Garmin vs Raymarine Autopilots: Key Differences

Brand overview: what each lineup offers

Garmin and Raymarine are two of the most common names in marine autopilots. Both offer complete systems that include a control head, a course computer or actuator control unit, a heading sensor, and a drive unit. The key differences appear in how each brand names its packs, which drives it offers, and how the system connects to other electronics.

Raymarine's Evolution series is built around the EV sensor, which combines the central processor and a 3D heading sensor in one unit. The lineup includes packs for tiller steering, wheel steering, hydraulic steering, and drive-by-wire systems, as well as dedicated sail and power versions. Garmin's Reactor series also covers similar steering types, with packs that typically include a GHC control head and a heading sensor.

Neither brand is inherently better for every boat. The right choice depends on the steering system already aboard, the control head you prefer, and whether you want to integrate with an existing chartplotter or instrument network. For a broad comparison of systems, see the best marine autopilot guide.

Drive types: matching the steering system

The drive unit is the part that connects the autopilot to the boat's steering. Both Garmin and Raymarine offer drives for hydraulic steering, mechanical steering, and tiller or wheel systems. Raymarine names its drives by type, such as Type 1 or Type 2 hydraulic pumps, rotary drives, and linear drives. Garmin uses similar categories, with hydraulic pumps and linear drives for different boat sizes.

When comparing listings, look for the drive type in the pack name. A pack that says 'hydraulic' is meant for boats with hydraulic steering. A pack that says 'tiller' or 'wheel' is for sailboats with those steering systems. If the listing does not state the drive, the pack may be a core pack that leaves the drive out. Learn more about drive types.

For boats with electronic helm systems, such as drive-by-wire, both brands offer special packs. Raymarine has the EV-DBW Pilot for digital drive-by-wire systems and a Volvo Edition for Volvo Penta IPS or Aquamatic propulsion. Garmin offers steer-by-wire packs for compatible engines. These packs typically do not include a traditional drive because the steering system already has actuators. See the steer-by-wire guide for more.

• Hydraulic pumps: for boats with hydraulic steering, sized by steering system volume.
• Linear drives: for mechanical steering on sailboats or powerboats, mounted to push or pull the rudder.
• Rotary drives: for wheel-steered boats, turning the wheel or steering shaft.
• Tiller drives: for tiller-steered sailboats, attached directly to the tiller.
• Drive-by-wire packs: for electronic helm systems, no physical drive in the box.

Sensors and heading sources

Every autopilot needs a heading sensor to know which way the boat points. Raymarine's Evolution systems use the EV sensor, which combines the central processor and a 3D heading sensor. This sensor is included in most Raymarine packs and is the heart of the system. Garmin's Reactor systems use a separate heading sensor, often a rate gyro or solid-state compass, which is included in the pack.

Some Garmin packs may require an external heading source, such as a compatible NMEA 2000 compass, if the included sensor is not sufficient for the installation. Raymarine's EV sensor is designed to be self-calibrating, which means it can learn the boat's steering characteristics during setup.

When comparing listings, check whether the pack includes the heading sensor. A core pack may leave it out, requiring you to buy it separately. The sensor is a critical part, so a complete pack that includes it is often simpler to order. For more on sensors, read heading sensor types.

Integration with chartplotters and networks

Both Garmin and Raymarine autopilots connect to a boat's NMEA 2000 network, which allows them to share data with chartplotters, instruments, and other electronics. NMEA 2000 is a standard for marine data communication, as described by the National Marine Electronics Association. It lets devices from different brands work together on a single network.

Garmin autopilots integrate most naturally with Garmin chartplotters, such as the GPSMAP series. Raymarine autopilots pair with Raymarine Axiom chartplotters and other Raymarine instruments. However, because both use NMEA 2000, you can often connect them to other brands' equipment, though the maker's page is the source for compatibility details.

If you already have a chartplotter from one brand, staying with the same brand for the autopilot may simplify integration. Features like route following, waypoint navigation, and control from the chartplotter screen are more likely to work seamlessly within the same brand's ecosystem. See NMEA 2000 connectivity for more.

Control heads and user interface

The control head is the display and buttons you use to operate the autopilot. Raymarine offers control heads like the p70, p70s, and p70R, which have pushbuttons and rotary knobs. Garmin offers the GHC 20 and GHC 50, which have color displays and rotary knobs. Some packs include a control head, while others are sold without one.

