Raymarine Instruments: ST40 or ST60?

[Joe Mullee]

Anyone have any comparisons on the Raymarine ST40 instruments versus the ST60's? I read a review (can't remember where) that said they were both excellent and that the difference was mostly in the displays with few essential differences in features.

The ST40 Bidata display for Depth/Speed/Temperature with two transducers has a MSRP of $370. The ST60 Depth alone (speed and temp not included) has a MSRP of $465. With the inhull transducer it raises the price to $550.

The ST40 Wind system with Rotavecta transducer has a MSRP of $385. The ST60 with a Rotavecta transducer is $870 and with the short arm windvane (seems to be the more popular style) it's MSRP is $1030.

I don't mind spending extra money for better products with more features IF they are better and the features are essential. What am I missing? Why is the ST60 series so much more expensive than the ST40's?

Thanks for all comments.

Joe Mullee

 

[Bill Roosa]

Raymarine manuals

Hi Joe
You can find all the manuals at the Raymarine web site and compare the capabilities.

 

[Paul J. Rusyniak]

Joe...
We have the ST40.
I'm never quite sure of the accuracy of the wind readings - speed or actual/apparent direction.
Paul
PS: Yes, I've followed the manual for set-up and calibration.

 

[MikeH]

Joe,
I have the ST60 package of wind, depth, speed and got a better deal buying the group than individually. I used a GPS to calibrate speed adjusting for current and dropped lines to calibrate depth. I find them consistent and accurate. Can't comment on the ST40's.

 

[Mark Wolf]

I am also looking at the ST40 versus ST60 systems. Does anyone know if there is a website style consumer reports that looks at these types of comparisons?

 

[RichH]

I have a mix of both ST40 and ST60 instruments, the ST60 instruments seem to have a much faster response.

That said, if you ever get struck by lightning, you find that the WHOLE seatalk system will be 'obliterated' .... a consideration NOT to have an 'integrated' system.

 

[DougM]

I have an ST40 Bidata that came with rhe boat. It uses the same transducers as the ST60s. I move the bidata to the nav desk. Iput ST60 tridata,and wind alonng with autopilot and c70 display at the wheel all linked through seatalk.

I don't think you can get new ST60 any more, The have changed to ST60+ and I believe they use a different as in updated, seatalk system.

I know that the new digital radar and my classic c70 display won't talk to each other.

I'm beginning to think that If I have to change the display, I might have to change out all my instrumentation just to get radar. Might be time to look at Garmin. The only thing I lack is money...

 

[Snotter]

I don't think you can get new ST60 any more, The have changed to ST60+ and I believe they use a different as in updated, seatalk system.

I know that the new digital radar and my classic c70 display won't talk to each other.

I'm beginning to think that If I have to change the display, I might have to change out all my instrumentation just to get radar. Might be time to look at Garmin. The only thing I lack is money...

A lot of people are upgrading perfectly fine equipment and selling them on ebay. Buy what you need at ebay at a fraction of the cost of what Raymarine charges.