The Raymarine a98 which comes in 4 models differing in display dimensions loaded with several features which makes it one of the most used fish finder devices used by professionals. This device has been in the market for quite a while which says a lot about its durability and advanced features, surviving in a market which comes up with new and improved products every day.
Raymarine a98 features
DISPLAY
The 9 inch display of Raymarine a98 comes with a pixel matrix of 800 x 480 at 16:9 aspect ratio, powered by LED backlit LCD display. The touchscreen is optically bonded for superior resolution and visibility under the harsh outdoor lights.
The display screen is highly user-friendly , comes in a convenient and easy-to-understand design and the LightHouse User Interface places the most frequently used icons in locations that are easier to reach
Raymarine a98’s waterproof rating is IP-X6 and IP-X7, which makes it completely resistant to heavy rain and accidental water splashes, can withstand being submerged in water deeper than 3.3ft for not longer than 30 minutes.
The simple Swipe, Touch and Navigate allows a smooth experience while on the move.
It also Display multiple screens at the same time, such as chart and radar information
SONAR AND TRANSDUCER
Raymarine a98 comes with the CPT-100 transducer supporting both DownVision and 2D Sonars. Also comes with :
- Urethane transom mount
- Temperature sensor
- Cable of 33 ft
The CPT-100 transducer can also be replaced with CPT-100 DVS, CPT-110 or CPT-S.
The main unit covers 170-230 kHz CHIRP for 2D sonar and 320-380 kHz for DownVision. For 2D scanning, the beam coverage is 25° conical and the maximum depth is 900ft. For CHIRP DownVision Sonar, the coverage is 60° side-to-side fan-shaped beam (1.4° fore/aft) with a maximum depth of 600ft.
NAVIGATION
Raymarine a98 is equipped with a variety of navigation features, including a built-in 10Hz GPS module with GLONASS, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS. The company also offers a multitude of optional external GPS antennas. It comes equipped with a 10 Hz internal GPS which can provide position updates 10 times per second.
The device has the option to store up to 3,000 points, 150 routes,10,000 points per 15 tracks.
Preloaded Navionics+ charts for North America, compatible with C-Map by Jeppesen and Raymarine LightHouse Charts are some of the other added options available. Raymarine a98 supports radar and AIS units too.
The Sonar Chart Live feature allows you to create new, personalized 1′ HD bathymetry maps that display in real time while navigating.
The Navionics charts show detailed shorelines with marinas, docks, and boat ramp locations, helps highlighting depth ranges, tide and currents monitoring thereby identifying the best fishing spots.
WIRELESS NETWORK
Raymarine a98 comes with the NMEA 2000 port (adapter included) as well as Raynet Ethernet and Sea Talk. It also features NMEA 0183 in and out and IP and analog Video inputs. It has an added feature of thermal night vision.
It is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, sync your unit with your smartphone or tablet for quick data streaming. Compatible with remote controls models like RCU-3, RMK-10, and others.
Comes with dual microSD card reader, allows easy transfer and storage.
The Raymarine a98 with its wide array of features at such low price is definitely worth the money for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
Pros
- Dual-channel
- CHIRP 2D and DownVision Sonar
- CPT-100 2D/DV transducer
- LightHouse II OS, which offers a highly customizable, easy-to-use interface
- Fast and accurate 10 Hz internal GPS / GLONASS receiver
- Navionics+ charts included
- Compatible with LightHouse and C-MAP charts
- Trackplotting, routes and waypoints functions
- Autopilot feature included
- AIS and Radar support
- Fuel manager application
- Engine displays application
- Ethernet (RayNet) port
- SeatTalk capable
- NMEA 0183 input/output
- NMEA 2000 support
- Wi-Fi connectivity,Bluetooth connectivity and remote control support
- Engine data integration support;
- IP, analogue and thermal camera support;
- Dual microSD card reader (32 GB per slot);
- IPX6 & IPX7 waterproof;
- Trunnion and flush mounts included;
- Sun cover included;
- Fairly easy to install.
Cons
- Not compatible with LightHouse III OS.
