Marine Electronics Forum - Raymarine C120 or Garmin 4212

Can get either one with 4kw Radar for the same price installed. Both have 12" screen. Garmin seems to have better charting capabilities, but I've heard Raymarine radar and sounder are superior. I have a 22 foot center console. Most of my fishing is in less than 100 feet of water. Any input? How about reliability? Thanks in advance for comments.

Garmin.

Honestly, if a FF and Radar are more important than a simple chart plotter, I would definitely go Raymarine. Their FF is amazing. Garmin FF has been discussed a few times as just ok. Some day Garmin may offer a FF temp adjustment too. Until then, your temp accuracy WILL vary.

If I were you, I would try VERY hard to push some buttons on BOTH.

If you walk up to the Raymarine unit and add a quick waypoint and tell it to route you there, I think you'll be hooked. Also, if you want radar overlay atop a visual chart AND want to see the FF on the other half of the screen, then I hate to tell you but garmin WON'T do it. You get one or the other---but not both. Personally, I like to see the bottom and like my radar overlay at the same time. Maybe it's just me.....I like to see the contour changes.

Of course if you don't mind a number readout for your depth and just display the chart + overlay. Then garmin is good too. I just notice that people that HAVE had that option, miss it when they goto a garmin system.

For me, the Raymarine plotter makes sense. Garmins is pretty easy too, some feel they're the easiest. It's just that after a day of use EITHER work fine. :thumbsup:

I am going through the same dilema right now. I keep going back and forth. I however have 2 helms and the Garmin can network and the C120 can't. I'd have to go up to the E120 and that will cost about $1000 more. I did hear at the boat show that the new C series coming out next year will have the ability to network up to 1 extra unit for a total of 2 units. This solves my problem if I go with raymarine.

I also looked at the new Lowarence SDH system. The biggest is only 10" not 12" however it was amazing.

My father runs a c80 and I run a 3010c with the new garmin gsd22 digital sounder box. At least up to depths of 130', I dont think the ray has anything on the new garmin digital sounder box (the ray was a lot better than Garmins previous gsd20 and gsd21). However the Garmin is 10x better in the chart plotter area. Charts and ease of use are just better with the Garmin. I dont have radar to compare that feature but I believe the new garmin sounder box is on par with the Ray but the garmin plotter blows away the ray... Go Garmin IMHO

(only advantage to the Ray is the 2 year warranty in my opinion)

Hewes, I am not sure about the new 4212 but the garmin 3000 shows the depth in two places when in split screen or in sounder only. I cannot imagine that feature being taken away for the new version. Edit.. It shows the depth read out on their screen shots here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=8112#

I have an older Garmin (182c) and both a C70 and C120. While the C120 has a nice picture, the Garmin is far easier to use. I also like Garmin's Bluecharts better than the Navionics chips (I have both the gold and the platinum). I do like raymarine's radar though.

I've had the Garmin since 2002, the C70 since 2004, and the C120 since 2007. I haven't had an issue with anyone of them.

What is more important to you? Chart plotter, radar, or FF?

another small diff but worth mentioning - the new garmin is an all glass screen whereas the Ray has the last gen reflective coating that scratches....you can clean the garmin with a broom is you want..no worries...

B-Faithful - 12/15/2008 7:45 PM
(only advantage to the Ray is the 2 year warranty in my opinion)

Garmin also has a two year warranty on all of their network products. Garmin can also overlay the radar on the chart on a split screen with the sonar.

Tron_1

Hewesfissher - 12/15/2008 8:25 PM



If you walk up to the Raymarine unit and add a quick waypoint and tell it to route you there, I think you'll be hooked. Also, if you want radar overlay atop a visual chart AND want to see the FF on the other half of the screen, then I hate to tell you but garmin WON'T do it. You get one or the other---but not both. Personally, I like to see the bottom and like my radar overlay at the same time. Maybe it's just me.....I like to see the contour changes.

Of course if you don't mind a number readout for your depth and just display the chart + overlay. Then garmin is good too. I just notice that people that HAVE had that option, miss it when they goto a garmin system.

:thumbsup:


I think we need clarrification on this - I believe you are wrong about garmins inability to perform the split screen while overlay.

Ok. Here's the thing.

Garmin will NOT overlay radar video on a chart AND show the FF (GSD22) at the same time. Garmin WILL show a chart and FF (GSD22) at the same time--JUST NOT WITH RADAR OVERLAY. It's no trick.

Anyone with a Radar, go ahead and choose Combo and just try it. Then try and add Chart Overlay. Can't be done on the same screen.

You get either:--- a FF display + Chart OR ---- Chart + Overlay

Sorry guys.

So - I hate this. The more that we go back and forth the more confused I get. Maybe I'll just get one an EAGLE model from bass pro shop

Don't be confused. As long as you don't need networking you can't go wrong with any of these systems. Raymarine has the best fishfinder no doubt, its comparable to the newest Furunos. When it comes to radar, I can't say because I haven't tried the new Garmine HD units. For non HD I prefer Raymarine over Garmin. The C-Series can't use the new HD and SHD open radars. I don't agree with all the people saying that Garmin plotters are more user friendly than Raymarine. I find the Raymarine menu system extremly logical, and very easy to use. For Garmin the simple functions are easy to find, but I don't like how to operate more advanced functions. In a test in Swedish boat magzine a couple of years ago Raymarine C70 was the winner over Garmin 3006 mainly due to a more user friendly interface and how the charts where displayed.

