6 Best Raymarine Multifunction Displays For Offshore Trips
Navigate offshore with confidence using our top 6 Raymarine MFD picks. Discover reliable displays offering advanced sonar, radar, and seamless GPS integration.
When you are miles offshore, your electronics aren’t just gadgets; they are your lifeline for navigation, weather tracking, and situational awareness. Choosing the right multifunction display (MFD) is about balancing screen real estate with the physical constraints of your helm. This guide breaks down the best Raymarine options to ensure your boat is as capable as your ambitions.
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Raymarine Axiom+ 9: Best Offshore Performance
The Axiom+ 9 is the sweet spot for the offshore sailor who needs serious processing power without turning their helm into a massive wall of glass. Its upgraded quad-core processor makes chart redraws and sonar rendering incredibly snappy, which is exactly what you want when navigating complex inlets or tracking bait balls in real-time.
Because of its high-resolution IPS display, you get excellent visibility even in direct sunlight—a non-negotiable for offshore work. If you have a mid-sized vessel and need a reliable, responsive workhorse that won’t dominate your console, this is your best bet. It’s a professional-grade tool packed into a footprint that respects your limited space.
Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 12: Top Chartplotter Pick
When you step up to the Axiom 2 Pro 12, you are moving into the realm of total control. This unit features a hybrid touch and keypad interface, which is a massive advantage when the sea state kicks up and using a touchscreen becomes an exercise in frustration.
I recommend this for anyone who plans on doing long-range passages where you need tactile feedback for your autopilot and chart adjustments. It’s a robust, all-in-one hub that integrates seamlessly with your existing sensor suite. If you want a primary display that won’t let you down when the weather turns, this is the gold standard.
Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 16: Best Large Display
If your helm has the physical space, the Axiom 2 Pro 16 is a game-changer for situational awareness. The extra acreage allows you to run split-screen views—like radar, sonar, and charts—without any of the windows feeling cramped or unreadable.
This unit is designed for the serious captain who needs to digest a lot of data at a single glance. While it does require a significant mounting area, the payoff is a clutter-free dashboard where all your critical information is front and center. It is an investment, but for offshore safety and ease of navigation, it is worth every square inch.
Raymarine Axiom 7: Compact Choice for Tenders
The Axiom 7 is the ultimate "small space" solution for those who need a secondary display or a primary unit for a smaller tender or day boat. Don’t let the size fool you; it runs the same LightHouse operating system as its larger siblings, meaning you don’t sacrifice features just because you’re short on console space.
It’s perfect for a secondary helm station or as a dedicated display for engine data or AIS tracking. If you are retrofitting a smaller vessel or need a backup unit that fits in tight corners, the Axiom 7 is the most practical, space-efficient choice on the market. It proves that you don’t need a massive screen to have a fully connected boat.
Raymarine Element 12 S: Best Value for Cruisers
The Element 12 S is for the cruiser who wants a large, clear screen but doesn’t need the high-end networking bells and whistles of the Pro series. It focuses on the essentials: fast GPS, clear sonar, and an intuitive interface that is remarkably easy to learn.
It’s a fantastic value proposition for those who prefer a streamlined, "no-nonsense" setup. You get the benefit of a 12-inch display for easy navigation without paying for features you might never use. If your priority is a simple, reliable chartplotter that gets you from A to B safely, the Element 12 S is the most sensible choice.
Raymarine Axiom XL 24: Premium Glass Bridge Unit
The Axiom XL 24 is the centerpiece of a high-end glass bridge installation. This isn’t just a display; it’s a command center designed to integrate every single piece of electronic gear on your boat into one massive, edge-to-edge screen.
This unit is for the owner who demands the absolute best in terms of resolution, screen size, and system integration. It’s an expensive, permanent solution that requires a custom-built dash, but the result is unparalleled. If you are building or refitting a vessel where space is optimized for a permanent, high-tech command station, this is the pinnacle of Raymarine’s lineup.
Assessing Screen Size for Offshore Navigation
When choosing your display, consider the "viewing distance to screen size" ratio. In a small cockpit, a 9-inch screen is plenty, but in an open flybridge where you’re standing several feet back, a 16-inch unit becomes a necessity, not a luxury.
- Under 30 feet: Stick to 7-9 inch units to avoid overwhelming your helm.
- 30-45 feet: 12-inch displays offer the best balance of data density and space.
- 45+ feet: 16-inch or larger units are standard for clear, long-range viewing.
Integration With Radar and Autopilot Systems
An MFD is only as good as the data feeding it. Ensure your chosen unit supports Raymarine’s Quantum radar and Evolution autopilot systems to create a unified ecosystem.
Having your radar overlay directly on your chart is a critical safety feature for night passages or heavy fog. When your autopilot is controlled directly through the MFD, you can adjust your heading or follow a route with a simple tap, keeping your hands free for other tasks. Always check for NMEA 2000 compatibility to ensure your sensors "talk" to each other flawlessly.
Power Consumption and Battery Bank Planning
Large screens like the Axiom XL 24 draw significant power, which can impact your battery bank on a long offshore trip. Always calculate your total amp-hour draw before upgrading to a larger display suite.
If you’re running multiple large screens, consider upgrading your house battery bank or adding dedicated solar capacity. Remember that dimming your screens during night watches isn’t just for night vision—it’s an effective way to conserve power when you’re away from the dock.
Mounting and Environmental Protection Tips
Offshore environments are brutal on electronics, so your mounting strategy is just as important as the unit itself. Use high-quality, marine-grade sealant for any through-dash mounts to prevent water ingress behind your console.
Always install a dedicated sun cover when the unit is not in use, even if the screen is "sunlight readable." UV exposure over several seasons will degrade even the best displays. If you’re mounting in an exposed cockpit, consider a gimbal mount for better viewing angles and easier removal for storage during the off-season.
Selecting the right Raymarine MFD is about matching the unit’s capabilities to your specific vessel and cruising style. By prioritizing reliable integration and realistic power management, you can build a helm that serves you well for years to come. Choose the display that fits your space, and you’ll find that navigating the open water becomes a much more confident experience.
