Raynave vs Garmin

[jzois]

I have a 740s gps/plotter installed currently. Getting ready to install a radar and auto pilot. Couple questions... I realize it's probably best to stick with Garmin and bundle the equipment. However the blogs indicate that the Garmin auto pilot is a nightmare and seldom works as it should. Even our Tugnuts lists a history of issues. My question is, can I use Raytheon auto pilot and also the 18 " raydome with my 740s? Will they plug and play? Will the radar antenna mount on my mast the way a Garmin would and still be able to fold down? Any info would be appreciated......thank you

John

 

[sdubnoff]

I am not sure where you got the idea that the Garmin Autopilot is a nightmare. I have direct experience with Simrad (very good), Comnav (terrible) and Garmin (excellent). The Garmin keeps the cross track error at a lower level than can be imagined (less than a yard with no current and only a bit worse with cross current).

Garmin bought the technology from Nautimatic, which was a small Oregon firm whose owner formally spent time designing missile guidance systems. After that, for him, steering a boat was trivial. When, the now-defunct, powerboat analogue to Practical Sailor actually installed competitive autopilots in the _same_ boat and did testing, the Nautimatic TR-1 came out on top by a clear margin.

 

[jzois]

Thanks for the info it's reassuring knowing that yours (a Tugnut) works. I always research using reviews and blogs. I am a member of Hull Truth too. Basically only one guy endorsed the Garmin. Several on Hull Truth and other sites are steering away from Garmin auto pilots. They have no problem with the radars. Some old comments on our site even states you have to unplug and reset the pilots and nobody knows why.

 

[HRowland]

I have had no issues with the Garmin autopilot and have used it for 3 seasons. You will find that most of us have had no issues.
In your case you would need to convert your mechanical steering to hydraulic if you want to use a Garmin autopilot. Raymarine has an autopilot drive unit that mounts to the helm wheel shaft which should work. You could connect the NMEA out on the 740S to the Raymarine controller if you want course guidance. Without this connection you will still have heading hold, a very useful feature. In fact, I use heading mode much more often than course guidance since I usually do not have a course activated on the chartplotter. If you do not have a NMEA 2000 bus implemented on your R21EC it would be easier to connect the NMEA 0183 out on the 740S to the input on the Raymarine, this is just a few wires. If you do have NMEA 2000 implemented you can get an adaptor cable for the Raymarine, they use a different connecter (SeatalkNG) but the protocol is NMEA 2000.

Talk the Andrew or Kenny at Ranger Tugs, they will provide all the information you need. Also search this forum for R21 autopilot, the topic has been discussed several times.

The Garmin radar will plug right into your 740S.

Good Luck!

Howard

 

[jzois]

Perfect Howard that's what I was looking for.

John

 

[Thefb]

John,
I have the Raymarine e7D and SportPilot5 autopilot system with radar on my R21.
It uses an electric drive unit behind the steering wheel that pushes the
wheel towards the drivers seat a few inches, you lose a little space
however doesn't seem to be a bother to me.
I don't have any experience with Garmin units so can't comment either way.
The system I have works very well when following a plotted course however
I too typically use it to hold a heading.
Shouldn't be difficult to connect your plotter to a Sportpilot if that is your desire.

I so enjoy having an autopilot!

Marcus