When it comes to marine electronics, Simrad, Garmin, and Raymarine are three of the biggest names in the industry. Whether you’re a recreational boater, a serious angler, or a commercial captain, choosing the right brand for your navigation, sonar, and autopilot needs can make a huge difference in your on-the-water experience.
Each of these brands offers high-quality multifunction displays (MFDs), GPS chartplotters, fishfinders, and radar systems—but they each have their strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, we’ll compare and contrast Simrad, Garmin, and Raymarine to help you decide which one is the best fit for your vessel.
User Experience & Interface
Garmin: Intuitive & User-Friendly
• Known for its easy-to-use touchscreen interface, Garmin has the most beginner-friendly system.
• Clear menus and quick response times make navigation simple, even for first-time users.
• Great for recreational boaters and anglers who want a plug-and-play experience.
Simrad: Professional & Versatile
• More customizable than Garmin, allowing advanced users to tweak settings to their needs.
• Touchscreen + physical button controls make it easy to use in rough conditions.
• Ideal for serious anglers, offshore fishermen, and commercial captains.
Raymarine: Feature-Rich but Complex
• Offers a powerful but slightly more complex interface with deep customization.
• Best for sailors and commercial boaters who want advanced navigation and radar integration.
• A slight learning curve compared to Garmin and Simrad.
🏆 Winner: Garmin for ease of use, Simrad for versatility, Raymarine for advanced users.
Chartplotters & Navigation
Garmin: Best Mapping Options
• Preloaded BlueChart g3 and LakeVü g3 maps with Navionics data integration.
• Quickdraw Contours lets users create custom depth maps.
• Best for coastal and inland boaters who want detailed and up-to-date charts.
Simrad: Offshore & Commercial Powerhouse
• Uses C-MAP and Navionics for high-detail marine charts.
• Best for offshore navigation with excellent depth shading and 3D views.
• Features like StructureScan 3D help with precise navigation in deep water.
Raymarine: Sailors’ Choice
• Uses Navionics, C-MAP, and Lighthouse Charts for versatility.
• Integrated Sailing Polars and Laylines help optimize sailing routes.
• Best for sailors who need advanced wind and current data integration.
🏆 Winner: Garmin for casual users, Simrad for offshore, Raymarine for sailing.
Autopilot & Radar Systems
Garmin: Reliable & User-Friendly Autopilot
• Reactor 40 autopilot with built-in solid-state AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System).
• Great for small to mid-size boats with easy integration.
• Radar options include GMR Fantom solid-state radar for target tracking.
Simrad: Commercial-Grade Autopilot
• Best for offshore and commercial use, with advanced autopilot features.
• Works with Halo Radar for top-tier target tracking and collision avoidance.
• Best integration with Mercury VesselView and other marine engines.
Raymarine: Best for Sailboats & Yachts
• Evolution Autopilot is a favorite among sailors due to wind-based steering.
• Quantum Doppler radar provides accurate weather and vessel tracking.
• Works seamlessly with Raymarine’s Sailing Smart Features.
🏆 Winner: Garmin for recreational, Simrad for offshore, Raymarine for sailing.
Warranty & Service
When investing in marine electronics, warranty and service are crucial factors to consider. Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine all offer manufacturer warranties, but the coverage and support experience can vary. Garmin is known for its strong customer support and typically provides a 2-year limited warranty on most marine products, with options for extended coverage. Simrad, part of Navico (now owned by Brunswick), offers a standard 2-year warranty, which can be extended to 5 years when registered, making it a great choice for long-term reliability. Raymarine provides a 2-year standard warranty, extendable to 3 years when registered within 90 days of purchase. In terms of service, Garmin generally has the fastest turnaround times for repairs and replacements, while Simrad and Raymarine offer solid support but may have longer processing times depending on availability. Before purchasing, it’s always a good idea to check the latest warranty policies and consider the brand’s reputation for after-sales support, as reliable service can make a big difference when you’re out on the water.
Price & Value
Garmin: Best for Budget & Mid-Range Users
• Entry-level models like the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD offer great features at a lower price.
• Higher-end models like the GPSMAP series provide professional-grade tools.
Simrad: Best for Offshore & High-End Fishing Boats
• Higher-priced than Garmin but offers offshore and deep-sea fishing advantages.
• The NSO and NSS Evo3S series are premium-grade for serious boaters.
Raymarine: Premium Pricing for Advanced Features
• Raymarine systems are generally higher-priced, targeting sailing and professional markets.
• Axiom+ and Axiom Pro series are on the expensive side but offer cutting-edge features.
🏆 Winner: Garmin for affordability, Simrad for offshore fishing value, Raymarine for high-end yachts & sailboats.
Summary: Simrad vs. Garmin vs. Raymarine – Which is Best?
Choosing between Simrad, Garmin, and Raymarine depends on your specific boating needs. Garmin is the most user-friendly, making it ideal for recreational boaters and freshwater anglers, with excellent mapping and real-time sonar (LiveScope). Simrad is best for offshore fishermen and commercial captains, offering advanced sonar, deep-water scanning, and top-tier autopilot systems. Raymarine excels in sailing and high-end yachting, with powerful navigation, radar, and autopilot technology designed for long voyages.
When considering warranty and service, Garmin provides the best overall customer support, while Simrad and Raymarine offer extended warranties with registration. Each brand has its strengths, so the right choice depends on whether you prioritize ease of use, deep-sea fishing capabilities, or high-end navigation features. For expert advice on outfitting your boat with the best marine electronics, FishBehavin Marine Services is here to help! 🚤📡
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is based on the experience and opinion of FishBehavin Marine Services. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date comparisons, product features, performance, and warranty policies may change over time. We encourage readers to conduct their own research and consult with manufacturers or authorized dealers before making any purchasing decisions. FishBehavin Marine Services is not affiliated with or endorsed by Garmin, Simrad, or Raymarine, and this content reflects our independent evaluation of these brands.