Which Raymarine MFD to Buy?

When looking at upgrading your MFD or installing a new system, how do you know which version to buy? They make it a bit complicated with a myriad of bundles with sonar, radar and various charts.  Here is an example of all the options for just the AXIOM Pro 12:

Firstly lets breakdown model designations for the Axiom Pro 'S' and 'RVX.'   The difference is the sonar capability.  The 'S' has a single channel CHIRP capability the 'RVX' is the high power version that has RealVision™ 3D Sonar and 1KW CHIRP sonar.  Ultimately, if you are on a sailboat you will not need the added power of the 'RVX' as you will most likely only be employing a depth sensor and not full sonar.  Even if you chose to use sonar you may only need the 'S' as it is compatible, you just won't see where the fish are below your boat!

For the base Axiom lineup the above is the same with the Axiom and Axiom RV.  The RV is similar to the RVX as it has the RealVision™.  In this case the base Axiom is the best solution for most catamarans. 

So now we have narrowed this down to the Axiom Pro S (or base Axiom) model for most catamaran applications.  The next designations on the above models has to do with which electronic charts come pre-installed with the MFD.  This can be cost effective to get your base charts for where you plan to spend most of your time.  This can also be confusing as they offer many types / brands of charts.  Lets break those down:

LNC - Lighthouse US Coastal Vector Charts

NAG - Navionics NAV+ North America Charts

CSA - Navionics NAV+ Central and South Americas Charts

 The LNC (Lighthouse) charts are very basic and as you can see the price doesn't increase on any of the MFDs between the options of Lighthouse or no charts.

The NAG & CSA (Navionics +) charts are great charts and the + features things like Active Captain (which can be helpful for finding things like customs and good anchorages).  Observe that the preinstalled charts tend to only be for your base area and not for other areas you plan to cruise to.  The price of that Navionics + chart on a microsd card is $199.00 so you save $49.00 if you buy it preinstalled on the MFD.  

Here is a few links to buy the Axiom / Axiom Pro S with the Navionics + Charts:

7"

 Axiom 7

9"

Axiom 9"

Axiom Pro 9" S

12"

 Axiom 12"

Axiom Pro 12" S

For all those with some serious real estate you can move up to the Axiom Pro & Pro XL which has all the features.  Here are some links to those with the Navionics+ preinstalled:

16"

 Axiom Pro 16" S

Axiom Pro XL 16"

19"

Axiom Pro XL 19"

Here is a link for all the optional Navionics + chart cards to add to your MFD for your planned trip:

**This rundown is mostly applicable for all the Raymarine MFDs.  Each model will vary slightly.