One Month Later: Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes Review
The Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes is a specialized piece of marine electronics hardware, designed by Raymarine to facilitate a crucial upgrade path for existing boat owners. This adapter plate is engineered to allow the seamless installation of newer Axiom Pro 12 multifunction displays where older E120W units were previously mounted. Its primary purpose is to bridge the physical and mounting differences between these two generations of Raymarine displays, offering a practical solution for those looking to modernize their navigation systems without a complete overhaul of their existing helm setup.
My journey to acquiring this adapter plate began with a significant upgrade on my vessel. The navigation suite, a critical component for any offshore activity, was showing its age, with the E120W display becoming increasingly sluggish and limited in functionality compared to modern units. The desire to integrate advanced features like enhanced radar overlay, sonar capabilities, and a more responsive interface pointed directly towards Raymarine’s Axiom Pro series. However, the thought of cutting new mounting holes and re-routing extensive cabling was a daunting prospect, especially on a well-established hull.
Upon receiving the adapter plate, my initial impression was one of pragmatic utility. It arrived in a simple, yet effective, protective packaging. The plate itself is finished in a powder-coated black that clearly aims to aesthetically match the Axiom Pro units. The material felt robust and substantial enough to support the weight of a marine display, even in the often-harsh conditions found at sea. I considered some generic mounting brackets, but the thought of fabricating something custom for marine use, especially with the precise tolerances required, quickly led me back to this purpose-built solution. My first reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; it appeared to be exactly what was needed to simplify a complex upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes to the Test
First Use Experience
The testing environment for this adapter plate was my own 38-foot sailing yacht, specifically at the helm station where the E120W display was currently installed. The existing E120W had a specific footprint and mounting pattern that the Axiom Pro 12 did not directly match. This adapter plate is designed to directly address that discrepancy, allowing the Axiom Pro 12 to utilize new fixing holes that are ideally positioned relative to the original E120W mounting points. The installation process involved unmounting the old display, positioning the adapter plate over the new mounting locations, and then securing the Axiom Pro 12 to the adapter.
Performance in this context is less about active function and more about how well it enables the new display to function. The plate facilitated a clean and secure fit for the Axiom Pro 12, ensuring it was perfectly aligned and rigidly mounted. There was no visible flex or play in the mounting, which is paramount for marine electronics subjected to vibration and movement. Ease of use was exceptional; the plate’s design inherently guided the new unit into place, leveraging the new fixing holes to create a stable platform.
The only minor quirk, and this is more about the nature of adapting older and newer hardware, was ensuring that the new fixing holes were precisely located. While the plate is designed to make this straightforward, a small amount of careful measurement and marking is always advised. The powder coating, while aesthetically pleasing, also provided a decent grip surface during the installation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of regular use, which includes several offshore passages and coastal cruising, the adapter plate has proven to be a remarkably reliable component. It has performed its intended function flawlessly, acting as an invisible but essential bridge between the old and new electronics. There have been no signs of wear or tear, such as cracks, corrosion (despite exposure to salt spray), or any loosening of the mounting points.
Maintenance has been virtually non-existent, beyond a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth during general helm cleaning. The powder-coated black finish has held up well, resisting minor scuffs and abrasions that can occur during routine boat maintenance. Compared to some generic metal plates I’ve used in other applications, the quality of the finish and the rigidity of the material in this plate are notably superior. It definitely feels designed for the marine environment, unlike some aftermarket solutions that might rust or degrade quickly.
Breaking Down the Features of Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes
Specifications
The specifications for the Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes are straightforward but critical to its function. It is manufactured by Raymarine, a well-respected name in marine electronics. The color is consistently powder-coated black, designed to complement the aesthetic of modern Raymarine displays.
The core functionality of this plate is its ability to facilitate the installation of an Axiom Pro 12 multifunction display in the exact location previously occupied by an E120W unit. This is achieved by providing a precisely engineered interface that accounts for the different physical dimensions and mounting hole patterns of the two devices. The plate utilizes new fixing holes for the Axiom Pro 12, which are strategically positioned to align with the structural integrity of the helm console where the E120W was originally mounted. This avoids the need for guesswork or extensive modification to the existing console.
This specification is vital because it directly addresses the primary pain point of upgrading from an older E-Series display to a newer Axiom series. Without such a plate, boat owners would face significant challenges in mounting the new unit cleanly and securely. The powder-coated black finish is also more than just cosmetic; it offers a degree of corrosion resistance, essential for a marine environment.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes is to enable a correct and secure fit. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. It provides a stable and level platform for the Axiom Pro 12, ensuring that the new display is mounted correctly and safely.
