Outdoors

When it comes to multifunction displays for navigation on the water, a lot of options and a lot of aspects need to be taken into consideration.   With so many available systems, one may even at first feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices. Nevertheless, for a compact and effective system that will get the job done and stand the test of time (and water) two choices absolutely stand above the others: the Raymarine C Series models and the Raymarine E Series models.   Here, we’re going to be exploring the benefits of the Raymarine E Series and taking a look at some of the differences between the E80 and E120.

The Raymarine E Series navigation methods utilize Raymarine’s proprietary Ultra-Bright Sunlight Viewable display technology.   This ensures excellent contrast and wide viewing angle.   The screen itself is completely customizable, and each page can be viewed with multiple windows or as full screen.

These systems can be merged with other E Series units as components of a SeaTalkHS network, or can be used as single screens.   The E Series models include 3D Navionics Platinum Plus chartplotting, radar, HD Digital fishfinder, Sirius satellite radio, and marine weather. Instrumentation and video applications are viewed in user-defined customizable pages.

As a standard feature, these models support Raymarine’s exclusive SeaTalkHS network protocol.   This enables sharing of radar, chartplotting, fishfinder, weather and navigation between E series units. With SeaTalk and SeaTalk2/SeaTalkNG, you’ll have no problem integrating either system with Raymarine instruments and autopilots. In addition, industry standards NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 are supported so that 3rd party devises are also easily added.

These models are equipped with 4 video input jacks for easy aggregation with Raymarine marine cameras, CCTV cameras, satellite television, receivers, infrared cameras and more. Due to the simple-to-use multipage option, each video input can be viewed either full-screen or divided alongside other navigation or weather displays.   Also included is a VGA video output port for connection to remote monitors and entertainment systems.   For additional control, there is an optional remote control keyboard available.

Both units are built on a rugged aluminum chassis and waterproof to CFR46 standards. They include both a convenient trunion mounting bracket as well as a low-profile flush mounting kit for a clean, unobtrusive helm. 

The Raymarine E80 kit comes with an owner’s manual, quick reference guide, full-face suncover, trunion mounting kit, flush mounting kit, NMEA input/output cable, power cable, SeaTalk/auxiliary alarm cable, SeaTalkhs network cable, and 4-channel composite video input cable.

The differences in these two units comes in screen size and, because of the size difference, price.   The E80 is an 8. 4″ unit that will run the buyer about ,200. The E120, by comparison, is a 12. 1″ model that is better suited for larger boats.   This model costs ,600.