The world of marine electronics has changed dramatically over the past few years. With advances in technology, new products are coming out every year that make life on the water easier and more enjoyable. There are two major companies that dominate this market; Raymarine and Garmin. These two companies have been competing for over a decade now with both producing some of the best marine electronics you can find.
The raymarine vs garmin 2021 is a battle of the best marine GPS products. Raymarine and Garmin have been competing for years to be the best in their fields.
Raymarine and Garmin are two of the most well-known brands in the world of maritime electronics and chart plotting marine technology systems. Both give excellent service and unit models with modern marine technological threads across a wide range of requirements, whether it’s recreational boating or fishing. But, with this in mind, which brand is superior: Raymarine or Garmin?
When deciding between Raymarine and Garmin, keep in mind that both have daylight viewability, can improve on past boating experiences with defective marine equipment, and feature digital switching. Garmin chart plotters, on the other hand, have superior radar, mapping capabilities, and a brighter display when compared side by side.
Are you attempting to pick between a Raymarine charting device and a Garmin charting device? Do you need more information to ensure that you make the best choice possible for your chart plotter needs? If that’s the case, this in-depth tutorial is for you.
This article will go over some important facts about both businesses, as well as an in-depth look at two of their finest models, as well as a Simrad model to balance out the comparison.
Raymarine vs. Garmin: What’s the Difference?
To begin, Raymarine and every new Garmin model in the ever-expanding Garmin range are excellent for boats for almost any purpose. Both brands are likewise quite similar, with variances ranging from 1 to 5 variants depending on the model version being compared.
Although there is a possibility that a user may wish to replace one brand with another based on these often minor changes in categories, most users of either brand will discover that the differences are minor and that no replacement is required.
Let’s look at some of the distinctions in the five major categories with that in mind.
Charting
When compared side by side, Raymarine allows a little more leeway for charting capabilities from popular third-party charting apps, whereas Garmin, and this is true of any of the brand’s devices, only allows its own in-house technology with some variations in place for essential technologies like Navionics.
Both brands have Navionics, which gives both brands’ charting tools a little more strength.
Raymarine’s charting technology is regularly rated as some of the finest in the maritime electronic device community, while Garmin’s charting technology is routinely ranked as some of the best in the maritime electronic device community.
Raymarine came out on top as the overall champion.
Technology based on sonar
Both companies provide units with the industry-standard CHIRP sonar technology, and although Raymarine does a decent job of presenting and integrating CHIRP, Garmin boosts the power to approximately 1 kilowatt, which is really remarkable.
Garmin came out on top as the overall champion.
Radar
In terms of radar, the two brands are about comparable. Garmin, on the other hand, has some incredible radar technology, especially in the Striker 7SV by Garmin. However, both brands are excellent at minimizing the likelihood of an accident.
Garmin came out on top as the overall champion.
Screen
The screen quality on both brands in all units is competent and bright, however the brightness of the pictures, maps, and overall display readings on a Garmin device is a little better when compared to the more indexed kind of design seen on a Raymarine device.
Garmin came out on top as the overall champion.
Additional Relationships
For external device connection and recording, Garmin is excellent, while most Raymarine devices depend on SD cards and USB ports. However, SD is essential, and Garmin isn’t always good at integrating it for people who do want to utilize it.
Draw is the overall winner.
Is there a difference between Garmin and Raymarine?
This is entirely dependent on the requirements of each individual user. In my view, Garmin has better GPS, and the screen quality is brilliant regardless of the weather conditions, although Raymarine offers a small advantage in areas like sonar and charting choices.
The Raymarine Axiom series, particularly the Axiom 7 by Raymarine, has a quad-core CPU that provides rapid reaction and the capacity to run several applications at the same time without experiencing any slowdowns. And in terms of speed, simplicity of use, and versatility, this function is really remarkable.
Even when it comes to the outstanding Raymarine Axiom series, Garmin is one step ahead of the curve, as it usually is. Even on the brightest days, the vivid, sunlight-readable display on Garmin devices offers you a clear picture of what’s below your boat. The bigger screen also allows you to see what’s going on underneath the boat.
