Raymarine Ray53 Fixed Mount VHF Radio, 25W, GPS, Class D DSC, NMEA 2000

Overview

The Raymarine E70524 is a Ray53 fixed-mount VHF radio with Class D DSC, an internal GPS/GNSS receiver, and selectable 1 W or 25 W transmit power for everyday hailing, marina communication, and safety calling on coastal or inland waters.

This compact radio runs on a 12 V DC system with a 9 V to 16 V operating range, making it a good fit for many small and mid-size boats where helm space is limited but a permanent VHF installation is preferred over a handheld. It covers available US, International, and Canadian marine VHF channels and supports MMSI-based DSC functions once the vessel information is programmed.

The unit is rated IPX6 and IPX7 for wet marine locations and has an operating temperature range from -20 degrees C to 60 degrees C. Its built-in GNSS receiver supports GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou, with a connection point for an optional external GPS antenna when the mounting position limits signal reception.

Key features

• Class D DSC fixed-mount VHF radio for distress calling, position-based safety functions, and direct DSC communication when properly set up with an MMSI.
• Selectable 1 W and 25 W transmit power for short-range marina use or longer-range communication when conditions require high power.
• Built-in 72-channel GPS/GNSS receiver with support for GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS.
• NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connectivity for integration with compatible onboard electronics and navigation systems.
• SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 connection, NMEA 0183 connection, RCA audio output, and TNC connector for an optional GNSS antenna.
• IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof rating for helm and cabin installations that may see spray, washdowns, or wet gear.
• 12 V DC nominal supply with reverse polarity and over-voltage protection, plus a 9 V to 16 V operating voltage range.
• Audio output supports an optional passive remote speaker, useful when the radio is mounted away from the main listening position.
• Surface and trunnion mounting hardware are included for flexible installation at the helm, electronics console, or cabin station.

Compatibility and integration

The Ray53 suits boats that need a fixed VHF with modern network support in a compact footprint. NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 connections allow it to share or receive compatible position and system data, while the internal GPS/GNSS receiver lets the radio support DSC functions even when a separate plotter connection is not available.

The optional external GPS antenna connection is useful for enclosed helms, pilothouses, or console locations where the internal antenna may not have a clear view of the sky. The RCA audio output also gives installers a clean path to place a passive speaker closer to the cockpit, flybridge, or working deck.

Installation and setup

The radio can be installed with the included trunnion bracket or panel-mounted with the supplied gasket and hardware. A proper marine VHF antenna with 50 ohm impedance is required, and power wiring should be matched to the vessel’s 12 V DC distribution and protected according to good marine electrical practice.

For DSC use, the vessel’s MMSI must be programmed before the safety calling features can be used correctly. After installation, confirm transmit and receive operation, GPS position status, channel region settings, and network communication with any connected NMEA equipment.

Use cases on board

This radio is a practical match for center consoles, trailer boats, cruisers, sailboats, and fishing boats where a permanent VHF station is needed without taking up much dash space. It works well as the primary VHF on smaller vessels or as a dedicated helm radio on boats that already carry additional communication equipment.

The 25 W high-power setting, DSC capability, built-in GNSS, and waterproof housing make it well suited for routine dockside communication, coastal cruising, fishing runs, and day-to-day safety monitoring on the water.

What’s included

• Ray53 VHF radio
• Suncover
• Panel mount gasket
• Trunnion mounting bracket
• Mounting bracket knobs
• Fistmic hook plate
• 4 M4x25 screws for trunnion bracket mounting
• Documentation
• 4 M4 nuts, spring washers, and M4x25 machine screws for panel mounting
• Protective antenna boot
• 2 M4x12 screws for fistmic hook plate mounting
• SeaTalkng blanking plug
• SeaTalkng 400 mm spur cable