[CA] [CA11] Updating 2003 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Ray,

Q1. I looked back at the boat and I have a look around. I have a 150 G AST course computer. The autopilot is fully operational.
A1. Great ... one less item of equipment to replace. Please note that when replacing the MFD, the autopilot features currently supported in conjunction with the RL80CRC (i.e. Track mode) would be supported in conjunction with Raymarine's Axiom/Axiom Pro/Axiom XL MFDs. As with your current system all commands for the autopilot would need be performed via the autopilot's control head. The autopilot may be interfaced to the new MFD via a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter Kit. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing replacement of a Pathfinder Series Radar/Chartplotter/Fishfinder display with an Axiom MFD ... in this case an Axiom 12 MFD would most closely match the footprint of an 10" hsb/hsb2/SL Pathfinder Series Display such as yours. The referenced FAQ addressing how devices having a SeaTalk communications interface (i.e. your autopilot) would be interfaced to the Axiom MFD via a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter Kit. The SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter will form the basis of a powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone to which the MFD, autopilot, and other devices will interfaced. The RN300 will not longer be required within the system. It would be recommended that the RN300 be replaced by either an i50 Depth, i50 Tridata instrument, or i70 Multifunction Instrument Display. A compatible analog instrument depth transducer and in the case of the i50 Tridata instrument compatible analog DST800 depth/speed/temperature transducer may be interfaced to the i50 Depth or i50 Tridata instruments respectively. The i50 Depth, i50 Tridata, or i70 MFID may in turn be interfaced to a spur socket within the aforementioned SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. A compatible Smart DST800 instrument transducer may be used with the i70 MFID and this transducer would likewise be interfaced to a spur socket within the aforementioned SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. The RN300's GPS antenna will be replaced with a Raystar 150 GPS Sensor which will also be interfaced to a spur socket within the aforementioned SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone.

Q2. I can't get the depth sounder out of the thru hull. I suspect its been several years since its been removed so the next time the boat is on the hard I will have to do more to get it out.
A2. The first action to be undertaken in addressing this issue would be to inspect the transducer when the boat is on the hard to ensure that it, as well as the hull, is free of marine growth. Such growth can interfere with transmission/reception of the transducer's energy and may cause an aerated flow of water across the transducer ... causing it to lose contact with the bottom. If seeking to replace the depth transducer, see the response to Q1 regarding its replacement as well as the instrument's replacement.

Q3. I will have to order a new panel in order to mount the MFD. I am not interested in fish finding. The boat (a sea ray 380 Sundancer) was not meant for that and I don't want to add it. Depth contours are a possibility or option but I really need an accurate numerical value at a minimum beneath the vessel.
A3. Noted. As indicated an Axiom 12 MFD would be recommended if seeking a MFD having a similar footprint and having a touchscreen-only interface. If seeking a MFD having both buttons and touchscreen (HybridTouch), then it would be recommended that an Axiom Pro S 12 MFD be considered.