Raymarine - repair or replace ???

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RWS
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Raymarine - repair or replace ???

Post by RWS »

Currently running pre-Flir Raymarine and tired of the failure rate

This is all circa 2006 equipment

Replaced autopilot Fluxgate compass 3 times - once was under warranty

Radar (raydome) repaired under warranty

Now the DSM 300 is toast again, unless it's the transducer?) and I cannnot get bottom readings without the display "freezing" almost constantly

Here's what I currently have:

• ST5000 plus autopilot
• E120 MFD
• Airmar B744 transducer in a fairing block
• Radome
• Raymarine VHF radio

Last month Raymarine tested the Made in Mexico DSM300 and updated it. This resolved the problem for a couple of outings, but now its back to freezing again.

I am running 10 gage wiring directly from the batteries and even went to a separate, constant voltage transformer, but no joy.

Do I upgrade to the CP370 bottom machine to replace the DSM300 and hope my transducer is OK, or should I stop putting good money after bad and chuck the whole thing.

Is there a MFD/Radar/package out there that will be 100% compatible with my Raymarine autopilot and Airmar B744?

Cruise and fish, west coast Florida.

1983 Trojan International express cruiser with twin Yanmar 6 cylinder turbodiesels

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT !!

RWS
1983 10 Meter SOLD after 21 years of adventures
Yanmar diesels
Solid Glass Hull
Woodless Stringers
Full Hull Liner
Survived Andrew Cat 5,Eye of Charley Cat 4, & Irma Cat 2
Trojan International Website: http://trojanboat.com/

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Big D
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Re: Raymarine - repair or replace ???

Post by Big D »

That's a hard call. I can tell you that the earlier DSMs and E series MFDs had software and hardware issues. The ducer you have is a robust unit and has been one of Airmar's work horses for years, and I've heard good things about the CP370 unit.

I've been running older stuff than yours for years with no issues; RL displays, DSM250 with the B744, fluxgate, etc. All pre Flir too. I don't have the need for newer equipment at this time. Just need something that gets me from A to B with no fluff. When this stuff fails I'll have no choice but to upgrade and will go NMEA 2000 as it has definite benefits but for now I'm good.

Check all your wiring and connectors, and eBay is your friend!
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
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prowlersfish
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Re: Raymarine - repair or replace ???

Post by prowlersfish »

Thought I posted this AM . Anyway I have a E120 with a open array radar ( Super HD ) and its great . However The GPS/charting is s l o w . S slow I won't use it I use My Garmin 1040XS and 741XS much faster (up date 10 times a second ) .

A friend got rid of his E120 and went with a new Garmin 15" MFD w/radar he was able to use the Raymaine autopilot . He also went with a garmin transducer .
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prowlersfish
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Re: Raymarine - repair or replace ???

Post by prowlersfish »

What systems have you looked at ?
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat :D
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prowlersfish
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Re: Raymarine - repair or replace ???

Post by prowlersfish »

As far as the DSM300 My understanding is the DSM300 made in Mexico has issues the one made in Hungry is ok .
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat :D
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