Another Electronics Upgrade Question

Shaps

Shaps

Well-Known Member
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Nov 4, 2019
2,480
Long Island,NY
Boat Info
2010 Sundancer 500
2015 Brig Falcon 330T
Engines
Twin Cummins QSC550 w Zeus Pods
I currently have the original dual Raymarine E120s on my boat.
Not looking to make a major investment but was hoping to get something that had a better response and touchscreen than what I currently have.
Was on a friends boat this weekend and he had E125s hybrid touch.

First question: Does anyone know if these units are essentially drop in replacements? If they are, what would be required to replace what I have with the E125s?

Second, and I am asking for opinions here, am I being dumb? Is this a worthwhile change or just a waste?

Thanks!
 
Shaps,

I have twin A125's on mine which are simular to the E125's you looked at. I would guess that the cut out will be different than the original e120's but you can download the templates on Raymarine site. Either way you can get a new panel from Technografics that will be a perfect match to your dash for not a lot of $$$. A lot of your choice on new MFD will depend upon what other equipment you have...auto pilot, fish finder and radar. I want to upgrade to Axioms and I want the 16" XL's that will fit edge to edge but like you not wanting to pay for a small car to get them. All my other electronics will work with the Axioms which is important to me. If you are going to upgrade I would at minimum go to the Axiom 12" but you should call Raymarine to review your exisiting equipment to make sure it would still interface.
 
I upgraded my e120 to the e125. Touchscreen, much faster, better resolution, better interface. You'll quickly come to see the e120 as really outdated in their design and operation. I bought mine used for around $1000 if I recall. You old analog radar won't work with the e125 so keep that in mind. You'll also have to install a proper seatalk ng (nmea 2000 network) if your boat doesn't already have it. I have a bridge to some of the NMEA0183 I still have. Otherwise everything else seems to work fine.
On a 2010 boat it is a worthwhile upgrade IMO and will increase resale value and/or buyer interest. The real question is do you go right to an Axiom system, and skip the e125 generation which have been discontinued.

BTW... Raymarine makes interface plates to fit the hole of the e120 for the e125 as well as the axiom MFDs.
 
Thanks @ocgrant
Thanks @gerryb

Appreciated. I already have digital radar, so I shouldn't need to replace the array. Appreciate the price info, that was the number I was thinking. Not really in the mindset of the Axiom$ just yet. I was thinking these could buy me a few years.

Regarding the Seatalk NG/NMEA 2k network, I am assuming I will have to have that installed. Is that a big deal?

Appreciate the input, Thank you!
 
Shaps said:
Thanks @ocgrant
Thanks @gerryb

Appreciated. I already have digital radar, so I shouldn't need to replace the array. Appreciate the price info, that was the number I was thinking. Not really in the mindset of the Axiom$ just yet. I was thinking these could buy me a few years.

Regarding the Seatalk NG/NMEA 2k network, I am assuming I will have to have that installed. Is that a big deal?

Appreciate the input, Thank you!
Click to expand...
Pretty easy to install, just some cables and adaptors...
 
Shaps said:
@ocgrant

You want to put in twin axiom 16s?
Click to expand...
Yep... 16XL's will fit edge to edge. Technografics will cut me a new mounting plate finished in my original Sea Ray brushed aluminium finish already pre cut to fit the Axioms.
 
ocgrant said:
Yep... 16XL's will fit edge to edge. Technografics will cut me a new mounting plate finished in my original Sea Ray brushed aluminium finish already pre cut to fit the Axioms.
Click to expand...

That will look amazing! First I have bilge envy, now dash envy.. :)

I will be calling Technografics about new dash panels. The adapter plates aren't inexpensive and they have a large bezel around the 125s to make it fit.
 
