Raymarine or Garmin for the Boat – It Does Not Matter. 4 Easy Steps to Save the Most Money.
We started our liveaboard adventure on a monohull and used Raymarine for two years. Then we switched to a catamaran and used Garmin, for two more years.
Let me share the best way to buy whichever one you prefer.
And save the most money in the process!
Because we all know what “BOAT” stands for.
Here is a brief video of our Garmin chart plotter display during a very sunny passage to Puerto Rico:
Here is How to Save the Most Money.
These are the steps we have taken many times. They worked great for us, while sailing in the US:
Oh, check out our Boating Gear for tons of ideas of useful boating items:
Step 1 – Become a member of West Marine Rewards.
We purchased quite a few boating items at West Marine – boat gadgets, shoes, safety gear, etc.
While we were sailing the East Coast US, West Marine stores were always near-by. It was very convenient and reliable.
We signed up for their rewards program, because we knew we would end up shopping there.
And we do our research carefully, before we buy. Our sailing budget was pretty low. West Marine has a reputation of being a bit pricey, but many things are same price, and at good discounts.
Step 2 – Follow the price on both Amazon and West Marine.
Garmin and Raymarine tend to have rather fixed prices.
However, during holidays, you can find rebates and promotions.
Keep checking both places until you are ready to purchase.
Step 3 – Get West Marine to Match the Amazon Price.
West Marine has a policy of matching Amazon prices, for items sold by Amazon.
We have taken advantage of this policy a few times. Just keep an eye out for a good Amazon deal.
Then show West Marine the comparable price on Amazon and voila – you have a deal.
But, it gets even better:
Step 4 – Use the reward points collected.
Once you buy an item at West Marine, you will earn member award points.
The points accumulate quite quickly, because boat parts and repairs do too. It’s all part of the adventure they say…
Use the reward points towards your next purchase. Amazon does not offer such rewards system.
Why leave money on the table?
We Have Used Both Garmin and Raymarine.
We do not have a strong preference for one over the other. We used both of them, on two different boats.
Which is why we feel it is more important to save the most money and get the better deal, rather than try to steer you one way, or another.
Still, our Captain Liked One Better
Our captain liked Garmin a bit better, mostly the display.
Again, both will do the job and your sailing skills matter most. Spend time perfecting these. Here is a post to help:
11 Valuable Boating Subscriptions and Courses
Which One Should You Buy?
If you have a chance to do so, ask a few boating friends to take a look at their instruments.
Turn them on and look at them on a sunny day, from a different angle, as well as with and without sunglasses on.
Both have comparable navigation charts.
A Handy Tip
We also purchased Navionics as a back-up, on our iPad.
During storms we would put the iPad inside our microwave (which we never used as such but did not want to deal with taking it out).
This way we always had a backup, in case our electronics were friend by a lightning. The microwave acts as a faraday cage. I have heard that the oven works the same way.
More Helpful Boating Gear and Guides
That’s it. More of an answered question, rather than a traditional review. I thought you might enjoy a short and sweet idea. We are all about saving money.
Catamaran vs Monohull: Let’s Solve This Thing!
We did not Need BoatU.S. Until we did.
11 Valuable Boating Subscriptions and Courses
How to Sell a Boat by Owner, the Honest Way
Boat Sale Listing – SV Graceful is Ready for You to Follow Your Dream!
