Updating Electronics

W

wcfrog

New Member
Oct 2, 2012
27
Northern Virginia
Boat Info
1997 Sea Ray 370
Engines
7.4s
So I'm tired of looking at all the old original Raytheon electronics on my 1997 370 that don't work. The only thing still working is the radar. We don't do extensive travel (up and down the Potomac River) with our boat so I don't need a full super expensive package.
What I'd like to do is:
- remove the old non-working components and just have a large radar / gps combo where the current radar display is now. would consider something used in good working condition.
- Have a tri data above steering wheel
And that's it!

Is there something that may be plug and play to my original internal system and radar arch?
Thoughts, ideas, recommendations greatly appreciated!
 
I just replaced my old stuff from '06 and it was all analog... Today's stuff is digital, so unless you stay with used old equipment none of it will talk to each other. https://www.defender.com/ I bought this week 1 year ago while Defender is in the Miami Boat Show I saved several hundred more dollars from the price the week before the show... total was under $3500 for my 12" RM w/wi-fi radar & $180 nav chip.
 
Mark,

Would you share the exact list of stuff you purchased so us on the side with similar set up know exactly what you purchased. If you’d prefer to PM the info that would be great as well. I’m in Ft Lauderdale now, was at the show today and headed back to Collins Ave tomorrow!
 
261435Q24PWR RAYM QUANTUM Q24W RADOME WIFI 1 1
260030 RAYM a127 12.1" MFD WIFI 1 1
259765NAVMSD NAVIONICS+ CHART USA

The P.O. had updated the electronics with a RM C80 in the dash where I'm guessing the old tube radar sat. I had to enlarge the opening just a little bit to accommodate a127 12." and it an awesome screen. This model is touch only which some guys on here didn't prefer, but everything I have, phone, tablet, the computer is touch so for my preferences I have no issues.
 
When we got home from Thanksgiving out of town, this what I found and my need for new electronics(11-16)
2016-11-28 12.05.57.jpg
 
That really $uck$. At least they didn’t bust up the dash getting it out.
The manufacturers should come up with a method of somehow rendering these units worthless if they’re stolen.
 
I'm a Garmin person. The big thing Garmin brings is non-propriety connectors and cabling; everything except the radar scanner are NMEA2000. Raymarine while very good equipment use cables and connectors that only their equipment interfaces unless expensive adapters are purchased and they change the configurations often. Another significant issue with Raymarine, albeit they have improved, is their forward compatibility is very poor. So let's say you bought the minimum equipment to get by and in two years wanted to add some features, A certified NMEA2000 system can update software and have the standard electrical interface; Raymarine is, for the most part, a crap-shoot. I understand Faruno is much like Garmin but I have no first hand experience.
 
I had Garmin on my old boat and Raymarine on this one. I found Garmin to be easier to use and their customer service easier to contact and talk to.
If I had nothing, or was replacing everything, I would go Garmin.
 
Bill Collector . That happened to us over Columbus day a few years back They took the chart plotters , radio , TRi data and auto pilot. They were nice enough to leave the screws and unplugged everything . Nothing was cut.

But they did take the panels as well.... Now I have cameras everywhere.

Rob
 
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