BoatAdvice's video: Raymarine Axiom Review

Boatadvice journalist Dom Wiseman recently jumped onboard a boat rigged with the latest Raymarine multi function display, the Axiom. These units feature state-of-the-art quad core processors meaning that they are faster, more efficient and better able to read the bottom structure than anything previously available. The new Raymarine Axiom units are available in 7, 9 and 12 inch screens and use a matt glass finish to deliver a screen that is readable from anywhere in the boat. We had the unit rigged on a centre console with a T-top and at no time was the screen difficult to get a read on. The finish also means that unlike high gloss screens finger prints are not overly visible and that can only be a good thing on a touch screen. They have also managed to create a screen that is easy to use, yet has no 'hard' buttons. The lack of these buttons means these Raymarine units deliver a bigger screen on a smaller overall template so multi-unit installs and tight dashboards are no problem for the Axiom units. This new design in no way impeded the use of the Axiom unit. The new units a built on a new software platform called Lighthouse 3. It uses faster quad core processors with this units being the fastest the company have ever produced. The new software is also extremely intuitive and powerful and running a redesigned interface which is easy to use and personalise. This new speed is crucial when integrated with Raymarine's new RealVision 3D sonar technology. Most other units require the addition of modules and multiple transducers to deliver the 3D view, yet Raymarine have managed to deliver it with a single transducer. This single unit is combines CHIRP DownVision, CHIRP SideVision, High Frequency CHIRP and RealVision 3D. A marked difference from many other units on the market. It works by firing off a signal at multiple angles to generate a real life pattern of the underwater terrain. The new Axiom units with their single transducers are sure to change the game when it comes to operation and 3D vision. No longer do owners have to run several modules and transducers to get a real time view of structure. The software and platform is one of the easiest we've used. It is sure to attract a whole new generation of users who will now be able to see and use technology that has traditionally been the domain of large cruisers.