The user interface is easy to access to any function you need, ensuring that you are prepared for anything on the water.
Overall winner – the finest of these two companies provides exactly what you need from your gadgets, and each line is exceptional.
Is Raymarine a reputable company?
Raymarine is unquestionably an excellent brand of maritime electronics, and the Raymarine Axiom series, in particular, is a leader in this area. Any model in the Raymarine Axiom series has a clean, configurable interface that may be tailored to your preferred navigation method.
Furthermore, all of the devices in this series are designed to be flush or surface mounted.
Raymarine was founded in 1923 and has always been a part of Raytheon, which manufactures military defensive systems. As a result, every Raymarine product is guaranteed to be innovative.
Is it true that Garmin bought Raymarine?
FLIP Systems acquired Raymarine in 2010. In 2010, Garmin made an attempt to buy Raymarine, but FLIP Systems eventually won the bidding and takeover battle.
Is it possible to use Raymarine radar with Garmin?
Many people believe that Raymarine radar can operate with Garmin radar systems, however this is not the case. Because none of the two manufacturers, nor the radar systems they employ, are compatible with one another, neither can be swapped out for the other.
Some users have discovered a method to connect Garmin’s radar network to Raymarine’s, however this is not advised since it may create problems in each device’s radar system.
To prevent any malfunctions with each brand’s devices, it’s essential to follow the radar protocols included with each unit.
Is Raymarine on the verge of going out of business?
FLIP CEO Jim Cannon said in a news statement in May 2020:
“We decided to put that procedure on hold for the time being in order to operate the company.” It definitely faces greater challenges than some of our other military or professional industrial exposure.”
Maritime electronics sales have been impacted severely by the Covid-19 epidemic, and although Raymarine is not going out of business, new product development has been stopped, and FLIR is contemplating a future sale of Raymarine.
The firm is still in operation, and its goods are distributed all over the globe.
Raymarine Axiom 7 versus Garmin Striker 7SV vs Simrad Cruise is a cruise ship built by Simrad.
We’ll take a close look at three of the most popular marine electronic chart plotters on the market from three of the most popular manufacturers in the next section. Each of these models is user-friendly and equipped with a variety of features that cater to your particular sailing requirements.
Simrad Cruise
The Simrad Cruise is one of the most user-friendly chartplotters on the market. The kit includes everything you’ll need for easy and uncomplicated GPS navigation, including a sunlight-viewable display, mounting bracket, and sonar transducer.
Simrad Cruise can show charts, navigation, and sonar in a split-screen format or in full screen independently.
Navigation through menus, planning routes, and accessing temperature, speed, depth measurements, and battery voltage is a breeze using the rotary dial and keypad controls. Simple menus, as well as easy-to-use rotary dial and keypad controls, are some of the Simrad Cruise’s main features.
The Simard Cruise can use a variety of C-MAP and Navionics upgraded charts.
The pre-selected split screens are a fantastic feature that allows you to retain essential info in views like display depth, location, battery power, and more. The transducer is fully configured and ready to use and is included in the package. There’s also a lot of easy navigating between menus, which is crucial while you’re at sea.
This chart plotter also has simple menus for finding information fast when you need it, as well as rotary dial and keypad controls for moving from screen to screen with ease.
You can confidently put the instruction manual away; with Simrad Cruise, you can just switch on your display and go without having to check instructions or a handbook to verify you have the correct programmed settings in place.
This enables you to remain on track and know where you are and where you’re heading at all times. Because this chart plotter comes pre-loaded with base maps, the Simrad Cruise also comes with all the charts you’ll need to have a great day on the water.
You may also choose from a variety of improved charts from C-MAP and Navionics, as well as sophisticated features like as C-MAP Easy Routing, for a complete navigating experience.
But, in all honesty, the excellent display view of what you need to see is one of the most creative and helpful aspects of this device. Simrad Cruise has both full-screen and split-screen views, allowing you to conveniently show the data you need.
Are you thinking of charting your own path? That won’t be an issue since you may choose full-screen charts to get the most out of your surroundings.
