I've posted in the past regarding failed MFD's from Raymarine. I'm on my third replacement b.t.w. and touch wood, this one is ok, they have all been replaced under warranty.

However, last week I had an EV-1 course computer (sensor core) fail on me. The support guy said they never fail... All my electronics were purchased new 5 years ago, so this unit is now out of warranty. It's almost $1k to replace with a new one. Raymarine has my unit for inspection and want to charge me $350 + gst + freight to repair, so with the cost of me express posting it to them and insurance, I won't see any change out of $500. I'm seriously wondering if I'm throwing good money after bad by sticking with Raymarine, given that I've had a string of failed devices. Has anyone else had their EV-1 fail? Is this common? Suggestions for more robust autopilot systems are appreciated as I may just ditch the brand.

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2bish said..
I've posted in the past regarding failed MFD's from Raymarine. I'm on my third replacement b.t.w. and touch wood, this one is ok, they have all been replaced under warranty.

However, last week I had an EV-1 course computer (sensor core) fail on me. The support guy said they never fail... All my electronics were purchased new 5 years ago, so this unit is now out of warranty. It's almost $1k to replace with a new one. Raymarine has my unit for inspection and want to charge me $350 + gst + freight to repair, so with the cost of me express posting it to them and insurance, I won't see any change out of $500. I'm seriously wondering if I'm throwing good money after bad by sticking with Raymarine, given that I've had a string of failed devices. Has anyone else had their EV-1 fail? Is this common? Suggestions for more robust autopilot systems are appreciated as I may just ditch the brand.

Hi 2bish,
Sorry to hear about your issues with Raymarine.
I am having problems signing in to their chart installer. Do you have a contact phone number for them please?

Thanks, their support number is 02 8977 0300. Gererally, they're very helpful.

I have Raymarine everything except for a Coursemaster auto pilot & no problems at all over the past 7 years!! I am using the Raymarine T2 Long Linear Drive hooked up to the Coursemaster.

I would probably go with B&G now if I win lotto though!!

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2bish said..
Thanks, their support number is 02 8977 0300. Gererally, they're very helpful.

I will keep trying
Thank you

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Lazzz said..
I have Raymarine everything except for a Coursemaster auto pilot & no problems at all over the past 7 years!! I am using the Raymarine T2 Long Linear Drive hooked up to the Coursemaster.

I would probably go with B&G now if I win lotto though!!

I used B&G on my previous two boats.
Had to take what I could scramble with covid.

Raymarine all working for me, the 2006 MFD screen had an issue that was I'm told common on the C series but fixable. I installed a 200 series AP in 2017 and it has all been trouble-free, so far.
cheers Richard

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Lazzz said..
I have Raymarine everything except for a Coursemaster auto pilot & no problems at all over the past 7 years!! I am using the Raymarine T2 Long Linear Drive hooked up to the Coursemaster.

I would probably go with B&G now if I win lotto though!!

Is Coursemaster the Aus brand Lazzz?

Ah yes Lazzz, I just looked up coursemaster, they only seem to have a hydraulic linear drive option. Would that dampen the overall helm feel when I'm hand steering I wonder?

Why B&G?

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Stockie said..
Raymarine all working for me, the 2006 MFD screen had an issue that was I'm told common on the C series but fixable. I installed a 200 series AP in 2017 and it has all been trouble-free, so far.
cheers Richard

Good to know Richard, your AP would be the same age as mine.

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2bish said..
Ah yes Lazzz, I just looked up coursemaster, they only seem to have a hydraulic linear drive option. Would that dampen the overall helm feel when I'm hand steering I wonder?

Why B&G?

I'm just using the Coursemaster head unit etc - I'm using a Raymarine Linear drive to do the steering.

I did have, for a short time a hydraulic drive but it wasn't big enough to push my 20T around.

Neither the linear or the hydraulic drives interfered with the "feel" at the helm - they just "drop out" into neutral so to speak.

I very rarely do any steering myself - it steers off the wind as well like a wind vane.

I've actually been to the Coursemaster workshop in Sydney & they are very helpful - the problem I "thought" I had was just me!!

I just think B&G look better and they seem to be "the go" these days!! Although the new Raymarine look good too now!!

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2bish said..

Why B&G?

It's very good kit. Lot of history, support and widely used especially in the racing fraternity.
Very accurate when its properly calibrated, most often paired with Expedition on a PC to reap the most benefit from the extra granularity. They do go together very nicely.
I was a bit of a black sheep using NKE and running Adrena on a PC in racing, it was B&G everywhere..

