raymarine exploits nicely and Garmin over looks. But camera support is much better with Garmin although both Raymarine and Garmin both only support a specific brand and a few cameras in that line. Garmin has a much better list then Raymarine and supports some analog encoders very nicely. Also the "Helm" feature of Active Captain for Garmin is so very useful in mirroring and control of the MFD, setting up devices that require you to be at the device and also need to see the MFD, this feature allows for a one person configuration. Garmin allows for custom engine screens to be basically what ever you want. But I don't use the MFD for that and have dedicated smaller screens for that.

Also Garmin has some of the best features I have seen with autopilots and Raymarine has a lot of work to catch Garmin on that front.