The main strength of this adapter is its direct compatibility and ease of installation. It takes the guesswork out of aligning the new unit. A potential weakness, inherent to any adapter plate, is that it adds an extra layer of material, which could theoretically add a minuscule amount of depth to the overall installation. However, for this specific application, this is negligible and far outweighed by the convenience. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, offering a “plug-and-play” mounting solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this adapter plate is entirely functional, driven by the need to mate two dissimilar pieces of hardware. The build quality feels solid; the plate is made of a rigid material, likely aluminum or a strong composite, coated with a durable powder-coated black finish. This finish not only provides a matching aesthetic but also offers protection against the elements.
Ergonomically, it’s not something you hold or interact with directly in a dynamic way. Its “ergonomics” are in its ease of installation and the way it presents a clean mounting surface. The pre-drilled new fixing holes are well-finished and accurately placed, facilitating a smooth screw-in process for the Axiom Pro 12. There is no learning curve; you simply align it and screw it in.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its application and material, this adapter plate is likely to last for the lifespan of multiple chartplotters. It’s designed to be a semi-permanent fixture, providing a stable mounting point. Under normal marine use, its durability should be excellent.
Maintenance is as simple as it gets. A wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that is required to keep it clean and presentable. There are no moving parts or complex surfaces that require special attention. The powder-coated black finish is durable enough to withstand regular cleaning and exposure to the marine environment without degradation.
Accessories and Customization Options
This adapter plate is a standalone component; it does not come with accessories, nor does it offer customization options in itself. Its sole purpose is to adapt one specific piece of hardware to another. It is, however, designed to work with the standard mounting hardware for the Raymarine Axiom Pro 12 and the original mounting points of the E120W.
Pros and Cons of Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes
Pros
- Seamless Installation: Designed to perfectly fit the Axiom Pro 12 in place of an E120W, minimizing custom work.
- Saves Time and Effort: Eliminates the need for custom fabrication or significant hull modifications.
- Clean Aesthetic: The powder-coated black finish matches modern Raymarine displays, maintaining a professional helm appearance.
- Robust Build Quality: Constructed from durable materials to withstand marine conditions.
- Utilizes New Fixing Holes: Ensures a secure and stable mount for the new display.
Cons
- Single-Purpose Design: Only works for the specific E120W to Axiom Pro 12 transition.
- Price: While providing value, the cost of an adapter plate can feel significant for what is essentially a mounting bracket.
Who Should Buy Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes?
This adapter plate is an essential purchase for any boater who currently has a Raymarine E120W multifunction display installed and is looking to upgrade to a Raymarine Axiom Pro 12. It’s particularly suited for individuals who value a clean, professional installation and want to avoid the complexities of custom fabricating a mounting solution. If you are comfortable with basic DIY tasks but want to ensure a perfect fit and finish for your expensive new electronics, this plate is for you.
Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who are performing a complete helm overhaul and are not tied to the exact location of the old E120W. If you are planning to cut entirely new holes or are installing a non-Raymarine display, this specific adapter will not be applicable. For those looking to install an Axiom Pro 12 in a brand-new location or replacing a display with a different footprint, alternative mounting hardware will be necessary.
For those who purchase this plate, the primary complementary item needed will be the Raymarine Axiom Pro 12 itself, along with the appropriate screws for mounting the Axiom Pro to the plate, which typically come with the Axiom Pro unit.
Conclusion on Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes
The Raymarine E120W to Axiom Pro 12 Adapter Plate to New Fixing Holes is a highly effective and well-executed accessory that solves a very specific problem for boat owners. It delivers precisely what it promises: a straightforward, secure, and aesthetically pleasing way to upgrade from an older E120W display to a modern Axiom Pro 12. The build quality is commendable, the powder-coated black finish is attractive, and the precise engineering ensures that the new fixing holes are optimally placed for a robust installation.
Considering the cost of Raymarine’s Axiom Pro 12 displays, the price of $115.99 for this adapter plate is a justifiable expense. It saves significant time, labor, and the potential for costly errors associated with custom mounting. It allows for a professional finish that preserves the integrity of the helm, which is often a focal point of any vessel.
I would absolutely recommend this adapter plate to anyone making this specific upgrade. It transforms what could be a frustrating and complex installation into a manageable and satisfying project. If you own an E120W and are eyeing an Axiom Pro 12, this adapter is not just a convenience; it’s an essential component for a successful transition.