Last edited:
gerryb said:
I upgraded my e120 to the e125. Touchscreen, much faster, better resolution, better interface. You'll quickly come to see the e120 as really outdated in their design and operation. I bought mine used for around $1000 if I recall. You old analog radar won't work with the e125 so keep that in mind. You'll also have to install a proper seatalk ng (nmea 2000 network) if your boat doesn't already have it. I have a bridge to some of the NMEA0183 I still have. Otherwise everything else seems to work fine.
On a 2010 boat it is a worthwhile upgrade IMO and will increase resale value and/or buyer interest. The real question is do you go right to an Axiom system, and skip the e125 generation which have been discontinued.

BTW... Raymarine makes interface plates to fit the hole of the e120 for the e125 as well as the axiom MFDs.
Click to expand...
Where did you see the interface plates for the Axioms to replace the e120? I found the e125 but not the others. Thanks for this. I'm trying to decide between the two as well.
 
I am about to go through the process.... Will let you know.
I am going from E120s to an E127/E125 setup (not that i need the sonar capability of the E127)

Waiting on a new dash panel. I was told by raymarine that I needed 2 A80160 cables and an E22158.
They confirmed my digital radar is plug&play compatible.
 
Shaps said:
That will look amazing! First I have bilge envy, now dash envy.. :)

I will be calling Technografics about new dash panels. The adapter plates aren't inexpensive and they have a large bezel around the 125s to make it fit.
Click to expand...
Dave,
I used Technograghics earlier this year to replace a panel when I upgraded my electronics. Gave them the model number for the display and they precut the panel - quick and easy and matched perfectly. I went with all Garmin so can’t help with Raymarine upgrade questions.
 
Thanks Rob.
I also used tecnografics. Just waiting for it to arrive...
Will know when the electronics guy is available later this afternoon.
Which Garmin MFDs did you go with and how do you like them so far?
 
Shaps said:
Thanks Rob.
I also used tecnografics. Just waiting for it to arrive...
Will know when the electronics guy is available later this afternoon.
Which Garmin MFDs did you go with and how do you like them so far?
Click to expand...
The PO added a 942xs last year that he had mounted in the center of the dash. I removed the original Raymarine which was mounted to the left of the helm and moved the 942xs there. I added a 8612xsv and put that in the center and also added a 4’ open array Fantom radar, Garmin VHF and transducer. Feel free to call or text me if you have any questions.
F0200B2A-CE93-4E9C-B2A2-50FEED1BA73D.jpeg
 
I recently upgraded from E120 and E80 to Axiom 12 and Axiom Pro 12S. Tecnografic did the new panels which were slightly customized. SeaTalkng (NMEA2000) is simple to install and I upgraded to an Evolution ACU200 autopilot. Two HS5 switches, ClearCruise and AIS. Unfortunately my open array HD radar which was supposed to be compatible, wouldn't talk to the system so I switched it to the new Quantum 2 Doppler. Everything works well now and Raymarine support has been great.
P8150899.JPG
P8150949.JPG
 
PXL_20200910_010207516.jpg
PXL_20200910_010421294.jpg
PXL_20200910_010528091.jpg
PXL_20200910_010532837.jpg
PXL_20200910_010537615.jpg
mission accomplished.
E127/E125 installed and working perfectly.
The po had a vv7 installed so i already had the engine data over nema2k. Attached the displays to the nema2k network and engine data along with rudder position and tabs too. Very happy with how this came out.
 
Last edited:
Shaps said:
View attachment 91940 View attachment 91941 View attachment 91942 View attachment 91943 View attachment 91944mission accomplished.
E127/E125 installed and working perfectly.
The po had a vv7 installed so i already had the engine data over nema2k. Attached the displays to the nema2k network and engine data along with rudder position and tabs too. Very happy with how this came out.
Click to expand...
Looks good Dave. I have the engine data on my Garmins over NEMA2K but I am still using the original SmartCraft SC5000. Planning to upgrade to the Vessel View 7 over the winter.
 
Thanks Rob. I was truly surprised how smoothly everything went.
Happy to help on your upgrade. (Hand tools and drink) :)
 
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