The essentials in 30 seconds
The Raymarine i70 is a color multifunction display that centralizes wind, speed, depth, AIS and navigation data on a 4.1-inch screen. Discontinued, it has been replaced by the i70s, which is brighter but has only a single connector. Your choice mainly depends on your existing network—SeaTalk, SeaTalk NG or NMEA 2000.
How many times have you squinted to read a wind transducer under a low sun? The readability of instruments often determines the success of a maneuver. The Raymarine i70 display has equipped a generation of sailboats, both cruising and racing, and its successor, the i70s, continues this approach. Before deciding between ecosystems, our B&G vs Raymarine autopilot comparison sheds light on major electronic architecture choices.
Demand for onboard electronics remains strong. According to Global Market Insights, the global leisure boat market was valued at $18.9 billion in 2025, with growth expected through 2035. On boats over eight meters, the multifunction display has become a key component at the helm. Understanding what the i70 display actually delivers helps avoid a poorly matched purchase.
Raymarine i70 multifunction display in brief
The i70 is a color multifunction display designed to show essential navigation data on a single screen. Apparent and true wind, boat speed, depth, heading, GPS position and AIS targets appear in sequence based on your preferences.
Its strength lies in customization. You can choose between numerical, simulated analog or graphical displays. The successor i70s features a 4.1-inch LCD screen readable in full sunlight, with a claimed brightness of 1,200 cd/m². Characters up to 43 mm high make reading from behind the helm straightforward.
The interface follows the Raymarine LightHouse logic used on the brand’s multifunction displays. If you already use a chartplotter from the brand, the learning curve is minimal. The i70s’ optical link improves contrast and eliminates the risk of internal condensation—a common issue on aging displays.
i70 vs i70s: what has actually changed
The original i70 display was discontinued. Today, you’ll find the i70s, which is brighter and features a new panel. On paper, the upgrade seems minor. One detail, however, changes everything in a retrofit scenario.
The original i70 had two SeaTalk NG connectors. The i70s has only one. In practice, if you’re replacing a failed i70 that also served as a pass-through to the central bus for another instrument, you’ll need to connect that second device directly to the backbone. This wiring constraint often catches installers off guard during a straightforward swap.
Otherwise, the i70s retains key functions: AIS repeater showing the 25 closest equipped vessels, source selection and compatibility with smart sensors. It adds improved visibility and optimized day/night palettes.
Network compatibility: SeaTalk, SeaTalk NG and NMEA 2000
This is the deciding factor in any purchase. The display connects to three network types: legacy SeaTalk via an adapter cable, current SeaTalk NG, and NMEA 2000 using a SeaTalk NG to DeviceNet adapter.
This standardization is not trivial. According to Boat Industry, network integration and NMEA 2000 compatibility have become standard on boats over eight meters. A poorly integrated display means missing data and calibration issues. To get started, consult our guide NMEA 2000: backbone architecture and terminators.
Note: connecting a display to NMEA 2000 assumes an existing NMEA 2000 network aboard, complete with backbone, drops and correct termination resistors. Without this backbone, the installation will not work.
The key role of the iTC-5 converter
Are your current sensors analog? Many sailboats with older sensors, such as ST60 units, do not natively speak SeaTalk NG. The iTC-5 converter bridges the gap.
It translates analog signals from depth, wind, speed, compass and rudder sensors into digital network data. The display can then read them and show the data alongside other bus information, including AIS. You can also pair it with modern smart sensors like the Airmar DST800.
A successful retrofit is not about the display itself, but about the consistency of the network powering it.
This is where ordering mistakes become costly. A missing adapter or forgotten converter can stall the entire commissioning process.
Installation, retrofit and support
Electronic retrofit is where most challenges arise. You must verify compatibility with existing installations, source the right adapters and calibrate each sensor. Direct sales channels are growing fast in this segment. According to Mordor Intelligence, digital systems are accelerating refit projects on 20- to 50-foot boats, where most upgrades occur.
On our site, each product page lists supported protocols to remove doubt before ordering. For complex equipment, you can add commissioning support as an option. Our marine electronics comparison helps position each system in your project. The table below summarizes the difference between a raw purchase and a supported one.
| Criteria | Generic online purchase | Purchase with Skysat support |
|---|---|---|
| Technical validation of products | Not systematic | Products tested before listing |
| Supported protocols | Variable | Specified on each product page |
| Commissioning support | Rarely offered | Available as an option (pilots, radars) |
| Installer network | No | Approved partners in France |
| Parts for old systems | Often unavailable | Gold stock of obsolete references |
If the installation exceeds your technical comfort, it’s better to entrust setup to a professional to ensure network consistency and sensor calibration.
Pricing, bundles and market positioning
Pricing varies widely by configuration. The display alone is around $700, while a complete bundle with depth, speed and wind sensors, iTC-5 converter, cabling and terminations far exceeds this amount. You’re then buying a plug-and-play system, not just a display.
This price level reflects a structuring market. According to the French Nautical Industries Federation, exports accounted for nearly 80% of French production, a sign of a robust sector despite a return to more typical post-COVID levels. For a display meant to last a decade or more, thinking in total cost—hardware plus commissioning—remains the best compass.
Key points to remember before choosing
Choosing between a Raymarine i70 or i70s display is never just about screen size. It first depends on your existing network, whether you need an iTC-5 converter, and the single-connector constraint on the i70s when replacing an older unit. Map your installation, list your sensors and their protocols, then validate compatibility at each link. A bright display is useless if data does not flow correctly to it.
Take action with Skysat
Still unsure whether the display is compatible with your current network? A poorly prepared retrofit often results in missing adapters and delayed commissioning. Since 2002 in Carnac, our team has installed and tested the equipment we sell, allowing us to stock only systems validated for cruising and racing.
On each product page, we list supported protocols to minimize errors. You can add commissioning support for complex equipment, rely on our network of approved installers in France, or tap into our Gold stock to troubleshoot an old system. Discover our marine electronics support to secure your project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the i70 and the i70s?
The i70s replaces the i70 with a brighter screen and an optical link that eliminates condensation. The most practical difference is the number of connectors: two on the i70, one on the i70s. This changes how you wire a second instrument.
Is the display compatible with an old SeaTalk network?
Yes, using a SeaTalk to SeaTalk NG adapter cable. It also connects to current SeaTalk NG networks and to NMEA 2000 with the appropriate adapter. Always verify that your backbone is properly terminated before installation.
Can I replace a failed i70 with an i70s without issues?
In most cases yes, but watch out for the single connector. If your old i70 served as a pass-through to the central bus for another device, you’ll need to connect that second instrument directly to the backbone. Plan for the extra wiring upfront.
Do I need the iTC-5 converter?
It’s required if you keep older analog sensors, such as legacy ST60 units. The iTC-5 translates their signals to the digital network so the display can read them. With modern smart sensors, it’s not needed.
Should I have the display installed by a professional?
For a simple screen swap, an experienced sailor often manages alone. For a full retrofit or network integration, professional help ensures correct wiring and calibration. We offer commissioning support and a network of approved installers in France.
