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Topic starter
July 24, 2025 7:46 pm
I've been going through the posts in the Project Forum and I see one from 2019 that is pretty much what I would ask now, but with 6 years of changes I thought I'd ask a similar question. What should I get?
I have a 2002 Carver 450 Voyager with nearly all original electronics including a Raymarine RL70C Radar/MFD Chartplotter, Raytheon ST60 MFD, Raystar 120 GPS receiver. There is a 9" 2021 Axiom+ E706 chartplotter on the flybridge that is the only electronics I'm currently using. Also a newer 9" Simrad chartplotter at the lower helm. The engines are Volvo TAMD74P and I'm currently talking with Yacht Devices to install their YDES-04 gateway to get engine info which is currently very limited.
The autopilot is the original Raymarine autopilot which works but won't hold course after dodging to port or stbd.
So, I'm starting fresh. I plan to focus on the flybridge only. I would like to integrate a 13" tablet, and also replace the radar. I would also like to display the engine data on its own display. I'm targeting $10k for the budget but will go beyond that for the right setup.
The problem is that I don't know where to begin. Do I install an NMEA bus first and then get a MFD for the engine data, a tablet as a chart plotter, and use the Axiom+ for the radar display? Appreciate any recommendations or what to read to get started.
July 28, 2025 9:26 am
I'd start with the YD engine monitoring and a NMEA 2000 network taking the YD data to the Axiom, Simrad and/or any other display possible. That could get involved as you may also need added YD sensors to get oil pressure, and may want temp sensors on items like the raw water pumps and shaft seals. Custom monitoring old diesel engines is valuable!
I'd also see if the original RL70C Radar works before trying decide wether to go with Ray or Simrad for modern network radar -- solid state Doppler recommended -- and maybe the autopilot is "good enough" at least for now. I do recall that those Ray pilots would turn sharply back toward a track line after a dodge -- which Ray thought the right thing to do at the time -- but it bothered some users until they learned to just set a new ap course instead of reengaging.
I guess my overall advice is one step at a time while seeing what you can use of the existing gear while getting a better sense of the gear that's right for you and the boat.
Topic starter
July 28, 2025 1:40 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. I ordered the YD gateway. The TAMD 74Ps surprisingly record a good bit of info, but I will likely add exhaust temp sensors at some point. I also bought the wireless gateway as I don't know how challenging it will be to run the NMEA cable from the ER up to the helm. I think I can tie it all in to the Axiom once I figure out what the existing cable connections are. Just want to make sure that I make any change now that are incompatible with future equipment purchases.
July 28, 2025 3:57 pm
Frank, I'm dubious about a WiFi connection between N2K network backbone sections as I have not seen it done and it seems like unnecessary complication even if it is possible.
There have to be many cables already between your boat's engine room and the helms, and it would be good to inspect those runs anyway in case something is amiss.
And if an N2K connector and cable can't be added easily, maybe a plain cable will work and then you could install a field attachable connector.
There are many available but this new one looks like the best yet:
https://farallon.us/collections/nmea2000-networking/products/nmea2000-field-connector
Also, the YD USA distributor is very knowledgeable about their products, engine interfaces, and N2K in general.
July 28, 2025 4:24 pm
I share Ben E.'s skepticism about wireless N2K links. It is technically possible with a pair of Yacht Devices' YDWG-02s. However, I've helped multiple people with that setup and find the nature of WiFi on small, low power devices makes it a frustrating experience.
As for Yacht Devices U.S., that's me. I also own Yacht Devices U.S. so I have a lot of knowledge of their products.
-Ben S.
Publisher, Panbo.com
Topic starter
July 28, 2025 5:28 pm
I'm heading to the boat tomorrow to open up panels and check accessibility to the cable runs. Thanks for the advice on the wireless N2K links and the info on the field connector.
I didn't know there was a Yacht Devices US, I'll keep that in mind.
According to Raymarine my two existing RL70C displays won't be compatible with any upgrades I make, but they do have NMEA0183 i/o so would it be worth trying to use these in any way? I assume my installed transducer is original and may only be compatible with the RL70C?
