7" Chartplotter - SH vs Ray

[cghubbell]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a chartplotter to be mounted at the helm on my CS27. Based on my preferences and research I am leaning towards two units, and wondered if anyone had experiences with either that would help with the decision.

[1] Raymarine A70 (640x480)

[2] Standard Horizon CP 390i (800x480)

I'm using all Raymarine ST60+ instruments, and have a X-5 Smarpilot, so perhaps there is some kind of synergy between the Ray a70 unit and the other instruments?

I'm also installing a Standard Horizon VHF, so perhaps the CP390i has an easier interface to the VHF's DSC functionality?

My gut reaction is that the SH CP390i might be a better chartplotter, but I'm not clear on whether or not I might be giving up some kind of benefit with the plotter interfacing with the other Raymarine gear on board such as the autopilot.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[capttb]

The Ray would be marginally easier to interface because you could do it with just a Seatalk cable. You would still need to connect the CP by a Nema connection to your radio for DSC.
The SH CP would be connected to your AP via Nema and it's data therefore also added to the Seatalk network. It also would connect to the radio via NEMA.
So either way you need to go NEMA to the radio, I'm not familiar with either chartplotter but it's nice to have one that is user friendly.