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shaggybaxter said..

2bish said..

Why B&G?

It's very good kit. Lot of history, support and widely used especially in the racing fraternity.
Very accurate when its properly calibrated, most often paired with Expedition on a PC to reap the most benefit from the extra granularity. They do go together very nicely.
I was a bit of a black sheep using NKE and running Adrena on a PC in racing, it was B&G everywhere..

Yeah the NKE kit is used a lot for higher end French boats from what I've read. I just rewatched that Toby Hodges video on the new JPK 39 cruiser, It had a NKE system with three head units, one either side of the helm and one near the companionway ! Very flexible and convenient setup, but must have been costly. I'm in that ecosystem bind with Raymarine, so jumping ship (pun intended) might be a long and costly road. I'll have to think carefully, but more than likely I'll just throw my hands in the air, replace the existing unit and go sailing! Then think about it again when the next component dies

Just sent a 26 month old Axiom 12 MFD to the service center. bugger won't turn on

Just out of warranty, and expecting a $1300 repair bill.
First Raymarine fail, just had instruments output odd NEMA data previously, no failures

Waiting for the repair diagnosis .

Oz Call center number quite helpful, better than the online forum

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Cabron said..
Just sent a 26 month old Axiom 12 MFD to the service center. bugger won't turn on

Just out of warranty, and expecting a $1300 repair bill.
First Raymarine fail, just had instruments output odd NEMA data previously, no failures

Waiting for the repair diagnosis .

Oz Call center number quite helpful, better than the online forum

Hi Cabron, did you register the unit online with Raymarine when you purchased it? If so you get three years warranty, not two.

Note to anyone getting repair work done by Raymarine in Australia. Quiz them about the level of insurance they put on the item when they send it back to you, and what happens if it gets lost.

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2bish said..
Note to anyone getting repair work done by Raymarine in Australia. Quiz them about the level of insurance they put on the item when they send it back to you, and what happens if it gets lost.

Nooooo!
that doesn't sound good 2bish, is this your EV-1? I used to do a fair bit with transport, their 'insurance' is often of no value as the fine print about caveats is worthy of a bible. I had a $5k delivery go missing but it was insured so I thought I was ok. Turned out the max claim permissible was $250. Grrrrr..

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shaggybaxter said..

2bish said..
Note to anyone getting repair work done by Raymarine in Australia. Quiz them about the level of insurance they put on the item when they send it back to you, and what happens if it gets lost.

Nooooo!
that doesn't sound good 2bish, is this your EV-1? I used to do a fair bit with transport, their 'insurance' is often of no value as the fine print about caveats is worthy of a bible. I had a $5k delivery go missing but it was insured so I thought I was ok. Turned out the max claim permissible was $250. Grrrrr..

Ouch Shaggy, I feel your pain! Yes that's my EV-1, they repaired it and I talked them down on the repair price. $220 with freight and gst. I still think they should have replaced it or done the repair for free, 5 years isn't a reasonable life span for this item. btw, I got an agreement in writing that they'll replace the unit if it gets lost. In the end, they really don't give much of a toss, you have to push them. Cabron's issue above, should absolutely get a repair/replacement at no cost under consumer law in my opinion.

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2bish said..

Cabron said..
Just sent a 26 month old Axiom 12 MFD to the service center. bugger won't turn on

Just out of warranty, and expecting a $1300 repair bill.
First Raymarine fail, just had instruments output odd NEMA data previously, no failures

Waiting for the repair diagnosis .

Oz Call center number quite helpful, better than the online forum

Hi Cabron, did you register the unit online with Raymarine when you purchased it? If so you get three years warranty, not two.

Purchased before my time , however appears not registered....good news is, they have replaced for free....didn't even open. Expecting delivery today..

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Cabron said..

2bish said..

Cabron said..
Just sent a 26 month old Axiom 12 MFD to the service center. bugger won't turn on

Just out of warranty, and expecting a $1300 repair bill.
First Raymarine fail, just had instruments output odd NEMA data previously, no failures

Waiting for the repair diagnosis .

Oz Call center number quite helpful, better than the online forum

Hi Cabron, did you register the unit online with Raymarine when you purchased it? If so you get three years warranty, not two.

Purchased before my time , however appears not registered....good news is, they have replaced for free....didn't even open. Expecting delivery today..

That's a great result!