Are you unsure about what’s under your feet? This is critical, and the Simrad Cruise gives you the option of using full-screen sonar for a clear view of the bottom and automated depth monitoring. You may also utilize the split-screen option to get the best of both the chart and the sonar data.
This chart plotter appeals to me since it enables you to remain informed in every manner imaginable about navigation. The Simrad Cruise provides you all the data you need to have a safe and pleasant day on the water. On your screen, you can keep track of depth measurements, location, battery power, and other important boat data for fast reference and situational awareness.
One of the best, without a doubt.
Pros:
- Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need for easy and uncomplicated GPS navigation.
- Simrad Cruise comes preloaded with a US coastline map and all the charts you’ll need to spend your day on the water.
- C-MAP and Navionics enhanced charts are supported.
- Intuitive menus allow you to easily locate the information you need.
- Navigating from one screen to the next is a breeze with the rotary dial and keypad controls.
- On your screen, you can keep track of depth measurements, location, battery power, and other important boat data for fast reference and situational awareness.
- Without the need for fine-tuning or pre-programming, the included 83/200 transducer offers superb automated depth tracking for worry-free operation.
Cons:
- The mapping navigation may be a little difficult at first, but as long as you let the device sync and scan the region correctly, it should become easier.
- The depth records aren’t as precise as they are on other chart plotters.
Raymarine Axiom 7
The Raymarine Axiom is a sophisticated multifunction navigation system that has won many awards. Raymarine’s powerful new LightHouse 3 operating system and a supercharged quad-core CPU power the Axiom 7 DV, which has a 7-inch robust all-glass touchscreen display.
For visualizing bottom structure and fish, the Axiom 7 DV features a built-in dual-channel CHIRP DownVision sonar.
The capabilities of Axiom 7 DV may be expanded as required. Quantum radar, CHIRP sonar, FLIR thermal cameras, audio integration, instrumentation, cameras, and the Evolution autopilot are all supported.
The newest Raymarine applications for tablets and smartphones may be accessed through standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
The CPT-100DVS transom mount transducer, surface and trunnion mounting kits, mounting hardware, power/data cable, and installation instructions are all included with the Axiom 7 DV. It comes with Navionics+ Charts for North America, which includes complete coastline coverage for the United States and Canada, as well as over 20,000 interior ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Advanced features like as SonarChart Live and Dock-to-dock Autorouting are also compatible with the Navionics+ charts. Axiom 7 DV also works with a variety of C-MAP and LightHouse Charts raster and vector electronic charts.
The Axiom’s quad-core CPU is the outstanding feature, since it provides rapid responsiveness and the capacity to run several applications concurrently without slowing down. LightHouse 3 is quick, fluid, and simple to pick up.
The minimalist interface is completely configurable and may be tailored to your preferred navigation method. This device is also suitable for flush or surface installation. Any helm will look fantastic with Axiom’s elegant buttonless design and swipe-to-power control.
Pros:
- Fish-targeting CHIRP sonar and ultra-wide CHIRP Down Vision are built-in.
- A quad-core CPU provides lightning-fast performance with no lag.
- A multi-touch interface and the sophisticated Lighthouse 3 operating system make sailing smarter and more intuitive.
- You can see or manage your unit from your iOS or Android smartphone thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and free Raymarine Apps.
- Includes Navionics+ maps covering the whole coast of the United States and Canada, as well as over 20,000 interior ponds, rivers, and lakes.
- Multifunction display, surface mounting kit, trunnion mounting kit, mounting hardware, power/data cable, installation instructions, Navionics+ chart card, and transducer are all included in the package.
Cons:
- Several marine electronics aren’t as good for fishing as they are for boating, and this model falls into that category, according to some reviews.
- Constant gain resetting may be an issue.
Garmin Striker 7SV
The Garmin Quickdraw Contours map creation program is included with the Striker Plus 7sv fishfinder, which has a brilliant 7-inch display and a built-in Garmin GPSmap. It saves up to 2 million acres of material with 1-inch contours. Traditional sonar from Garmin produces crystal-clear pictures with excellent target separation.
