Garmin 4210 vs. Raymarine C90W - The Hull Truth

mkreuser · 03-21-2009, 09:22 AM

I am upgrading older Raymarine/Raytheon equipment. Currently I have Raytheon V850 sounder,Raytheon R10XX radar display, Raystar108GPS, Raychart600XX, RAYPILOT 650, and RAY220 vhf.

It's old but everything still works. But I know it will be difficult to repair as parts for most of these are not available. I primarily want to upgrade the GPS Map display with a larger display having better mapping and accuracy. The console on my boat will only allow a larger display if I go to a wide screen footprint. Mounting a unit elsewhere near the helm is undesireable as it will interfer with visibility . I'm looking at the Garmin 4210 and new Raymarine C90W. Both have a wide screen. The Garmin screen is somewhat larger and the unit has a build in GPS receiver. The Raymarine may afford some compatability with my other Raymarine units (?) but most lilkely I need to replace just about everything and Raymarine is more expensive. Both units have video input which I also require.

Any thoughts ?

Mike
Vero Beach, FL

gotumon · 03-22-2009, 07:03 PM

The Raymarine c 90 wisde also has a built in GPS receiver. I suggest that you look at both units and compare them. That new wide Ray is a great looking screen and has a fantastic FF capability .

Obieone · 03-23-2009, 01:11 PM

The 4210 does not have an internal antenna, mine only came with the external antenna. I know the 545 has internal but not the 4210.

Fshndvr · 03-23-2009, 01:38 PM

I only have experience with the garmin units, and not that unit specifically. I have a 2210, and like the functionality ok, but the antiglare coating on the screen is known to have problems. I had the screen replaced on a smaller less expensive unit, after the salt from the salt water caused the antiglare coating to deteriorate. Then, I had the same problem with my 2210. Garmin finally replaced the screen on this one after hours on the phone with customer service supervisors. Since then I have been buying screen protectors about twice a year from navprotector, and that seems to help. The antiglare around the outside of the protector is now gone, but it just a very small strip, so I don't worry about it. My biggest issue with the whole thing, is that Garmin will not take responsibility for the faulty design, and they act like I am the only person this has ever happened to even though I have read post with others having the same issues. BTW unless they have changed, this is the same antiglare that is on all of their machines.

One thing to note, my machine is on a 20ft center console, and comes in contact with at least some salt water every trip.

Glen E · 03-23-2009, 01:40 PM

garmins are all glass now

sandyda · 03-23-2009, 05:43 PM

I'm pretty sure you will have to replace most of your Ray stuff because its not compatible with the current chart plotters, and the Radio doesn't have DSC. The Raypilot 650 is the controller, so you will need to dig into the books to find out which autopilot you have. The odds are that it will accept commands from a Garmin!

Uglystick777 · 03-24-2009, 08:32 AM

Garmin 3210 Bundles are back at Rankinsmarinesupply 1649.99

dowop · 03-24-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fshndvr

My biggest issue with the whole thing, is that Garmin will not take responsibility for the faulty design, and they act like I am the only person this has ever happened to even though I have read post with others having the same issues.

Now I would agree that this is a HUGE design flaw, in my experience Garmin has gone the extra mile to exchange these for folks that have had issues. Even those that are out of warranty.