The big difference between the units is screen brightness, even if I have a preferance for Raymarine, I would have gone for 4212 over C120 due to daylight visability of the screen.

I just froze off my butt to confirm this :grin: as I recall somebody saying it a few weeks ago too and I did not believe it to be true either time - Garmin will do radar overlay and FF on the same screen. That is one of the combo pages I use at night so I was sure it would do it, but I had to run out just now to make sure! Here is a pic:

http://www.boemarine.com/jimspics/overlay.JPG

YachtJim,

I hope you don't get sick from being out in the cold. I don't think I could forgive myself for posting a subject that hurt someone!

-Andy

I guess that means Jim runs Garmin on his personal boat... Kinda says something ;)


(actually I think he runs Raymarine on one and Garmin on his other :Q )

B-Faithful - 12/16/2008 9:34 PMI guess that means Jim runs Garmin on his personal boat... Kinda says something ;) (actually I think he runs Raymarine on one and Garmin on his other :Q )

Yep, the Seacraft is pimped out with an E120 and all the trimmings, and the Pacific has a 5212 and all the trimmings.

Andy, I didn't get sick. Its actually the first time I have been on the boat in over a month! I was happy to find the batteries still charged!

Hewesfisher certainly knows electronics so this is probably a feature enabled by the last update or something,. I just know I had used it before.

The last thing I would ever say about my Raymarines (C70 and C120) is that they are "extremely logical and easy to use". Again, I've owned my 182C for 7 seasons. I haven't opened the manual since I installed it back in 2002. Every spring I have to break out the Raymarine manual. Maybe Garmin's newer products aren't as easy, but I find that hard to believe.

abbor - 12/16/2008 5:39 PM

Don't be confused. As long as you don't need networking you can't go wrong with any of these systems.

The big difference between the units is screen brightness, even if I have a preferance for Raymarine, I would have gone for 4212 over C120 due to daylight visability of the screen.

I will need networking since I have an upper station. I'd have to go 4212 or E120 downstairs and 4208 and E80 upstairs. E Series prices out about $1000 more just to get started. I did hear at the boat show that Raymarine will be shipping a 1 to 1 networkable C series in March. Not sure if that is true but I think it's the reason for the $300 rebate right now - they are trying to get rid of the old model.

I do have a brand new B744 sounder (got it for $5 at a closeout) so that would save me some cash if I went raymarine. I already have a Raymarine sounder (2 actually) installed on the boat so I am not even sure if I would have to change it out.

The extra brightness really helps on the 4212 for daylight.

yachtjim - 12/16/2008 9:37 PM



B-Faithful - 12/16/2008 9:34 PMI guess that means Jim runs Garmin on his personal boat... Kinda says something ;) (actually I think he runs Raymarine on one and Garmin on his other :Q )

Yep, the Seacraft is pimped out with an E120 and all the trimmings, and the Pacific has a 5212 and all the trimmings.*

Andy, I didn't get sick.* Its actually the first time I have been on the boat in over a month!* I was happy to find the batteries still charged!*

Hewesfisher certainly knows electronics so this is probably a feature enabled by the last update or something,.* I just know I had used it before.


Are you getting ice up there. The are calling for ice here in the am. Stay warm :thumbsup:

Hewesfissher - 12/15/2008 10:09 PM

Ok. Here's the thing.

Garmin will NOT overlay radar video on a chart AND show the FF (GSD22) at the same time. Garmin WILL show a chart and FF (GSD22) at the same time--JUST NOT WITH RADAR OVERLAY. It's no trick.

Anyone with a Radar, go ahead and choose Combo and just try it. Then try and add Chart Overlay. Can't be done on the same screen.

You get either:--- a FF display + Chart OR ---- Chart + Overlay

Sorry guys.


I think you owe Garmin an apology for falsely reporting lack of features that do in fact exist.

(Im kidding of course)

Jim-

Is it possible that it only works on the 5000 series units?

If not, I appologize. I must not be using the newest software on the past three customer systems. Must have tried for two hours to set it up and there was never an option for overlay whenever the combo screen was chosen. All I could activate was Chart. Overlay would not present itself as an option.

I never intended on misrepresenting garmins capabilities. :banghead:

I've used a C80. When it came time to spend my own money, I bought a 4212. From Jim of course.

q3131a
now that you have had the chance to use both the Raymarine and Garmin systems, which do you like better?

Justin

I like the garmin much better. It is much easier to use and has many more features. The real comparison should be between the E series and 42xx series. However, the E series Ray is much more expensive than the garmin. Also, Garmin is constantly updating the 42 series to add more features.

Hewesfissher - 12/15/2008 9:09 PM

Ok. Here's the thing.

