Stay connected and safe at sea with the compact Raymarine Ray 53 VHF radio. It features built-in GPS and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for enhanced reliability. Designed for performance in a small form factor, the Ray 53 is ideal for any vessel. Trust it to deliver clear communication when it matters most.
Raymarine Ray 53 class D VHF Radio - Description
The Raymarine Ray 53 is a compact Class D VHF radio built for reliable communication and safety at sea. It features Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and a built-in GPS receiver, allowing your position to be included automatically in emergency transmissions for faster response. With its small footprint, it fits easily on any vessel without sacrificing performance.
By programming your MMSI number, you unlock full DSC functionality for secure calling and distress alerts. The Ray 53 also supports position polling to share or request location data from other boats. Simple controls and a clear display make it easy to use, making the Ray 53 an essential part of your onboard safety equipment.

Crystal-clear communication
The Raymarine Ray 53 features advanced transmitter and receiver technology to ensure your voice transmissions are always clear and reliable, even in challenging marine conditions.
Distress calling at the push of a button:
In an emergency, activate a DSC distress call with a single press. The radio will automatically send your vessel’s ID, location, and distress details to nearby stations and rescue services.
Enhanced safety with GPS:
A built-in GPS receiver allows for precise location tracking, ensuring your position is accurately transmitted during a DSC distress call for faster and more effective assistance.
Network with your boat's systems:
With support for both NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 protocols, the Ray 53 can easily connect to other onboard systems like chartplotters and autopilots, providing a fully integrated and efficient navigation experience.
Raymarine Ray 53 class D VHF Radio - Key Features
- Compact Design: A space-saving marine VHF radio that includes Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for enhanced safety.
- Built-In GPS Receiver: Features an integrated GPS/GNSS receiver with the option to connect an external antenna for improved signal reception.
- Network Integration: Supports NMEA2000 and NMEA0183 connections, allowing seamless integration with your boat’s existing systems.
- Audio Output: Includes a port for an optional passive remote speaker (model A80542) to extend audio range.
- Versatile Mounting: Supplied with both surface and trunnion mount kits for flexible installation options.
- Aesthetic Compatibility: Designed to visually complement the Axiom series of chartplotters, creating a cohesive onboard look.
Raymarine Ray 53 class D VHF Radio - What's in the Box
- 1. VHF Radio
- 2. Suncover
- 3. Panel Mount Gasket
- 4. Mounting Bracket (Trunnion)
- 5. Mounting Bracket Knobs
- 6. Fistmic Hook Plate
- 7. 4 x M4x25 Screws (for Bracket mounting)
- 8. Documentation
- 9. 4 x M4 Nuts, Spring Washers, and M4x25 Machine Screws (for Panel mounting)
- 10. Protective Antenna Boot
- 11. 2 x M4x12 Screws (for Fistmic Hook Plate mounting)
- 12. SeaTalkng Blanking Plug
- 13. SeaTalkng 400 mm (15.7 in.) Spur Cable

Raymarine Ray 53 class D VHF Radio - Specifications
Built for the harshest marine environments, the Ray53 VHF radio offers durability and dependable performance in all conditions:
- Operating Temperature: –20°C to +60°C (–4°F to 140°F)
- Storage Temperature: –25°C to +70°C (–13°F to 158°F)
- Humidity Resistance: Up to 95% perfect for marine settings
- Waterproof Rating: IPX6 and IPX7 certified
- Connections:
• 1 × NMEA 0183 • 1 × SeaTalkng® / NMEA 2000 • 1 × Audio Output (RCA) • 1 × GNSS Antenna (TNC connector)
Power specification
- Voltage: 12V DC (operates from 9–16V)
- Protection: Reverse polarity & overvoltage safe
- Current Use:
<6A (Transmit @ 13.6V)
2A (Receive)
600mA (Standby)
Transmitter
- Channel Coverage: Supports all U.S., Canadian, and International VHF marine channels
- Frequency Range: 156.000–157.425 MHz (standard) / 155.500–161.425 MHz (private channels)
- Frequency Stability: ±1.5 ppm for accurate, consistent signal transmission
- Channel Spacing: Standard 25 kHz for interference-free communication
- Output Power: Selectable 1W (low) or 25W (high) for short or long-range calls
- Spurious Emissions: Superior signal clarity with emissions below –36 dBm at 25W
- Max Deviation: ±5 kHz for strong, clear voice transmission
- Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohms (typical) — optimized for marine-grade antennas
Receiver Specifications
Specification |
Details |
Receiver Type |
Double conversion superheterodyne |
Channel Coverage |
All U.S., International, and Canadian VHF marine bands |
Frequency Range |
156.050–163.275 MHz / 155.500–161.425 MHz (private channels) |
Sensitivity |
>1 µV EMF @ 20dB SINAD |
Receiver Sensitivity |
–119 dBm (0.25 µV) @ 12dB SINAD (distance) –110 dBm (0.7 µV) (local) |
Squelch Sensitivity |
< –2 dBµ EMF |
Hum & Noise |
Better than –40 dB |
Audio Distortion |
Less than 10% |
Adjacent Channel Selectivity |
More than 70 dB |
Spurious Response Rejection |
More than 70 dB |
Intermodulation Rejection |
MMore than 68 dB |
Speakers
External speaker power
5 W (8 Ω)
Speaker Type |
Power Output |
Base Station Speaker |
2.5 W @ 8 Ω |
Fistmic Speaker |
1 W @ 16 Ω |
External Speaker |
5 W @ 8 Ω (via audio output) |
GNSS (GPS)
Feature |
Details |
Channels |
72 |
Cold Start Time; |
<2 minutes |
Sensitivity (Tracking/Acq.) |
–167 dBm (Tracking) / –148 dBm (Acquisition) |
GNSS Supported |
GPS, GLONASS, *Beidou |
SBAS Compatibility |
WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS |
Operating Frequencies |
GPS L1 C/A, GLONASS L10F, Beidou B1 |
Special Features |
Active jamming & interference reduction |
Signal Acquisition |
Automatic |
Almanac Update |
Automatic |
Geodetic Datum |
WGS-84 (configurable via Raymarine MFD) |
Refresh Rate |
10 Hz (10 updates per second, concurrent GNSS) |
Antenna Options |
Internal ceramic chip, External passive via TNC connector |
Position Accuracy |
≤ 15m (standard), ≤ 5m with SBAS (95% of the time) |
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