Raymarine P70S Ap Control Head (Pushbutton)
Quick take
The Raymarine P70S is a pushbutton autopilot control head built around a bright 3.5-inch LCD, intended to give reliable, low-power access to common steering modes on a boat. It’s best for buyers who want clean, tactile button control and plan to integrate with a compatible Raymarine autopilot display group. The main caveat is making sure your existing autopilot hardware is compatible, and checking how the screen performs from your typical viewing angle once mounted.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very bright 3.5-inch oversized LCD designed for maximum visibility (including all-weather use).
- Optically bonded display tech for brighter colors, sharper contrast, and a wide viewing angle.
- Pushbutton (and rotary-style control options are supported for sail and power use cases).
- Supports multiple autopilot modes such as Auto, Standby, Pattern, Track, Wind Vane, Power Steer, and Jog Steer.
Cons
- Compatibility can be tricky when pairing with older Raymarine autopilot components, which may lead to extra parts costs.
- Visibility may still be sensitive to mounting position, especially with certain viewing angles.
What buyers think
Buyer review evidence is limited but consistent on a few practical points. Several buyers describe the control head as easy to install or straightforward to set up, and they like having button-style controls instead of a knob. The display is repeatedly mentioned as bright and easy to see in different conditions. People also value integration with other compatible Raymarine gear to form a coordinated display group.
Key features that matter on the water
A bright, all-weather display
The P70S centers on a 3.5-inch super-bright oversized LCD. Raymarine also uses optically bonded display technology, aimed at improving brightness, contrast, and readability across wider viewing angles, which is important when you are steering in changing daylight and weather.
Low power operation
Power consumption is listed at 1.6 watts, which can help reduce load when your autopilot controller is running frequently or as part of an extended trip setup.
Pushbutton control plus flexible steering modes
This control head is designed around pushbutton operation for typical autopilot functions. It supports a range of autopilot modes, including Auto and Standby, as well as more advanced options like Pattern and Track, and wind-focused and power-steering behaviors such as Wind Vane, Power Steer, and Jog Steer. If you sail and want mode flexibility, these are the types of features that help you avoid swapping between multiple control solutions.
Design and usability notes
- Mounting and view angle: The display is built for viewing from multiple angles, but polarization and mounting location can still affect readability. If the unit will be mounted to the side of the cockpit or where you frequently look past it, it’s worth checking your expected sightline before committing.
- Button feel: Buyers specifically mention liking the tactile feel of the buttons, especially if they did not want rotary knob-style control.
- Integration: Review themes point to smoother everyday use when the P70S joins an existing Raymarine system so you can manage autopilot functions as part of a coordinated display group.
Pros and cons summary
Buy the Raymarine P70S if you want a pushbutton marine autopilot control head with a highly visible 3.5-inch LCD, and you’re working within a compatible Raymarine autopilot ecosystem where you can integrate multiple control points or screens.
Consider skipping it if you’re trying to retrofit an older, mixed autopilot setup and you do not want to verify compatibility or potentially source additional components to make the system work together. Also think twice if your planned mounting location will force you to view the screen at a steep angle most of the time.
Compatibility and setup: the decision-making checklist
Because autopilot systems are often built from multiple interlocking components (controller, drive, sensors, and displays), the biggest buying question is whether this control head fits cleanly with your existing hardware. Before ordering, confirm compatibility with your autopilot drive and compass or sensor components, especially if you are replacing only the control/display portion of an older installation.
On the practical side, buyers describe setup as relatively easy when pairing within the right system. Still, plan to spend time on configuration and course/steering behavior tuning so the mode set you want matches your sailing or power-steering routine.
Verdict
The Raymarine P70S AP control head (pushbutton) is a strong choice for boaters who want an easy-to-use, button-first autopilot control with a bright, readable display and broad mode support. It tends to shine when you can integrate it with other compatible Raymarine autopilot gear. The main reason it might not be a smooth upgrade is system compatibility with older components and potential readability issues depending on where you mount and how you view the screen.
FAQ
Is the Raymarine P70S compatible with older Raymarine autopilot systems?
Compatibility depends on the specific components in your existing autopilot setup. Some buyers upgrading older systems report that additional hardware may be required for full compatibility, so it’s important to verify compatibility before purchasing.
What autopilot modes does the P70S support?
It supports Auto and Standby, plus Pattern, Track, Wind Vane, Power Steer, and Jog Steer.
How visible is the screen in bright conditions?
The P70S uses a super-bright 3.5-inch LCD with optically bonded display technology for brighter colors, sharper contrast, and wider viewing. Some visibility can still depend on viewing angle once mounted.
Is this control head pushbutton or rotary?
This model is positioned as a pushbutton control head. It is also described as offering button or rotary control options for sail and power applications, but your exact setup will depend on how you configure and integrate the control system on your boat.
What power consumption should I expect?
Power consumption is listed at 1.6 watts and it operates on a 12-volt system.
Who is the Raymarine P70S best for?
It’s best for boaters who want a clearly readable autopilot control display with button-based operation and who are building or maintaining a compatible Raymarine autopilot system.
Who should avoid it?
It may be a poor fit for buyers who cannot confirm compatibility with their existing autopilot components and who want to avoid potential extra parts or configuration work.
Specifications
| Product Title | Raymarine P70S Ap Control Head (Pushbutton) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Marine Autopilots |
| Brand | Raymarine |
| Manufacturer | Raymarine |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 0.23 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Raymarine |
| UPC | 723193812303 |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00723193812303 |
| Part Number | E70328 |
| Model | E70328 |
| Included Components | Great Product |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Type Name | Great Product |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Material Type | Plastic |
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