Raymarine C or E series

[tomfrmnh]

Hey Guys and gals,
I am going to be upgrading my display and adding radar in the off season. Does any one have first hand experience with both E series and C series raymarine that can tell me if the extra cost of the E series is worth the expense? It looks like for me the only advantage is the chartography of the E to except the platinum charts. They do look pretty neat with the 3D view and all but I am not sure for me if it is worth it. Using on a 23' foot CC there is no need for the video input or outputs. I will only be using the Fishfinder (DSM-300), GPS (Raystar 125) and Radar (RD218 Dome I think..thoughts?) I fish the north shore of Massachusetts, coastal out to the inner humps. Thanks in advance for any advise.

[stokes86]

The difference between the E or C series is mostly in the screen resolution for way you describe to use it. IMO the E is not worth the extra cost unless you’re going to be using the video inputs as well as networking two or more machines together. Don't get me wrong the E is a beautiful unit and processes very fast, but the C should be just fine for your use.

[3ccc's]

i had my c 80for a year and so far i'm happy with it . the only issue i had was the power cable would come loose and shut the machine down.replaced plug and no problems. the fish finder is great,..resolution is fantastic,gps is also good. idon't have my radar through it ,still using a stand alone si tex radar. maybe this winter i'll get the new radar or the sr50 weather box?as far as the e machine a friend of mine has one and it seems great also a larger screen which is nice .unless you have a huge console the c80 is more than enough also unbelievably daylight veiwable. use to have a 1650 furuno and the difference is nigh and day.either way you can't go wrong.

[Dads Dream]

Hey Guys and gals,
I am going to be upgrading my display and adding radar in the off season. Does any one have first hand experience with both E series and C series raymarine that can tell me if the extra cost of the E series is worth the expense? It looks like for me the only advantage is the chartography of the E to except the platinum charts. They do look pretty neat with the 3D view and all but I am not sure for me if it is worth it. Using on a 23' foot CC there is no need for the video input or outputs. I will only be using the Fishfinder (DSM-300), GPS (Raystar 125) and Radar (RD218 Dome I think..thoughts?) I fish the north shore of Massachusetts, coastal out to the inner humps. Thanks in advance for any advise.

*Tom -

This is a great post- will like to hear other input too

Sounds like you & I fish the same waters.....and I've just wrapped up my 4th season on a Humminbird Matrix 97. The last 2 yrs, I've passed on upgrading ideas......and I love the looks of the C80~ coupled w/ the DSM 300~ what did you do for a transducer?

PM me if you have any other ideas

[tomfrmnh]

Rich,

I currently have a transom mount P-66. The display is an RL70 plus. For now a 600 watt is fine for me, big bucks for a 1000 watt! I agree, the C-80 looks like a great deal for what I need. The boat is new to us this year so it spent more time with the wife and kids going to the beach than fishing. This BFT thing has me jazzed up for next year though. Hopefully this off season will go fast and we will be back on it in short order (wishfull thinking I know). We live in Hampton, NH and boat out of the Merrimac river. I have read your posts (always great and thanks) in the past. Look forward to sharing what I learn.

[Saltyric]

Great post.......I am in the process of upgrading to a c-80, DSM300, and a 600w thru hull.....I looked at the 1000w, but a little skeptical of drilling a 4" hole in my hull!!!!!!

[cdail28590]

I have been on 3 boats with the Raymarine E series and 2 had problems. Both boats were brand new and the electronics were installed by reputable dealers. The GPS would stop working periodically or the depth finder would stop. It took Jarrett Bay 2 days to fix the problems on one boat during the Big Rock Tournament. I did like the water temp options, but for me I would look at Furuno or Garmin units.

[tomfrmnh]

I have been on 3 boats with the Raymarine E series and 2 had problems. Both boats were brand new and the electronics were installed by reputable dealers. The GPS would stop working periodically or the depth finder would stop. It took Jarrett Bay 2 days to fix the problems on one boat during the Big Rock Tournament. I did like the water temp options, but for me I would look at Furuno or Garmin units.

Thanks for the input. I already have the raymarine transducer, sounder and GPS antennae. Starting from scratch with another manufactuer would most certainly drive up the cost but, an option I know I should at least look at. Any particular problems with the "C" that you know of? It looks like for me the only difference is going to be the 3D mapping. I did notice that the E draws quite a bit more power due to the graphics processor I guess.

Saltyric, I believe that Ray' sells a transom mount 1000w transducer.

[cdail28590]

The problems were all with the E units. I have only been on 1 boat with the C stuff and no issues.

[000's]

Better buy furuno !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!