Raymarine Element 7 chart ploter. Any views

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Jcorstorphine

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I am thinking of buying a Raymarine Element 7 chart plotter to replace my existing ViewSonicTablet with Marine Navigator software and View my Harbour chart package. Unlike many users, my unit is still working as I disabled the unit from connecting to the internet so as to avoid Googles tendrils killing my software. The reason I am looking to change is that the old ViewSonic tablet is not very good in strong sunlight. Any views on the Raymarine Element 7
 
I have one that I haven't installed yet. It's very good value for what it provides. I discovered the bright display is also transflexive so the brighter the sunlight the more visible is the display. Interfacing is via NMEA 2000 but the functions are a bit limited so not so easy to integrate with a boat PC or Raspberry Pi. The WiFi functions are also limited but it connects to a router or hotspot for firmware updates.
Certainly an excellent device for stand-alone use or in a small system.
 
Unless you need integration with instruments et cetera, I wouldn't bother. Better value for money buying a tablet and a chart package subscription.
 
I don’t know how different it is but I’ve had an e7 for ten years or more. Mine is inside but it should be readable in the sun. Some people like to whinge about the touch screen but I have never had a trouble with it myself. The chief advantage of a plotter is the ability to co-ordinate the different systems such as the sensors and autopilot and be able to use routes effectively. The small screen seems a bit mean but it is perfectly functional. I would have to wear spectacles for any size screen and quick scrolling or zooming makes working it easy enough.
 
Hoolie said:
I have one that I haven't installed yet. It's very good value for what it provides. I discovered the bright display is also transflexive so the brighter the sunlight the more visible is the display. Interfacing is via NMEA 2000 but the functions are a bit limited so not so easy to integrate with a boat PC or Raspberry Pi. The WiFi functions are also limited but it connects to a router or hotspot for firmware updates.
Certainly an excellent device for stand-alone use or in a small system.
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That's a pretty decent summary (y)
 
RunAgroundHard said:
Unless you need integration with instruments et cetera, I wouldn't bother. Better value for money buying a tablet and a chart package subscription.
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ChromeDome said:
Check getorca.com for an alternative.

Can be used on a tablet/mobile with option to connect to anything NMEA 2k. Also to control an autopilot from a mobile.
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Have you looked at the price and spec of the Element 7 currently offered by CactusNav for less than £374 ? Where can you get a rugged waterproof 12v tablet with a 1500 nits display for that price? For cockpit use there‘s no contest! It also connects directly to a N2K AIS receiver.
BTW I don‘t work for Raymarine!
 
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Hoolie said:
Have you looked at the price and spec of the Element 7 currently offered by CactusNav for less than £374 ? Where can you get a rugged waterproof 12v tablet with a 1500 nits display for that price? For cockpit use there‘s no contest! It also connects directly to a N2K AIS receiver.
BTW I don‘t work for Raymarine!
Click to expand...

I agree based on the OPs requirements of daylight viewing only.

However, 7” screen is very poor size in an age when paper charts will become redundant as it is just too small to be useful. I think daylight viewing capability based on NITs should not be a primary factor. I use a 10” iPad as my back up and I have never had trouble viewing it that can’t be addressed by using it in shade. It permanently sits on a bracket, forward of the helm, below the cockpit hood, easily unmounted to be used wherever.

My main plotter is a Raymarine Axiom+ 12, which I changed to after using my Navman Tracker with its small screen, for a decade and its screen started fading. I would never go back to anything that small again. Eventually I will replace my iPad with a 24” monitor down below and some other chart processing capability, set up for a back up.

However, if the OP is fixated on the brightest screen required, then the Element will do that, but it is compromising biggar screen size that can be had for a lower cost using a tablet device, assuming low cost is a primary goal. Shock absorbing skins can be bought for tablets and most have a good degree of water resistance.

I think if the OP is changing plotters considering larger screen size is equally, if not more important than daylight viewing capability.

That’s how I see it.
 
Is the WiFi on the Element only there for software updates?
As per my own thread a few days ago, I'm looking to set up a WiFi network that allows me to use phones, tablets, etc as repeaters STNG devices. I'm guessing the Element won't be able to do this, but the more expensive Axiom will?
 
Sea Change said:
Is the WiFi on the Element only there for software updates?
As per my own thread a few days ago, I'm looking to set up a WiFi network that allows me to use phones, tablets, etc as repeaters STNG devices. I'm guessing the Element won't be able to do this, but the more expensive Axiom will?
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The Element wifi is only for connecting to wifi radar or for software updates. Also, it runs a different version of the Lighthouse software "Lighthouse Sport" which also has limitations. It's fine as a basically stand alone device, but that's it.
 
I am not a fan of any of the Raymarine chartplotters I have used.

But, I agree with Run Aground - a 7" plotter is too small.
 
Get the biggest you can fit to your boat - and budget. Prices are hard to understand - as the same engine fitted to a slightly larger display comes at the double price. Completely different to the tablet, TV, monitor market.

Hence many navigation systems (also for cars) tend to be apps for phones/tablets.

You may find it impossible to get one that can do what you want (just)
 
My application for the Element 7S that I have is for displaying instrument data at the helm and to provide a backup if the boat PC or its 24" HD monitor pack up. I can transfer waypoints and routes from the PC rather tediously using a micro SD card which I do before starting out on a planned trip. Obviously, route planning is done on the PC.
I have yet to find out if and how the device can control the autopilot!
 
We have an Axiom 7 at the helm pedestal. I think the software is a bit more sophisticated than the Element, and it's touchscreen only, but beyond that fairly similar. I really like it, simple, easy to use and displays the N2K network data well, can control the autopilot if needed.

I thought of a tablet but I'd drop it overboard, forget to charge it, lose it etc. The plotter is just there, always works, always visible, always has power, completely waterproof and works fine in the rain too. I suppose a bigger screen would be nice but it's still perfectly viewable at 7in and fits the space very nicely without feeling like you're sailing with a TV screen in front of you.
 
We have an element chart plotter on a pilothouse fishing boat...I find the software frustratingly slow (it's lighthouse sport, not full lighthouse), map redrawing seems to take an age. It has some nice, fairly advanced features like 3D sonar viewing etc. but it seems to be everything is right on the limit of the hardware capabilities of the unit, especially CPU/GPU.
 
I have an element 7s. The WiFi apparently is for radar and updates only. I think it is fine for what it is - and a good upgrade over an old Garmin or what have you. I have a pi running signalk on board and I have that translating nmea0183 and other Bluetooth sensors to nmea2k and that works well enough with the plotter. The display won't talk to me fusion stereo but that's ok

I'd prefer an axiom but this is fine for the money
 
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