Nobody understands the seas you fish better than you and your fellow fisherman when it comes to fishing. Quickdraw Contours mapping program produces HD fishing maps of the areas you’ve visited when you’re trolling the shorelines and depths. This unique feature does not require any particular expertise.
You can also utilize the built-in Wi-Fi to connect to the ActiveCaptain app for smart alerts, Quickdraw Contours Community statistics, and other features.
The ability to obtain almost photographic pictures of what goes under and alongside your boat using CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars is one aspect that really jumps out to me. This is very useful for avoiding collisions.
Because the Garmin ClearVü scanning sonar provides a virtually photographic, broad picture of what passes under your boat, this is the case.
Garmin SideVü scanning sonar also provides a sharp, clear picture of what’s on either side of your boat. Structures, underwater items, and, most importantly, fish can all be seen clearly. Traditional sonar from Garmin offers exceptional target separation, and all of this sonar technology is integrated into a single transducer to help you capture more fish.
Wherever you travel on the water, the built-in, high-sensitivity Garmin GPSmap detects and keeps your location. You may use the GPS to create waypoints for various places. If the fish are biting in one area, for example, you may note it and come back to it on your next trip. You may also plan routes back to docks, boat ramps, and other places on the lake for your next excursion.
The Garmin GPSmap also enables the STRIKER Plus 7sv to display your speed on the LCD, ensuring that you’re trolling at the appropriate pace for the lure you’re using or in wake-controlled locations.
Fishing is a joy with the STRIKER Plus 7sv fishfinder, which is designed to operate in any setting, even damp circumstances. Even on the brightest days, the vivid, sunlight-readable display offers you a clear picture of what’s underneath your boat. The bigger screen also allows you to see what’s going on underneath the boat.
The user interface is easy to access to any function you need, ensuring that you are prepared for anything on the water.
Pros:
- The transducer for the built-in Garmin CHIRP conventional sonar, as well as the CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars, is included.
- With the included Quickdraw Contours mapping program, you can generate and save maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres at a resolution of 800 × 480 pixels.
- Wi-Fi built-in for access to the ActiveCaptain app, which allows you to get smart alerts, access the Quickdraw Contours Community, and transfer waypoints, as well as receive software update notifications.
- You can mark waypoints, plan routes, and monitor the boat’s speed using the built-in Garmin GPSmap, and you can transmit up to 500 W of electricity (RMS)
- A brilliant, sunlight-readable 7-inch display and an easy-to-use user interface are included.
Cons:
- There is no mapping included with the fish detector.
Is Simrad superior than Garmin?
When it comes to the better radar technology present in almost every Simrad device, Simrad seems to have an advantage over Garmin. However, Garmin wins this debate only because of its unique Livescope technology, which is superior than Simrad’s Livesight technology in terms of overall performance.
What is the best way to utilize Raymarine autopilot?
The first step is to determine what kind of autopilot drive your Raymarine device has aboard. After selecting your suitable drive and pressing select, you’ll need to choose the correct rudder limitations and double-check that the rudder is set to port and functioning in the opposite direction. This is how to utilize the autopilot function on a Raymarine device correctly.
Is Raymarine the owner of Flir?
Yes, FLIR Systems bought Raymarine in 2010 and now owns all of the company’s subsidiaries. FLIR Systems collaborates with Raymarine on a regular basis to improve the company’s product features.
Summary
When comparing Raymarine and Garmin units, particularly when a new model in each line is released, both manufacturers offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the requirements of a maritime boater or those who fish mainly.
Both models have daylight viewability, both brands can help improve any prior boating experience with defective marine equipment, both brands offer digital switching and large screens, but Garmin chart plotters have superior radar and mapping capabilities on the whole. In a side-by-side comparison, Garmin screens are also somewhat brighter.
Raymarine’s Axiom series of units are excellent, and the Raymarine Axiom 7 is one of my personal favorites. However, whatever model you select should be evaluated against your specific needs.
The west marine is a battle of the best marine GPS products. Raymarine and Garmin have been competing for years with their products.
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- simrad vs raymarine
- raymarine axiom
- garmin marine
- marine electronics
