wasnotwas
Well-Known Member
Was wondering which of these are the best brand for GPS,Radar etc....
Many thanks for your help.
Many thanks for your help.
Northstar vs Raymarine vs Navman
- Thread starter wasnotwas
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Whitelighter
Well-Known Member
Navman and Northstar are the same product from the same company branded differently.
So your question is really, whats better Navman/Northstar or Raymarine.
The answer is dependant on what you want to do. I have had kit from both manfucturers and they both work well. If you want stand alone kit, like a simple colour plotter or fishfinder then Northstar will work perfectly, be more cost effective to buy and do the job.
If you want a fully integrated system with Radar, Autopilot, Central command screen, GPS plotter, AIS all linked as well to speed and tepth displays then I would go for Raymarine.
So your question is really, whats better Navman/Northstar or Raymarine.
The answer is dependant on what you want to do. I have had kit from both manfucturers and they both work well. If you want stand alone kit, like a simple colour plotter or fishfinder then Northstar will work perfectly, be more cost effective to buy and do the job.
If you want a fully integrated system with Radar, Autopilot, Central command screen, GPS plotter, AIS all linked as well to speed and tepth displays then I would go for Raymarine.
oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
NONE of them. As said Navman and Northstar are the same budget kit. Raymarine is over priced and the company may not survive unless taken over.
Garmin is the best of breed in all classes and always was in the gps market, far superior to raymarine but better priced.
madabouttheboat
Well-Known Member
I would suggest that that statement should be followed by IMHO.
I would say that you should have a good look at the different makes on offer, this is where boat shows are great, and go with the one that you feel offers the best in terms of usability and cost.
Personaly I would go Raymarine every time, but this is IMHO of course.
oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
Fair comment about IMHO
But this has also been born out of extensive experience using raymarine for years and providing training on the use of raymarine and garmin gear (and other brands).
Garmin wins on practically every score, but if I was to limit it to three aspects that stand out it is ease of use with simple logical menus, and PC integration for route data exchange and passage planning on PC (eg MapSource and now HomePort). Raymarine benefit from a degree of brand loyalty as they are longer established (ie post raytheon).
The third and perhaps best feature is the FREE preloaded detailed marine charts of the whole UK and Ireland on their 451, 551, 556, and 750 entry and mid range plotters. This kills raymarine/navionics or raymarine/c-map on cost and IMHO quality of cartography (ie IMHO BlueCharts G2 and G2 vision best of breed). I respect the brand quality of raymarine, but they have simply lag behind in terms of primary function and simplicity. What made raymarine king in the marine space in the past was their complete range of marine kit including plotter, radar, instruments, sonar and auto pilot, but Garmin entered that space 4 years ago.
It's not just "IMHO", the market and boat builders have voted with their feet.
It seems many boat builders have havedefected/switched from raymarine to garmin for the past three years. IMHO and extensive technical experience, Garmin is simply better in every respect. Weither it's an entry level priced 451 or a top of the range 7000 series, garmin are now the established new king in the marine space.
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madabouttheboat
Well-Known Member
I think there is still alot of your opinion in this. I also have used both Garmin and Raymarine over the last few years and I would say that Ray is far superior in terms of ease of use. I find Garmin very difficult to work, which is why I suggested trying them all first. Each to their own but while some, like yourself, find Garmin easy to use, others like me, find quite the opposite.
I also have an issue with Garmin using their own cartography. There are a number of Garmin users out there that have been left high and dry because Garmin decided not to continue supporting certain cartpgraphy. At least with C-map and Navionics you seem to get continued support.
As far as boat builders defecting, the only one I can think of that have publically defected, if that is the right word, is Fairline. I am however, quite sure that if I wanted Raymarine kit on my new Fairline, I would still be able to get it.
So, as I said. Each to their own and as they say on investment forums, do your own research!
aquatom
Well-Known Member
IMHO I'm with Newsailer.
IMHO the raymarine gear is far simpler to use. IMHO you don't really need the instructions to use it. I have used both and would always go for Raymarine gear. IMHO it is a bit expensive but worth the extra cost.
That's just MHO!
IMHO the raymarine gear is far simpler to use. IMHO you don't really need the instructions to use it. I have used both and would always go for Raymarine gear. IMHO it is a bit expensive but worth the extra cost.
That's just MHO!
Thepipdoc
Well-Known Member
IMHO I think there's an element of flippancy creeping in here!
Thepipdoc
Well-Known Member
Having said that I'm intereseted where this thread goes..... I'm looking to install radar on my boat and haven't got a clue what to get!!
hlb
RIP
FWIW, I have mainly Raymarine or should I say Rathion stuff. It's obsolete now as about fifteen years old. But it still works perfectly. I've never needed to read a book, to understand immediately what all the functions are.
I have a Navman fish finder about six year old, it's always been a bit iffy and now don't work at all.
I also have a Garmin plotter which I use for close in work round wales, as I can no longer get charts for the Rathion. I found it harder to get used to the Garmin, but that might be because it's a much smaller unit and most keys are multifunctional.
