Options for a radar/chartplotter upgrade on a 2001 380.

[Zach312]

What is the main difference between the 4208 an 5208? Is it just the touch screen feature?

Any opinions on leave the existing radar and just upgrading to a new chartplotter. We would like to put this in the dash were the GPS/Tridata and radio are. How much do you use radar? Struggling paying an additional 2k plus to upgrade.

[ZZ13]

What is the main difference between the 4208 an 5208? Is it just the touch screen feature?

Any opinions on leave the existing radar and just upgrading to a new chartplotter. We would like to put this in the dash were the GPS/Tridata and radio are. How much do you use radar? Struggling paying an additional 2k plus to upgrade.

I am in the process of a lot of research and decision making regarding a similar upgrade. I currently have a early 2000's Raymarine SL70CRC chartplotter with a 2Kw radar dome. I have finally decided to upgrade to the Raymarine C90W chartplotter and replace the radar dome with Raymarine's 18" HD version. Mainly because I just can't see the small lines on the SL70C very well anymore and the radar was just a confusing blob of yellow-orange stuff to me - so I never tried very hard to use/learn it. I considered the non-HD digital as I rarely (actually never) use radar, but I figured if I had good stuff I'd be motivated to learn and enjoy having radar onboard. I also looked at the Garmin 740, 4208 and 4210; with the Garmin 18" HD radar. My decision was based on the following: I already have Raymarine stuff and have spent the past year learning it and its system interconnections; everything I read said the Raymarine HD radar is noticeably an improvement over Garmin's radar; the C90W was the biggest screen I could get and fit in the same mounting area as the SL70CRC (and I need big due to aging eyesight); and I wanted video input capability.

Hope that helps (and doesn't create more confusion). One thing I learned is that the old 2Kw radar dome I have is not compatible with the new chartplotters. Gotta replace both with matching stuff.

[Havana Shamrock]

The problem I had (and others also) with Raymarine, I had an RL70c ,and now the E120 you can't see the waypoints, or tracking lines ,heading lines etc, they are black and small doesnt matter what age you are. You can't tell the difference . Another poster had his plotter stolen and replaced it with the new E series. And they are still using the same size .why wait for an upgrade? The Garmin is also one of the easiest plotters and system you can buy. ( my opinion) .

[CSR_Admin]

I am in the process of a lot of research and decision making regarding a similar upgrade. I currently have a early 2000's Raymarine SL70CRC chartplotter with a 2Kw radar dome. I have finally decided to upgrade to the Raymarine C90W chartplotter and replace the radar dome with Raymarine's 18" HD version. Mainly because I just can't see the small lines on the SL70C very well anymore and the radar was just a confusing blob of yellow-orange stuff to me - so I never tried very hard to use/learn it. I considered the non-HD digital as I rarely (actually never) use radar, but I figured if I had good stuff I'd be motivated to learn and enjoy having radar onboard. I also looked at the Garmin 740, 4208 and 4210; with the Garmin 18" HD radar. My decision was based on the following: I already have Raymarine stuff and have spent the past year learning it and its system interconnections; everything I read said the Raymarine HD radar is noticeably an improvement over Garmin's radar; the C90W was the biggest screen I could get and fit in the same mounting area as the SL70CRC (and I need big due to aging eyesight); and I wanted video input capability.

Hope that helps (and doesn't create more confusion). One thing I learned is that the old 2Kw radar dome I have is not compatible with the new chartplotters. Gotta replace both with matching stuff.

The c90 has absolutely no resemblance to the user interface or connections of your older unit. If that is the only reason you want to stick with Raymarine I would say you should consider any brand. Any brand, including newer Ray stuff will be a complete departure from what you have.

[Zach312]

We are keeping the existing auto pilot (raytheon). I was told by the Raymarine dealer that this unit could get incorporated in to the MFD (Either E7 or C95). Has any one ran into this? Can I incorporate my auto pilot with a Garmin unit?


Thanks

[ZZ13]

The c90 has absolutely no resemblance to the user interface or connections of your older unit. If that is the only reason you want to stick with Raymarine I would say you should consider any brand. Any brand, including newer Ray stuff will be a complete departure from what you have.

Good timing. I did an "Ask Jim" to you on BOE Marine yesterday on this topic. I'm hoping you can straighten me out before I buy. Also, it wasn't the only reason. It was one of four, which I listed in the post above and in my message to your site.

[THJeff]

We are keeping the existing auto pilot (raytheon). I was told by the Raymarine dealer that this unit could get incorporated in to the MFD (Either E7 or C95). Has any one ran into this? Can I incorporate my auto pilot with a Garmin unit?

I replaced my original Raytheon equipment with a Raymarine e97 but kept only the existing auto pilot and it works great with the new MFD. I simply moved it to the dash where the old GPS was (starboard side) and it looks great. I had a new glove box built to insert where the holes were under the old radar screen.

[Zach312]

I replaced my original Raytheon equipment with a Raymarine e97 but kept only the existing auto pilot and it works great with the new MFD. I simply moved it to the dash where the old GPS was (starboard side) and it looks great. I had a new glove box built to insert where the holes were under the old radar screen.

Sounds aweome. any pictures? Did you put the E97 in the dash the radio and tridata were?
Thanks in advance

[THJeff]

Sorry, I don't have any pics. I'll try to take some next time I head over to storage. The e97 is where the old radar used to be with the glove box below it. I have the radio, rudder angle indicator and autopilot across the dash.

[Zach312]

Sorry, I don't have any pics. I'll try to take some next time I head over to storage. The e97 is where the old radar used to be with the glove box below it. I have the radio, rudder angle indicator and autopilot across the dash.

Thanks a picture would be great.

Did you have to replace the back plate that the original radar used to be? I am interested to see how the e97 fit.

Thanks!