Raymarine p70 vs p70s display

[pdx_sailing]

I am looking for a new AP, I found a good deal on the ev 200 power, but I'm putting it on a sailboat, the only difference between the two systems is the display. Why is one better than the other on a sail boat?

[Cuvee]

Both p70 and p70S are both ideal for sailboats. The p70 was discontinued and replaced by the p70S model in 2016. The p70S has a much clearer and brighter display than the p70.

[wholybee]

The p70 and p70s are both current models. The p70 (for sail) has buttons +1,-1,+10,-10 and the p70s (for powerboats) has a knob in place of those buttons. As far as I know either will work in either application, its just a different in how you adjust your course, buttons or knob. I know as a fact that my p70 can be set to sail or power mode, so I assume the same must be true of the p70s.

https://www.raymarine.com/autopilots...0rs/index.html

[pdx_sailing]

Sorry, I meant P70Rs, basically buttons vs the rotary knob. is one that much better on a sailboat?

[Wallaby]

Originally Posted by pdx_sailing

Sorry, I meant P70Rs, basically buttons vs the rotary knob. is one that much better on a sailboat?

I like my push-buttons, +/-1 and +/- 10 degrees given the slow course change on a sailboat, no matter whether I am using the windvane mode, or steering a course. Especially useful at night and for fine-tuning a course

[Scubaseas]

Auto tacking feature on the button model is a great feature. Not sure if the rotary knob one has this feature.

[George_SD]

These are all interesting answers, but I believe not correct.

P70 - aimed for sailboats, DUAL Seatalk NG connectors/Seatalk1. Older design
P70R - aimed at powerboats, DUAL Seatalk NG connectors/Seatalk1. Older design
P70s - aimed for sailboats, SINGLE Seatalk NG connectors, supports N2K. New design
P70Rs - aimed at powerboats, SINGLE Seatalk NG connectors, supports N2K. New design


https://www.raymarine.com/autopilot/.../p70-and-p70r/

https://www.raymarine.com/autopilots...0rs/index.html

[Squanderbucks]

I have a Raymarine AP system on my powerboat and have used it for years. But back in 2019 I had a lightening strike and blew out all electronics and much of the electrical stuff as well. I had already purchased a "spare" P70 display unit as a backup. So when the need to replace I could only find the P70R with the newer Evolution system. I have really like the push button as well and extensively use the +- 10 and +- 1 degree buttons so the new R unit was placed at the lower station which did not have a unit before and the "spare" was installed at the bridge helm. Seldom pilot from the lower station so my favorite was put where I operate the most.

No mental counting of the clicks with the button system (at least 1/10th of it).

[GB32]

I have the p70Rs with rotary knob.
Of course the rotary knob is useful, and only works on auto heading (it can be used as a direct rudder control which I never use).
It's easy to mentally count the clicks/degrees when you rotate the knob and the course selected is shown digitally on the display - and all other displays depending on how you set the other displays up.

The Raymarine ES and Axiom Multi Function Displays have a sidebar on the chart page with pilot control (swipe right on the left of the screen)
When on auto heading this MFD pilot control sidebar has the same buttons as the p70 - plus/minus 1degree or plus/minus 10degree.

It's personal preference but if the MFD is within reach you can have the 1 and 10 degree buttons available as well as the rotary switch.

Best of luck deciding but what is clear to me is Raymarine give so many options that there is always a way to configure the set up to do what works for you.

Enjoy your final decision as it'll work whichever you decide.
Garry

[George_SD]

The one issue is that I believe you need a dedicated autopilot head in order to commission/calibrate the pilot in the first place