New build - electronics

[TPG]

If you were to build a new cat in the 40-50' range, and had to put either Raymarine or B&G, which would you choose?

I've been seeing more B&G hardware the last few years and am curious what the differences are over Raymarine. I am sure both are good - what would you spec your boat with?

[tkeithlu]

I'm tempted to say "both." If you are planning an integrated display or glass cockpit, consider also your backup for when a single failure such as the monitor making smoke leaves you with nothing. That could be as simple as a chartplotter/GPS and depth sounder, plus space for a paper chart. I'm an advocate of separate units, because I have the panel space and am not bothered by integrating it all in my head. My panel is a mish-mash of brands, and includes OpenCPN computer and monitor, backup GPS, Depth, AIS, radar, wind/weather, backup battery, and then paper chart. I still got nailed a few months ago by the failure of a battery switch. I didn't realize that my paper chart skills were that rusty.

[goboatingnow]

Firstly best results are obtained by staying within the brand unless there are compelling reasons to not do so.

Secondly networking is not “ integrated “ it’s merely separate instruments sharing data ( in the main ). My chart plotter will perform basic navigation without any interlinking working , similarly my AIS transmitter will work happily on its own sending out my details.

Hence its a mistake to confuse networking with integration.

In my experience of both systems B&G have more features aimed at racing then Ray , but in reality both systems will work fine. Little in it in reality and it’s largely personal preference