Garmin will NOT overlay radar video on a chart AND show the FF (GSD22) at the same time. Garmin WILL show a chart and FF (GSD22) at the same time--JUST NOT WITH RADAR OVERLAY. It's no trick.

Anyone with a Radar, go ahead and choose Combo and just try it. Then try and add Chart Overlay. Can't be done on the same screen.

You get either:--- a FF display + Chart OR ---- Chart + Overlay

Sorry guys.

Oh contraire mon frere!!!
It will do Chart w/ radar overlay split screen w/ FF.
Heres how. Pick a default combination like Chart/FF. Then in the menu, it an option for overlay options. Click that, then it lets you choose what you want to display. One of the choices is radar overlay. So edit to that choice... Voila!

It wasnt one of the preset choices in the combination menu. I had to manually edit it onto one that I use. SImilar to having to add overlay data on many of the other screens.

This is a screenshot of my 4210 running v4.0 in my garage. Radar overlay on, split screen w/ FF
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i49/olybirds/radaroverlayff.jpg


I like my garmin. Comming from Lowrance I think its a huge step up. I hear all kinds of trash talking about the FF on it, But Ive had good success reading depths to 1000 feet with just the gsd22 and transom transducer..
Only complaint from me is the inaccuracy of the temp, and not bieng able to adjust it in the unit... IM also running the garmin Fuel flow thru the NMEA2000 network on it, and its been flawless and super accurate so far...
(all of it was purchased thru Jim at BOE as well... no complaints there either :thumbsup: )

Thanks to all for the input. For the record, I went with Garmin. I had a Garmin 188C previously, and loved it. Looking forward to the big screen now that my eyesight is deteriorating with age.

best,
andy

Good choice, though you would've probably been happy with either.

I think the last few posts take the cake for me also. Going to go the Garmin route (as of now). Not going to order until March when I can actually start to install the unit on the boat (unless of course there is a BIG BIG sale on them).

Now the big trick - changing the Transducer. There is currently a pair of transducers on the boat, both are Raymarine. I don't want to mess with the plugs and deal with issues after the boat is splashed, so I just want to chance it.

The old one is mounted on a block of wood, but not the fancy fairing block that comes with the new models. Should I just leave it as is or put the big new block in?

BTW - My cruising speed is about 20 knots on a semi-displacement hull.

I was in a similar situation - I removed EVERY old t/d - had a glass guy fill the holes - then started over and intalled the new ducer with fairing myself. Glass repairs were only a couple hundred and it was worth it.

Also - some of your old holes might be smaller than you need or larger than you need for the new ducer. If they are smaller - you can hold a backing plate as a guide and drill them bigger - if they are larger - might as well have them filled and start over.

I wanted to move the location slightly so it all worked out for me.

I went with the Garmin 4212 as well over the Raymarine & Furuno. I visited several electronics shops that sold all three units (plus other comopanies as well) and everyone of the sales people in those shops said to go with the Garmin 4212. It was interesting in that one company, Bayou Electronics said that they have been selling the Garmin 4200 series 20 to 1 over the Furuno and 15 to 1 over the RayMarine.

reeljustice - 12/19/2008 12:17 PM

I went with the Garmin 4212 as well over the Raymarine & Furuno. I visited several electronics shops that sold all three units (plus other comopanies as well) and everyone of the sales people in those shops said to go with the Garmin 4212. It was interesting in that one company, Bayou Electronics said that they have been selling the Garmin 4200 series 20 to 1 over the Furuno and 15 to 1 over the RayMarine.

This might be for multiple reasons. For one, a comparable setup is substationally less for Garmin than an E series raymarine and Furuno.

However, with the extra level of sales, this give Garmin the funds to improve the software and send updates over time.

The marine division is a pimple on the backside of garmin (in a good way). They sell more of a given model auto gps in the few weeks before Christmas than the whole Marine division does in a year. So there are huge funds that developers have to dig into. Garmin has already firmly planted themselves at the top of the industry with some of the best equipment. With their funds it will be fun to watch what else they come out with. I am not sure the others will be able to keep up. Hopefully the marine industry treats garmin well so they'll stay in the game and keep leading the way.

Jim,

I think you are right about that. If Garmin keeps selling they way they are, keeps their products priced correctly they have nowhere to go but up. Do I see Garmin breaking into the big commercial market giving Furuno a run for their money, no, but in the recreational market I really think they have a lot going for them.

I am also looking to upgrade electronics on 2000 Worldcat 277SC. The Raymarine System Pack gets me GPS and FF on a 12" for about $2300. That's hard to beat?

FF is the priority as I can use any GPS but I do like the rotary dial on Raymarine. How do you input coordinates on the Garmin 4212? My other Garmins involved a laborious scroll for each number and letter.

The advertised keypads are telephone keypads. I guess that's better than scrolling, but where are the QWERTY keyboards?

I have a fairly large hardtop so I think screen brightness is not extremely important. Am I right?

I will look onto the 4212 but I think with the advantages of FF, rotary dial, and price the C120 will be the way to go. Somebody tell me I'm wrong. ;?