A pack that says 'w/o GHC' means it does not include a Garmin control head. You would need to buy one separately or use a compatible chartplotter as the control interface. Raymarine packs often include a control head, but check the listing to be sure.

The control head is where you will set the course, adjust the response, and monitor the autopilot's status. Choose a head that is easy to read and reach from the helm. If you plan to control the autopilot from multiple stations, look for a pack that supports multiple heads or a remote control. Explore control head options and the best autopilots with control head.

Complete packs vs core packs

Both brands sell complete packs that include the control head, sensor, and drive, as well as core packs that leave some parts out. A complete pack is ready to install with all the main components. A core pack typically includes the course computer and sensor but not the drive or control head, allowing you to reuse an existing drive or choose a different head.

On this site, you can filter by 'drive in the box' and 'control head in the box' to see what each pack includes. If you already have a drive from a previous autopilot, a core pack may be a cost-effective choice. If you are starting from scratch, a complete pack is simpler. Compare core packs and complete packs.

Compare the stated details of each pack to see exactly what is included. The pack title often names the drive type and control head, but the bullet list on the listing gives the full contents.

Sailboat vs powerboat versions

Raymarine offers separate packs for sail and power boats. The EV-200 Sail Pilot is for mid-sized sailboats with mechanical steering, while the EV-200 Power Pilot is for medium to large powerboats with hydraulic steering. Garmin also has sail and power versions, with tiller pilots for small sailboats and hydraulic packs for powerboats.

Sailboat autopilots often need to handle the forces of a rudder and may include features like wind mode, which uses wind data to steer a course relative to the wind. Powerboat autopilots focus on holding a compass heading or following a route at planing speeds.

When choosing, match the pack to your boat type. A sailboat pack may not have the right drive for a powerboat, and vice versa. The listing should state whether it is for sail or power. See the sailboat autopilot guide and powerboat autopilot guide.

Steer-by-wire and electronic helm systems

For boats with electronic helm systems, such as Yamaha Helm Master or Volvo Penta IPS, both brands offer special packs. Raymarine has the EV-DBW Pilot and a Volvo Edition. Garmin offers steer-by-wire packs for compatible engines. These packs do not include a traditional drive because the steering system uses electric or hydraulic actuators controlled by the autopilot.

These packs are specific to the engine or helm system, so the listing title often names the system, such as 'Helm Master' or 'IPS.' You must match the pack to your boat's exact system. The maker's page is the source for which systems are supported.

If your boat has steer-by-wire, a standard hydraulic or linear drive pack will not work. Look for a pack that explicitly states compatibility with your helm system. The steer-by-wire guide lists options.

What to pick for your situation

Start by identifying your boat's steering type. If you have hydraulic steering, look for a hydraulic pack from either brand. If you have a tiller or wheel, choose a tiller or wheel pilot. For electronic helm, select a steer-by-wire pack.

Next, decide whether you want a complete pack or a core pack. If you are replacing an old autopilot and can reuse the drive, a core pack may save money. If you are installing a new system, a complete pack is more straightforward.

Finally, consider integration. If you already have a Garmin chartplotter, a Garmin autopilot may integrate more smoothly. If you have a Raymarine Axiom, a Raymarine autopilot is a natural fit. But NMEA 2000 allows cross-brand connections, so the choice is not locked.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I use a Garmin autopilot with a Raymarine chartplotter?

Yes, if both devices are NMEA 2000 certified, they can share data on the same network. However, some features may require same-brand integration. Check the maker's page for compatibility details.

What is the difference between a complete pack and a core pack?

A complete pack includes the control head, sensor, and drive. A core pack typically includes the course computer and sensor but leaves the drive and control head out, so you can reuse existing parts.

Do Garmin and Raymarine autopilots work with hydraulic steering?

Yes, both brands offer hydraulic pump drives for boats with hydraulic steering. The pump size must match your steering system's volume, as stated on the maker's page.

Which brand is better for a sailboat?

Both offer sail-specific packs. Raymarine has the EV-200 Sail Pilot and tiller pilots. Garmin has tiller pilots and sail versions. Choose based on your steering type and preferred control head.

Do I need a separate heading sensor?

Most complete packs include a heading sensor. Core packs may not. Check the listing to see if the sensor is included. Some Garmin systems may require an external NMEA 2000 heading source.

Can I control the autopilot from my chartplotter?

Many chartplotters can act as a control head when connected via NMEA 2000. Garmin and Raymarine both support this, but the features may vary. The maker's page lists compatible devices.