Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller Review

Let’s Talk About Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a vital crew member for any serious sailor, especially those who frequently undertake solo or short-handed voyages. This dedicated push-button operation controller, manufactured by Raymarine, promises enhanced visibility and simplified control over your vessel’s autopilot system. Its intuitive LightHouse user interface and low power consumption are features that immediately caught my attention.

I’ve spent over a decade wrestling with temperamental autopilots, constantly adjusting course, battling sun glare, and draining precious battery power. My aging autopilot control head was dimming, becoming increasingly difficult to read, and its interface felt like navigating a maze. I needed a reliable, energy-efficient, and user-friendly solution.

Upon unboxing the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and solid feel. The black finish gives it a professional look, and the buttons have a satisfying tactile response. It felt like a significant upgrade compared to my old, clunky unit.

I considered the Simrad AP44 and Garmin GHC 20 before settling on the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller. While the Simrad offered similar functionality, the Raymarine’s LightHouse interface felt more intuitive during my initial hands-on at a marine electronics show. The Garmin, while feature-rich, seemed to require a steeper learning curve.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the specifications looked promising, I was eager to see how the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller would perform in the demanding conditions of offshore sailing. I was excited to finally have a modern autopilot controller.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller came during a solo trip from Annapolis to Bermuda. This 650-nautical mile passage presented a variety of conditions, from calm seas to gale-force winds. I needed to see how it handled real-world scenarios.

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller performed admirably in both bright sunlight and heavy rain. The anti-reflective coating and wide viewing angles made the display easily readable, even when the sun was directly overhead. The push-button interface was intuitive, allowing me to quickly adjust course and switch between autopilot modes, even with gloved hands in rough seas. I was impressed by how easy it was to use.

There were no immediate issues after the first use. I did need to spend some time familiarizing myself with the various menu options. The start-up wizard made the initial configuration straightforward.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and over 2,000 nautical miles, the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller has proven to be a reliable and essential piece of equipment. It has held up well to constant exposure to salt spray and UV radiation. The screen still looks crystal clear.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear, despite being mounted in an exposed location on my cockpit pedestal. I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove salt buildup. The maintenance has been minimal and easy.

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller has significantly outperformed my previous autopilot control head in terms of visibility, ease of use, and power consumption. This upgrade was well worth the investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Raymarine. Raymarine is known for its quality marine electronics.
• Color: Black. A black color scheme ensures it fits with most boat dashboards.
• Condition: New. This indicates it’s a current-generation product.
• LightHouse User Interface: Simple and quick to use. This makes navigation and adjustments straightforward.
• Wide 160° Viewing Angles: Ensures visibility from various positions. This prevents viewing issues from different angles.
• Anti-Reflective Coating: Improves visibility in bright sunlight. The coating reduces glare for better viewing.
• Low Power Consumption: Typically 132mA/1.6W (27% less than ST70 at x4 measured brightness). This reduces battery drain significantly.
• Supported Autopilot Modes: Auto, Standby, Pattern, Track, Wind Vane, Power Steer, and Jog Steer. Versatile modes for various sailing conditions and strategies.
• Simple System and Group Dimming/Illumination: Easy adjustment of display brightness. This helps to prevent eye strain.
• Support for Multiple Data Sources: Accepts data from various sensors and instruments. This gives access to key information.
• SeaTalkng/NMEA2000 and SeaTalk1 Connectivity: Offers broad compatibility with other marine electronics. This allows easy integration with existing systems.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the user experience and performance of the autopilot system. Low power consumption translates to longer battery life, especially critical during extended offshore passages. The wide viewing angles and anti-reflective coating ensure clear visibility in all lighting conditions, enhancing safety and ease of use.

Performance & Functionality

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller excels at its primary function: providing reliable and intuitive control over the autopilot system. Its responsiveness to button presses is immediate, and the LightHouse interface makes navigating the menus a breeze. The autopilot modes are accurate and effective, maintaining course with minimal deviation even in challenging conditions.

One of its greatest strengths is its ease of use. The LightHouse interface is incredibly intuitive, even for those unfamiliar with Raymarine products. A minor weakness is the lack of a dedicated “undo” button.

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and functionality. It has made solo sailing much more manageable.

Design & Ergonomics

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller features a clean and modern design. The materials used are high-quality and feel durable. The buttons are well-spaced and provide tactile feedback, making them easy to operate even with gloved hands.

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller is incredibly user-friendly. The menu system is logical and easy to navigate. The learning curve is minimal.

Durability & Maintenance

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller is built to withstand the harsh marine environment. The unit is sealed to protect against water intrusion. The screen is scratch-resistant.

Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. The unit appears very durable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller comes with a sun cover. This helps to protect the screen from UV damage. There are no additional customization options for the control head itself.

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Raymarine products, such as chartplotters and instruments. It is also compatible with NMEA2000 networks. This makes expansion straightforward.

Pros and Cons of Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller

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Who Should Buy Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller?

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller is perfect for sailors, especially those who undertake solo or short-handed voyages. It’s also a great upgrade for boaters with older autopilot systems. Anyone seeking improved visibility, ease of use, and reliability will appreciate this product.

Those who require advanced features or customization options beyond the standard autopilot functions might want to explore other options. Some users may want features beyond standard autopilot functions.

There are no must-have accessories. A Raymarine autopilot system is required.

Conclusion on Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller

The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises of improved visibility, ease of use, and reliability. Its intuitive LightHouse interface, low power consumption, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any sailboat. The Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller excels.

The price of $699.99 is justified by the enhanced performance and peace of mind it provides. It is worth the investment.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller to any sailor looking to upgrade their autopilot system. It has transformed my sailing experience. Take control of your voyage – upgrade to the Raymarine p70s Autopilot Controller today!