Raymarine Ray63 Fixed Mount VHF Radio, 25W, Built-in GPS, Class D DSC, NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183

Overview

The Raymarine E70516 is the RAY63 fixed-mount VHF radio with Class D DSC, an internal 72-channel GPS/GNSS receiver, and networking for NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 systems. It runs on a 12 V DC boat supply with a 9 V DC to 16 V DC operating range, uses selectable 1 W or 25 W transmit power, and carries IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof ratings for exposed helm and cockpit installations.

This radio suits boats that need a main VHF station with clear controls, a readable screen, and safety features that are easy to reach in rough weather. Once the vessel MMSI is programmed, DSC calling and distress functions can share position data from the built-in GPS/GNSS receiver or from an external GPS/GNSS antenna connection when the mounting location calls for it.

The RAY63 also fits well into modern electronics layouts. It can connect to SeaTalkng or NMEA 2000 networks, legacy NMEA 0183 equipment, an optional passive remote speaker, and optional RayMic stations for multi-station control on larger cockpits, flybridges, or pilothouse layouts.

Key features

• Class D DSC VHF radio for distress calling, individual calling, group calling, and position-based safety functions after MMSI setup.
• Internal 72-channel GPS/GNSS receiver with support for GPS, GLONASS, SBAS, and a passive external antenna through a TNC connection.
• Selectable 1 W and 25 W transmit power for short-range harbor communication or higher-power calls offshore.
• NMEA 2000, SeaTalkng, and NMEA 0183 connectivity for integration with onboard navigation electronics.
• Supports one wired RayMic station or two wireless RayMic controllers for multi-station operation and intercom use.
• IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof ratings help the radio handle spray, washdowns, and exposed console locations.
• Audio output connection supports an optional passive remote speaker for better listening at the helm or away from the main unit.
• Surface and trunnion mounting hardware are included, giving flexibility for flush-style panel layouts or bracket mounting.

Installation and setup

The RAY63 is intended for a 12 V DC installation and should be connected to a protected circuit sized for marine electronics. Current draw is less than 6 A at high transmit power, about 600 mA in standby, and about 2 A during receive, so it belongs on wiring that can handle transmit load without voltage drop at the radio.

Mounting can be handled with the included panel gasket for a cleaner console fit or with the trunnion bracket where angle adjustment and service access matter more. The front fistmic connection keeps the main handset easy to reach, while the rear second-station connection allows a wired handset or wireless hub to be added when the helm layout needs control in more than one location.

Compatibility and fit

The radio covers available US, International, and Canadian VHF marine bands and uses a 50 Ohm VHF antenna connection. It is a strong match for cruising boats, fishing boats, pilothouse boats, and sailboats that need a fixed VHF with DSC safety functions and network integration rather than a basic standalone radio.

For installations where the radio is mounted below a hardtop, inside a cabin, or behind structure that may limit satellite view, the external GPS/GNSS antenna connection gives the installer another way to maintain dependable position input for DSC features.

Electrical and system integration

On an NMEA 2000 or SeaTalkng network, the RAY63 can sit alongside chartplotters, instruments, and other helm electronics. NMEA 0183 support is useful on refits where older navigation equipment is still in service, helping the radio fit into mixed systems without forcing a full electronics replacement.

The built-in speaker, fistmic speaker, and external speaker output give several practical audio options. The base station speaker output is 2.5 W at 8 Ohms, the fistmic speaker output is 1 W at 16 Ohms, and the external speaker output is 5 W at 8 Ohms for installations where engine noise, wind, or distance from the main radio makes a remote speaker worthwhile.

Environmental performance

The RAY63 operates from -20°C to +60°C and is rated for 95% relative humidity, which makes it suitable for real helm conditions where heat, damp air, spray, and seasonal temperature swings are part of normal use. Its IPX6 and IPX7 ratings support mounting in protected outdoor positions, provided the installation follows proper cable routing, strain relief, and connector protection practices.

What’s included

• Ray63 VHF radio
• Suncover
• Panel mount gasket
• Fistmic
• Trunnion mounting bracket
• Mounting bracket knobs
• Fistmic hook plate
• 4 x M4x25 screws for trunnion bracket mounting
• Documentation
• 4 x M4 nuts, spring washers, and M4x25 machine screws for panel mounting
• Protective antenna boot
• 2 x M4x12 screws for fistmic hook plate mounting
• SeaTalkng blanking plug
• SeaTalkng 400 mm spur cable

Orders are processed within 2 business days, which includes verification, packing, and dispatch. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping when eligible. For orders under $100, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and selected service. International shipping is available for eligible products, and certain items may require additional handling, warehouse transfers, or may ship directly from the manufacturer, which can affect processing time.

Deliveries are handled by preferred carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others depending on your location and selected service. Estimated delivery times are displayed at checkout and may vary due to customs processing, carrier delays, weather, postal disruptions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Tracking may take up to 24 hours to update on the carrier's website and is also available through your account when applicable.

We ship throughout the United States and to most international destinations for products eligible for international shipping. International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, or other import fees, which are the customer's responsibility and are not included in the product or shipping price. PO Boxes are accepted only when shipping through USPS, and not all packages qualify for this option. If your order does not arrive within the estimated delivery window, please contact us at info@apollolighting.com or +1 (954) 375-0100 so we can assist with locating your package.

Learn more.

Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

Learn more.

Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

Learn more.