Raymarine electronics on an '03 380

[JediJD]

Looking at an '03 380 with 290 hours. I have a thousand questions on the way, but just one for now.

It has the factory RL80C (and radar and autopilot) and (I assume) whatever transducer came from the factory. While the boat is out of the water, I am thinking about adding a DSM but curious if I need to upgrade the transducer? Any thoughts? Since I am totally uninformed (despite several hours of reviewing conflicting internet information), anyone know where I would start to figure it out?

 

[osd9]

Yes....you will have to add a transducer for the DSM to work.

 

[Windjammer]

My opinion - contact Jim @ BOE. He gives good advice and since you are considering a new piece of electronic gear, there may be some challenges or incompatibilities getting the new stuff to work/interface with your older existing electronics....

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

You may require a transducer that can use the DSM input.

I Have the RayMarine system as well and added the DSM 250 (older model DSM). However, my transom mounted transducer that I have works... So check with the RayMarine hotline and ask them if your transducer will work. They are great people to ask those kinds of questions and know their stuff.

 

[Henry Boyd]

If you have the Lowrance depth gauge, that transducer is not compatible with RM. Lowrance used an odd frequency. You would be well served to changing it now as Lowrance no longer supports the technology.

You also may have a Raystar 120 GPS which is the same vintage as the RL display. The 120's have about reached the end of their life and are beginning to fade. it starts with a random loss of GPS fix that becomes more frequent as time goes on. So you might consider replacing that with the newer Raystar 125.

Henry

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Henry is spot on. My Ray120 was dieing and losing fixes every time I turned north (lithium battery is good for about 5-7 years). I replaced it with the 125 and it is night and day better. Fixes in less than 5 secs now verses 60 secs to over 2 mins. Plus I can select NMEA or Raymarine signal unlike the 120 which is hardwired to either one from the factory...