RAYMARINE VS GARMIN

[KEY-LIME-PIE]

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF UPGRADING THE GPS SYSTEM FOR THE KLP. ANY THOUGHTS ON THE RAYMARINE SPLIT SCREEN DUAL FUNCTION VS GARMIN? IS ONE TRULEY BETTER THAT THE OTHER? PLEASE RESPOND IF YOU USE EITHER OF THESE PRODUCTS! THANKS TOM

[gottaflylee]

Tom, What units are you looking at? I don't like "split units" (ie, gps- sounder) of any bodys. I want a sounder and a GPS. IF one unit goes down you not loseing it all. My 2 cents.

[flatbottom]

KLP I also like Lee have two separate units for the same reason, both are raymarine. If one goes haywire I have the other still functioning. No problems with either unit. I think the plotter is rc435 and the sounder is ds500 digital. The sounder is a transom mount and has kicked up a few times in rough seas coming into IRI and also OC. No adjustment to tighten the sounder hinge bracket(Plastique). It clicks in place. Only happened a few times I was on the throttle to much () could of used some foot crush on those days also The raychart45 plotter gives you limited contour color but you can adjust for many ranges when fishing deeper (white, light blue, dark blue) the unit comes with a self contained antenna or external antenna, I have the external. The internal is # rc435i. The ds500 sounder, for my use is a nice unit. Both are nema(sp) qualified and simple to interface. I have noticed on the ds500 the red button that powers the unit on will stick in 35 degree weather when fishing for stripers. The power buttton for the rc435 has never had this issue. The rc435 accepts the gold navionics card. Color of housing for one is gray and the other is black. Close but no cigar on housing color. I purchased in 2004, maybe the housings have changed color by now. Both are flushed mounted and only receive a fresh water rinse when cleaning the boat. The rc435 did cloud up when I first used it in 2004 in colddd weather, but all seems right now. Most units were that way when they first came out. Again maybe all has changed in 2006/2007. I am satisfied with both and think I made a good decision with my purchase. My bro has the e series from raymarine with all the bells and whistles and has no complaints to date that I know of. His units are used in the Florida heat and humidity. My other bro uses garmin separate units for plotter and sounder and has not had any complaints with those units that I know of. Both raymarine and garmin are great products. Well I have never been lost.....LOL

[anthony]

Tom, I think you know my opinion on this but in case you don't...I prefer two seperate units. Not a big fan of Raytheon, maybe Raymarine is an improvement. The boat I ran in the WMO had a Garmin plotter and it was ok, but I MUCH prefer my Furuno.

[Peter Mancuso]

Good morning Cap
I have the Garmin 198C split.
It's a pretty good unit and the view is really good even when I am at the transom and the unit is in an overhead box in the cockpit. I don't have to squint to see the screen.

[Sterling]

I've had recent models of both and they have been combination units. Much of the new equipment on the market today is integrated onto one display which has both advantages, and disadvantages. The integration can drive a lower total price and may work better on some helms, more importantly there are often nice features to use on combined units. i.e. setting waypoints on your sounder. Some good concerns are also noted above.

Just considering charplotter and sounder, probably the most important piece is the mapping software (i.e. map chips). And I believe both companies have a good offering there.

I found the Garmin easy to use, a nice display and great customer service.

My Raymarine system is fully integrated with Radar and if you are adding Radar, Raymarine has a lot experience and a nice offering.

On equipment like this I think it will be most important to purchase from a local business who will stand by you if you need support. I think you will do well with either choice.