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Garmin vs Simrad vs Raymarine vs B&G

Complete side-by-side comparison of the four major marine electronics brands. Based on 25+ years of hands-on installation and service experience in Southwest Florida.

Which Brand Is Right for You?

Each brand excels in different areas. Here's our expert recommendation based on your boating style.

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Garmin

Best Overall Value & Ease of Use

Garmin offers the widest range of products at every price point. Their user interface is the most intuitive in the industry, and LiveScope sonar technology is unmatched for fishing. The ActiveCaptain community app provides crowd-sourced marina reviews, hazard reports, and route planning. Best choice for recreational boaters who want reliable, easy-to-use electronics.

Best For:

Recreational boatersFreshwater & inshore fishingFirst-time electronics buyersBudget-conscious upgrades

TOPGPSMAP 9000 Series — Best premium MFD with 4K display

VALUEECHOMAP UHD2 — Best value combo unit from $449.99

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Simrad

Built for Serious Sport Fishing

Simrad's heritage in commercial fishing translates to electronics built for serious anglers. The NSS evo3S series offers both touchscreen and keypad control — critical when hands are wet or gloved. Active Imaging sonar and HALO radar are industry-leading for offshore use. ForwardScan bottom mapping is essential for shallow-water navigation.

Best For:

Offshore sport fishingCenter console boatsTournament anglersGlass bridge installations

TOPNSS16 evo3S — Best glass bridge display for sportfish

VALUENSX 3009 — Best mid-range sport fishing MFD at $1,499

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Raymarine

Innovation in Marine Navigation

Raymarine leads in navigation innovation with ClearCruise AR (Augmented Reality) that overlays navigation data on a live camera feed — revolutionary for entering unfamiliar harbors. RealVision 3D sonar provides the most detailed underwater imaging available. The Evolution autopilot with DockSense technology is the most advanced in the industry.

Best For:

Cruisers & trawlersLong-distance voyagersHarbor navigationAutopilot-focused boaters

TOPAxiom2 Pro 12 — Best cruising MFD with AR navigation

VALUEAxiom+ 9 — Best value cruising chartplotter at $1,199.99

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B&G

Purpose-Built for Sailing

B&G is the only major marine electronics brand designed specifically for sailors. SailSteer provides a unified sailing dashboard with wind data, laylines, and course information on one screen. Race start features, polar diagram integration, and advanced wind calculations make B&G the choice of professional racing teams and serious cruising sailors worldwide.

Best For:

Sailboats of all sizesRacing sailorsBluewater cruisersWind-focused navigation

TOPZeus3S 12 — Best premium sailing MFD with SailSteer

VALUEVulcan 9R — Best value sailing chartplotter at $1,199.99

Detailed Specification Comparison

Click a category to see detailed specs across all four brands.

Feature	Garmin	Simrad	Raymarine	B&G
Best For	All-around boating	Sport fishing	Cruising & trawlers	Sailing
Headquarters	Olathe, Kansas	Egersund, Norway	Fareham, UK	Auckland, NZ
Parent Company	Garmin Ltd.	Navico (Brunswick)	FLIR (Teledyne)	Navico (Brunswick)
Entry Price	$149.99	$449.00	$449.99	$299.99
Premium MFD	GPSMAP 9000	NSS evo3S	Axiom2 Pro	Zeus3S
Software Platform	OneHelm / ActiveCaptain	C-MAP / ForwardScan	LightHouse 4	C-MAP / SailSteer

Professional Installation Services

We install all four brands with the same level of expertise. Every installation includes proper NMEA 2000 networking, waterproof connections, and thorough testing.

Chartplotter Install

From $350

Flush mount or bracket, NMEA 2000 backbone, power, and chart setup

Radar Install

From $750

Mast or arch mount, cable run, network integration, and tuning

Full System Package

From $1,500

MFD + radar + sonar + autopilot, complete NMEA 2000 network build

All installations include a 1-year labor warranty and free on-water orientation.

Common Questions About Marine Electronics Brands

Can I mix Garmin and Simrad electronics on the same boat?

Yes, through NMEA 2000 networking, different brands can share data like GPS position, depth, wind, and engine data. However, some proprietary features (like Garmin LiveScope on a Simrad display) won't work across brands. We recommend sticking with one brand for your primary MFD/radar/sonar system.

Which brand has the best customer support?

Garmin consistently leads in customer support with the largest dealer network and most responsive warranty service. Simrad and Raymarine have good support through their dealer networks. B&G support is handled through Navico (same as Simrad).

Is Garmin really the best for fishing?

Garmin LiveScope is currently the best live sonar technology available, making Garmin the top choice for serious anglers. However, Simrad's Active Imaging and ActiveTarget are very competitive, especially for offshore fishing where the NSS evo3S keypad control is preferred.

Why is B&G more expensive for fewer features?

B&G products are purpose-built for sailing with features like SailSteer, layline calculations, and polar diagram integration that no other brand offers. If you're a sailor, these features are worth the premium. If you're a powerboater, B&G isn't the right choice.

How long do marine electronics typically last?

Modern marine electronics typically last 5-8 years with proper care. Factors include sun exposure, saltwater corrosion, and usage. We recommend protective covers when not in use and annual cleaning of connections. Software updates can extend useful life.

Do you offer trade-in discounts on old electronics?

Yes, we offer trade-in credits when upgrading to new electronics. The value depends on the age, condition, and brand of your current equipment. Call us for a trade-in estimate.

Still Not Sure Which Brand to Choose?

Call us for a free consultation. With 25+ years of experience installing all four brands, we'll help you choose the right electronics for your boat, budget, and boating style.

Fort Myers, FL | 239-323-9600 | Professional Marine Electronics Since 2000