YOUR OPINION ON RAYMARINE A60 & A65

[Duduk]

do any of you used / owned a such system?? any opinions ??

RAYMARINE INC.
A60 Chartplotter/Fishfinder System Pack
$799.99 USD - $250 rebate

RAYMARINE INC.
A65 GPS/Chartplotter & Fishfinder System Pack
$1,449.99 USD - $350 rebate

[Carnivore]

I was looking at those too but think I will stick with the Furuno. Joey has a smaller RM FF on his wellcraft that was pretty nice for the money. I can say I haven't heard anything bad about them but that is about all I know.

[SeaHawk IV]

I have the A65 combo unit. I've used it several times this season and its been a reliable unit in addition to being user friendly. After the installation, I was able to navigate through the various features without reading the manual.

If you want to save several hundred bucks and don't care about digital clarity and a larger screen, the A60 is decent.

The Silver Navionics cartography is okay. I would upgrade to the gold.

The only gripe I have about the unit is the GPS RS12 receiver. Its outdated and you will not get 100 percent GPS performance. To update the GPS system, an RS125 receiver can be purchased for $300.00. You would also need to splice the new RS125 cable to a new connector in order to have it compatible. IMO, this is why there is a fat rebate and also Raymarine has a new line of A-Series units (A50,A57 and the A70's) that is available in November 2008. Raymarine Marine Electronics - A-Series

I was aware of the GPS issue but for what I paid (under $1000 after rebate), it was still worth buying the A65. Overall, I'm happy with my decision and Raymarine support has been great if you call the 800 number.

[Sinker]

Biggest Negative: Like SeaHawk IV stated - The Out-Of-Date GPS Receiver. This is a costly upgrade but can be done with the purchase of the new GPS Receiver. Some of the local shops here are working with people who buy the A-65 Package Deal to get them the updated receiver at a big discount and reasonable price. Again I agree with SeaHawk IV -Upgrade the Navionics

Positives: The color, color choices and HD is GREAT, makes for easy day and night time use. Easy to use and navigate through the screens. Processes quickly and the bottom machine clarity is outstanding. Not sure I will ever get another unit that is not Digital in HD. JMHO but the A-65 is a GREAT UNIT and with the deals coming out on them combined with a deal on the receiver and you got a GREAT unit at a very good price.

As you see stores are blowing these out to get ready for the new models. Find one to work with you on the GPS issue and you are in business.

[Duduk]

Originally Posted by Carnivore

I was looking at those too but think I will stick with the Furuno. Joey has a smaller RM FF on his wellcraft that was pretty nice for the money. I can say I haven't heard anything bad about them but that is about all I know.

Thank you Drew !!!

A65 looks like a nice unit

[Duduk]

Originally Posted by SeaHawk IV

I have the A65 combo unit. I've used it several times this season and its been a reliable unit in addition to being user friendly. After the installation, I was able to navigate through the various features without reading the manual.

If you want to save several hundred bucks and don't care about digital clarity and a larger screen, the A60 is decent.

The Silver Navionics cartography is okay. I would upgrade to the gold.

The only gripe I have about the unit is the GPS RS12 receiver. Its outdated and you will not get 100 percent GPS performance. To update the GPS system, an RS125 receiver can be purchased for $300.00. You would also need to splice the new RS125 cable to a new connector in order to have it compatible. IMO, this is why there is a fat rebate and also Raymarine has a new line of A-Series units (A50,A57 and the A70's) that is available in November 2008. Raymarine Marine Electronics - A-Series

I was aware of the GPS issue but for what I paid (under $1000 after rebate), it was still worth buying the A65. Overall, I'm happy with my decision and Raymarine support has been great if you call the 800 number.

Thank you '

Question: haw hard is it to splice the new RS125 cable to a new connector, is it only the connector part ??

[Duduk]

Originally Posted by Sinker

Biggest Negative: Like SeaHawk IV stated - The Out-Of-Date GPS Receiver. This is a costly upgrade but can be done with the purchase of the new GPS Receiver. Some of the local shops here are working with people who buy the A-65 Package Deal to get them the updated receiver at a big discount and reasonable price. Again I agree with SeaHawk IV -Upgrade the Navionics

Positives: The color, color choices and HD is GREAT, makes for easy day and night time use. Easy to use and navigate through the screens. Processes quickly and the bottom machine clarity is outstanding. Not sure I will ever get another unit that is not Digital in HD. JMHO but the A-65 is a GREAT UNIT and with the deals coming out on them combined with a deal on the receiver and you got a GREAT unit at a very good price.

As you see stores are blowing these out to get ready for the new models. Find one to work with you on the GPS issue and you are in business.

Thank you Tim

i did find one at a good price
lets see if it will happen

[Duduk]

did get a A 65 and yes it look's like an nice unit !!!

but no need to spend $300 for a new GPS antenna, all you need is to call 603.881.5200. Press option 4 for Tech Support, at the cost of $150 you will get a new RS125 ready to play ( no need to splice ) & the software update, you will need to ship your old RS12 back to them

[Duduk]

now i have one other dilemma

i need to install that transducer, but i have no trailer and the boat is at the marina

i need to take the boat out and install the transducer

Any idea on renting a trailer ??

[Carnivore]

No ideas on a rented trailer but the down time is the problem. Curing the sealant will take 24 hours easy. If my trailer was longer we could switch out boats and slips an get-er done. Might have to bite the bullet and have it hoisted out.