I have a Navman fish finder about six year old, it's always been a bit iffy and now don't work at all.
I also have a Garmin plotter which I use for close in work round wales, as I can no longer get charts for the Rathion. I found it harder to get used to the Garmin, but that might be because it's a much smaller unit and most keys are multifunctional.
oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
IMHO I find all this IMHO stuff a bit PC 
It is interesting that you find the Raymarine easier to use. It's not bad but the software menu structure is quite clunkey and awkward. I've never needed to refer to a garmin manual, but the odd time I have had to reference bits of the C and E series manuals. I've used RL series, C series and E series for some years, and also Garmin kit old and new. I agree it's a personal choice thing, but I suspect existing raymarine users find it easier to use cause that's what they been used to. Garmin have equal market share in the "marine" sector, but as a company their total sat nav business is over 10 times the size. Aside for function and usage merits, I wouldn't be recommending folks invest in a product line that has a seriously questionable future.
Old chinese proverb in IT, what's the best piece of software to use for a particular task, answer, the one you know how to use tomorrow morning!
It is interesting that you find the Raymarine easier to use. It's not bad but the software menu structure is quite clunkey and awkward. I've never needed to refer to a garmin manual, but the odd time I have had to reference bits of the C and E series manuals. I've used RL series, C series and E series for some years, and also Garmin kit old and new. I agree it's a personal choice thing, but I suspect existing raymarine users find it easier to use cause that's what they been used to. Garmin have equal market share in the "marine" sector, but as a company their total sat nav business is over 10 times the size. Aside for function and usage merits, I wouldn't be recommending folks invest in a product line that has a seriously questionable future.
Old chinese proverb in IT, what's the best piece of software to use for a particular task, answer, the one you know how to use tomorrow morning!
jfm
Well-Known Member
FWIW, IMHO, etc, I think Raymarine is the best choice. The C/E series are excellent, and the new Wides are even better. If budget stretches to it, the E series wide touchscreens are fab. The Super HD digi radar is also the best/joint best leisure radar you can get
But a lot of this is budget driven. If you just want a straightforward standalone screen at minimum cost there is no need to get Raym. If you want multiscreen integration and a simple interface so you dont ever have to read the manual then I'd say definitely get Raym
It isn't rational imho saying Raym has questionable future because of the company's low share price. The business is cash generative and will continue. The banks who financed the LBO might take a haircut but the business/products will continue (let's not go thru all that again!)
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pau1gray
Well-Known Member
My tuppence worth
I use both - Raymarine E120 at work and Navman 8025 on my own boat. As mentioned earlier it dpends on what you are happy with for day to day usage and unfortunately you won't find that out until after you bought what you end up with!
There are pro's and cons for each of the system but I find that the limited amount of data that you can display whilst using the chart on the Raymarine is a bit frustrating. I still have to think my way through the Raymarine menu's and buttons, whilst I find that the Navman is a bit more intuative and easier to use.
I also prefer the Cmap chart used in the Navman as opposed to the Navionics charts on the Raymarine.
From a support perspective - I've not yet had to deal with support from Navman (as the unit hasn't gone wrong yet) so I don't know what the customer support is like (if there is any!) The Raymarine kit has had a few problems which have all been dealt with quite swiftly and efficiently by the local installers and also Raymarine customer support.
If I had to install the kit again I'd probably go for NavMan on both the boats.
Hope this helps
I use both - Raymarine E120 at work and Navman 8025 on my own boat. As mentioned earlier it dpends on what you are happy with for day to day usage and unfortunately you won't find that out until after you bought what you end up with!
There are pro's and cons for each of the system but I find that the limited amount of data that you can display whilst using the chart on the Raymarine is a bit frustrating. I still have to think my way through the Raymarine menu's and buttons, whilst I find that the Navman is a bit more intuative and easier to use.
I also prefer the Cmap chart used in the Navman as opposed to the Navionics charts on the Raymarine.
From a support perspective - I've not yet had to deal with support from Navman (as the unit hasn't gone wrong yet) so I don't know what the customer support is like (if there is any!) The Raymarine kit has had a few problems which have all been dealt with quite swiftly and efficiently by the local installers and also Raymarine customer support.
If I had to install the kit again I'd probably go for NavMan on both the boats.
Hope this helps
PaulGooch
Well-Known Member
New gen Raymarine mostly come with embedded cartography too. My new Raymarine widescreen has full EU coverage. However, it isn't as detailed as Navionics Gold and can't be upgraded, so it has limited value. I find it very easy to use. Funny you refer to the Garmin charts as "best of breed" when they recalled a whole years charts and the current ones have some pretty appalling "joins" in them though.
After recently installing Raymarine digital Radar, widescreen plotter and Navionics Gold cartography and then having to deal with the muppet show that is Navionics when i had a faulty card, i can say categorically that i wish i could go back in time a few weeks and have Garmin instead.
Garmin support is first class, Raymarine seem reasonable, Navionics are unspeakably poor. To the degree that i'd love to bump into them at the next boat show and see if the MD of Navionics is as arrogant and rude when he's looking me in the eye as he is on the phone.
