Raymarine has given its well-regarded Axiom series a significant refresh with the arrival of the Axiom 2 range, targeting the compact end of the chartplotter market with faster performance, sharper responsiveness, and meaningfully improved processing muscle.
Available in 7-, 9- and 12-inch screen sizes, the Axiom 2's most substantial upgrade is a 6-core processor that noticeably cuts startup times, accelerates chart rendering, and smooths out multitasking across all three models. The processing step-up effectively narrows the performance gap that previously separated these smaller units from the larger Axiom 2 Pro and Axiom 2 XL models, bringing the compact range into genuine alignment with its bigger siblings. Integral Gigabit RayNet® Ethernet is also built in, delivering quicker chart sharing and data transfer while reducing video latency across connected networks.
Storage capacity has been expanded to 64 GB, giving owners plenty of room to accumulate charts, apps, logged data, and screenshots over extended periods without worrying about running out of space.
Two variants are on offer: a standard Chartplotter model and the RV 2 model, which adds built-in RealVision® 3D Sonar. Both come with Raymarine's LightHouse 4.11 OS pre-installed, making it straightforward to integrate either model into an existing Axiom network setup. With LightHouse 5 due to arrive later this year, the units have also been designed with full readiness for that upcoming operating system.
Owners of existing Axiom or Axiom+ equipment will find the upgrade path refreshingly simple. Every Axiom 2 model is a direct drop-in replacement for the corresponding Axiom and Axiom+ size, meaning current power cables, network cables, transducer connections, accessory cables, and mounting hardware can all be carried across without any modification. Raymarine's bezel adapter kits and transducer adapter cables that were compatible with the original Axiom and Axiom+ work equally well with the new Axiom 2 models.
In New Zealand, the Axiom 2 range is available through Lusty and Blundell's nationwide network of marine dealers, along with its three showrooms in Albany, Whangarei, and Tauranga. Lusty and Blundell can be reached on (09) 415-8303 for further product information.
