2nd Chartplotter on Raymarine E120 system

[yobub]

I currently have a Raymarine E120 with a M92654-S 4kW open radar array. I also have a Garmin 3006C chartplotter, which has a screen that is sun roached and hard to read, so I'm thinking about replacing it. This was all on the boat when I bought it, so none of it was my choice.

My E120 is matched to my Ray autopilot and also my transducer. I think the Garmin is only providing GPS and chartplotting, and I think it may also be picking up depth from the E120.

I'm thinking about replacing the Garmin 3006 with a basic chartplotter. I'm not really sure I need a 2nd chartplotter, but it seems like it would be good for redundancy. I also carry a handheld Garmin that is good enough to get me back to the harbor mouth.

I saw that West Marine has the Ray AXIOM 7 DV on sale for $549, and I had also been looking at the Garmin 742xs when it was on sale.

I think my key objectives would be to easily have depth available on the 2nd unit, and to show mapping and navigation. My E120 is tough to read when I'm standing at the helm because of the angle, so having this basic info easily visible would be good. In my dream world I guess I would use the 2nd unit for navigation and autopilot, and leave the E120 for radar, but not if in involves replacing other components.

The other key equipment that I might interface to are my Standard Horizon GX220 VHF with AIS reception and my Fusion stereo. I understand the Garmin can interface easily with the Fusion, but the Axiom may not be able to be. This is a lower priority but would be convenient. I also have the weather receiver for the E120 but haven't set it up yet.

I'm interested in your thoughts on what you use a 2nd chartplotter for, and also thoughts about the Raymarine unit vs the Garmin, assuming that I'm looking for a 7" and don't want to spend a ton of money.

 

[Craig]

I currently have a Raymarine E120 with a M92654-S 4kW open radar array. I also have a Garmin 3006C chartplotter, which has a screen that is sun roached and hard to read, so I'm thinking about replacing it. This was all on the boat when I bought it, so none of it was my choice.

My E120 is matched to my Ray autopilot and also my transducer. I think the Garmin is only providing GPS and chartplotting, and I think it may also be picking up depth from the E120.

I'm thinking about replacing the Garmin 3006 with a basic chartplotter. I'm not really sure I need a 2nd chartplotter, but it seems like it would be good for redundancy. I also carry a handheld Garmin that is good enough to get me back to the harbor mouth.

I saw that West Marine has the Ray AXIOM 7 DV on sale for $549, and I had also been looking at the Garmin 742xs when it was on sale.

I think my key objectives would be to easily have depth available on the 2nd unit, and to show mapping and navigation. My E120 is tough to read when I'm standing at the helm because of the angle, so having this basic info easily visible would be good. In my dream world I guess I would use the 2nd unit for navigation and autopilot, and leave the E120 for radar, but not if in involves replacing other components.

The other key equipment that I might interface to are my Standard Horizon GX220 VHF with AIS reception and my Fusion stereo. I understand the Garmin can interface easily with the Fusion, but the Axiom may not be able to be. This is a lower priority but would be convenient. I also have the weather receiver for the E120 but haven't set it up yet.

I'm interested in your thoughts on what you use a 2nd chartplotter for, and also thoughts about the Raymarine unit vs the Garmin, assuming that I'm looking for a 7" and don't want to spend a ton of money.

I've had both and like both. They each have
Pros and cons. Axiom is noticeably faster
Garmin charts a bit more vivid. Although they own Navionics now so who knows.I like active captain too. I think I like my Axiom better.
It just feels more cutting edge and intuitive for me. I also don't like mixing manufacturers. Either will do what you describe well.