I wouldn't touch Navman/Northstar with a bargepole (or a long boathook). Navman customer support was abysmal and now they are part of Navico, who give some really, really poor after sales support.
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oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
Folks who have extensive usage experience of multiple brands are more likely to give objective opinions (ie as excellent post above). Re "G2 Vision" recall last year, Agree, but at least they made the recall. The pre-loaded garmin charts on 750, 556, 551 and 451 are detailed Bluecharts G2 (ie not half baked cut down versions or glorified basemaps)
BlueCharts 2010 have just been released in G2 and G2 Vision formats, and soon internet downloads of same will be available (ie April/May 2010), so customers can make their own SD cards or have the choice to buy pre-programmed SD cards. Agree also about the support comments above.
BlueCharts 2010 have just been released in G2 and G2 Vision formats, and soon internet downloads of same will be available (ie April/May 2010), so customers can make their own SD cards or have the choice to buy pre-programmed SD cards. Agree also about the support comments above.
Nigelhg
Well-Known Member
I have a northstar 8084 plotter with matching radar, sounder and VHF and it all integrates really well. The reason I went for this rather than raymarine was that at the time it was the biggest screen I could fit in to my dash without major modification.
Cmap rather than Navionics I also thought was an advantage but as with all of these things you pays your money you takes your choice.
I haven't had any problems (so far) and it' easy and logical in it's layout and operation I rarely have had to refer to the manual.
All IMHO.
Cmap rather than Navionics I also thought was an advantage but as with all of these things you pays your money you takes your choice.
I haven't had any problems (so far) and it' easy and logical in it's layout and operation I rarely have had to refer to the manual.
All IMHO.
poltergeist
Well-Known Member
I initally installed a Garmin on our first boat, and on our second, plumped for a Raymarine E80. Between those two, based purely on my own experience, I'd opt for Raymarine, but the Garmin units shouldn't be dismissed.
I have little experience of the Northstar/Navman, but they are (or were) a good reputable company when I last dealt with them. They all have their merits/negatives, and all cost varying degrees of cash.
I base my bias for Raymarine, on the fact that I have found their customer support spot on, and their products although not flawless (what is!?) are superb at what they are asked to do.
I have little experience of the Northstar/Navman, but they are (or were) a good reputable company when I last dealt with them. They all have their merits/negatives, and all cost varying degrees of cash.
I base my bias for Raymarine, on the fact that I have found their customer support spot on, and their products although not flawless (what is!?) are superb at what they are asked to do.
Nick_H
Well-Known Member
If you're speccing up a new boat, and cost is important to you, then it's hard not to look seriously at the Northstar stuff. The brand is being discontinued, so you can buy high spec sytems for very attractive prices at the mo', like this for instance http://www.cactusnav.com/northstar-...p-11132.html?gclid=CJzr19LNz6ACFUte4wodxUvOyw (although their "frank" comment is less than frank.) Best thing is the equipment itself will be re-branded, so no great concerns over spares/service.
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Philiz
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately you'll never get a definite answer on this one as everyone has their own personal preferences.
Best thing to do is to have a good play with as many different makes as you can and make your own mind up which you prefer. Don't rule out Standard Horizon by the way.
I did my own tests and preferred Garmin, so I bought a Garmin, it suits my needs and I found it very user friendly, Garmin customer support is also second to none, IMHO of course!
Of the ones you suggest Raymarine are head and shoulders above the others, again IMHO. Whichever you decide, don't forget all the 'bolt-ons'.
PaulGooch
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately you'll never get a definite answer on this one as everyone has their own personal preferences.
Best thing to do is to have a good play with as many different makes as you can and make your own mind up which you prefer. Don't rule out Standard Horizon by the way.
I did my own tests and preferred Garmin, so I bought a Garmin, it suits my needs and I found it very user friendly, Garmin customer support is also second to none, IMHO of course!
Of the ones you suggest Raymarine are head and shoulders above the others, again IMHO. Whichever you decide, don't forget all the 'bolt-ons'.
Sorry to disagree Phil, but DO rule out Standard Horizon for this type of installation. SH VHF sets are ok, the plotters are ok as a stand alone plotter on a small boat. For an integrated system featuring radar or AIS they are not a good choice. There are serious flaws in the AIS implementation and there is no setting to select heading up, when a fluxgate has been fitted. At anchor, the plotter never "knows" which way the boat is facing, despite it having NMEA compass input. It does not take into account the fact that one or other vessel is anchored when it calculates CPA or TCPA values and it does not have the facility to permanently acknowledge an CPA or TCPA alarm. You could therefore, just as one example, be sat at anchor with a large ship, that is also at anchor within your chosen CPA and the CPA alarm will go off. You hit the OK or Cancel button and the alarm stops. Very shortly after this, it goes off again. You end up turning the CPA alarms off. Half hour later you get run over by an oil tanker.....oops.
Their support is first class, but the plotters are old hat as far as integration goes, sorry.
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