The Raymarine e7 is a capable GPS-chartplotter that gets high marks as a compact networkable multifunction display. It can be used as a standalone digital charting system with a built-in GPS and Navionics charts, or it can be networked via Raymarine’s SeaTalk systems to multiple displays and sensors such as radar, a depthsounder or a FLIR night-vision camera. Perhaps the e7’s most impressive feature is its Wi-Fi capability, which allows it to link wirelessly with an iPhone or iPad. Add a Navionics software app to your phone, and you no longer have to wait until you get to your boat to plan a cruise, amend a route or check charts for navigation information. Once onboard, your iPad or iPhone becomes a wireless remote display, and the e7’s Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to control your MP3 music remotely from the helm. A compact Bluetooth remote is also available, and the e7’s LightHouse interface is intuitively structured to make the system easy to operate. With all these features, this competitively priced system sets a new standard in versatility. $1,549. Raymarine, raymarine.com
