Upgrade Navigation Electronics- Raymarine E series, larger screen and HD Color Radar

Chuckvec

Hello EC community, my question is about upgrading multi-function displays, what can you get into that space on the control panel?  What do you think of going into HD color Radar from Raymarine?  I am considering upgrading to a hybrid touch screen and want to make any other improvements I can when I do.

Handymans342

Did you see what I did?

Handymans342

Search chart plotter and radar upgrade

Chuckvec

Let me take a look.  I have an EC 360 and the instrument panel appears to have room to go to next size up, but I am not sure.  The Raymarine rep is going to take a look at the boat and let me know, if not then I would consider the modifications option.

Handymans342

I have the a128 series. 

LaRea

I'm a fan of spending extra on the radar.  When I bought my current boat, I went from a 4kW radar to a 2kW, and I really miss the resolution and range I had before.  

The real question these days is broadband vs. pulsed radar.  It's still a relatively new technology in recreational boating -- not a lot of real-world feedback out there.  

bry1429

I have the E95 on a 2014 360

Handymans342

I dont think a 12 inch screen would fit in that place.

Michael T

@bry1429.... I think I've seen that helm before..... awesome.  

Chuckvec

Thanks to everyone for the answers and guidance. I have the Raymarine tech coming out to check out the dash to see what we can do.  He thinks he can fit it in...I am not so sure.  I might just go with the smaller hybrid touch screen.  I will update the site after I meet with him.

Michael T

I spoke with Randy (Rinker) because the 9" Touchscreen, seen in @bry1429's post of his helm, was a custom up-grade that I made and Randy said a 12" would not fit in without screwing-up the helm.

Handymans342

Well mine turned out perfect MT

Michael T

@H342....more room?

Handymans342

12 inch screen, custom fiberglass. 

raybo3

Why is your cup holder missing??????

reneechris14

Bottomless cup raybo 

randy56

he never sits his beer down anyway.

Michael T

@H342, yes, I can see how it works on an older 342. Now look at the frame of the 2014 EC 360, in the picture @bry1429 provided. I believe Randy's exact words after looking at THAT exact helm area (mine) was that it would look "Mickey Mouse". My gel coat guy said the same thing. I really wanted the 12" display and there was no way I could figure to do it and make it look good. Maybe there is but it wouldn't be simple and I wasn't about to experiment on a brand new EC 360.

Handymans342

raybo3 said:

Why is your cup holder missing??????

Its there. I didnt put it back before the picture

Handymans342

Michael T said:

@H342, yes, I can see how it works on an older 342. Now look at the frame of the 2014 EC 360, in the picture @bry1429 provided. I believe Randy's exact words after looking at THAT exact helm area (mine) was that it would look "Mickey Mouse". My gel coat guy said the same thing. I really wanted the 12" display and there was no way I could figure to do it and make it look good. Maybe there is but it wouldn't be simple and I wasn't about to experiment on a brand new EC 360.

You could have done the same mod I did. 

Michael T

Don't think so Steve. there is a fairly large flair all the way around that side on the helm. Also you have to watch that nothing is sticking out as the steps to the foredeck are right there. It's too late for me anyway....boatless :-(  You did do a real nice oem looking job Steve.....maybe Chuckvec can fly you up for an install?

Handymans342

MT, do you know if the brass rings around the older gauges are real brass?

Michael T

Not the ones I have seen Steve. I have only seen "real" brass on Gaffrig gauges the oem ones looked like that "gold" stuff like on home taps. But, I bet there are real brass gauge rings available on aftermarket sites.