As mentioned earlier I have a Garmin and Ray plotter, both are 1 gen old. In my experience both are good reliable units but the Garmin unit in my opinion is slightly more user friendly and Garmin PC interface is far more user friendly. The course line or route line is much easier to see on my Garmin unit. I've widen the course line on my Ray unit to the widest setting and imho it's still hard to see.
Since I do all my plotting on a PC the Garmin unit has become my primary nav device but it is possible to convert the routes to the Ray file protocol, so Ray can read them. The Ray software does do this but there is a bit of a learning curve. Also you will pay for the Ray software, Garmin's PC interface, Homeport is now free.
I got a good deal on the Ray unit because they were discontinuing the E90W series which doesn't have the lighthouse capability. I'm not unsatisfied with the Ray unit but everything being equal I would probably opt for the Garmin unit.
If radar is in your future, I have the Ray 18" closed array and am happy with it.
__________________
Tim
Tampa Bay
Carver 355 ACMY Twin Cummins Diesels Sold
|