Vessel: Sea Ray L650 (2016, 65 ft)
Location: Key Biscayne, FL
Service Category: Electronics & Communications — In-House Repair
Duration: 3 hours
Performed by: TBZ Management Team
Issue
The Sea Ray L650 is equipped with two independent Raymarine VHF radio systems for redundancy and safety.
Each system includes a main transceiver unit and a handheld microphone connected via an external cable mounted in the helm area.
After years of sun exposure, the original cables became dry, cracked, and brittle, eventually breaking apart — compromising both handheld stations.
Before initiating a full replacement, TBZ consulted a certified marine electronics expert, who advised that the only factory-supported solution would be to upgrade both VHF systems entirely, since the existing Raymarine components were discontinued.
This option would have required a complete rewiring and new VHF hardware, estimated at $3,000 or more, plus installation time and vessel downtime.
Our Solution
Instead of replacing the full VHF system, the TBZ team conducted a detailed parts search across multiple marine equipment marketplaces and found used OEM replacement cables compatible with the existing units.
We ordered a single test cable for $150 to verify compatibility.
After careful disassembly of the helm area and VHF mount, we removed the damaged cable, cleaned the ports, and installed the replacement harness.
The connection was tested successfully — full transmit and receive functionality restored.
Once confirmed, we repeated the process for the remaining units, restoring all handheld VHFs to perfect working condition without altering the system.
Materials Used:
- OEM Raymarine replacement handheld cable
- Electrical contact cleaner
- Silicone protection spray
- Basic installation tools
Labor Time: 3 hours
Performed by: TBZ Manager
Cost & Owner Savings
Item | Dealer / Expert Solution | TBZ In-House Solution |
Full VHF System Replacement | $3,000+ | — |
Cable Replacement (4 Total) | — | $600 |
Labor | $500+ | $0 (in-house) |
Total Estimated Dealer Cost | $3,500+ | $600.00 |
Total Owner Savings: ≈ $2,900 System Functionality: Fully restored using OEM cables Downtime: None — system operational same day Sustainability: Extended lifespan of existing electronics
Results
- All three handheld VHFs fully functional and tested on all channels
- No rewiring or system upgrades required
- Restored communication redundancy without vessel downtime
- Extended service life of existing Raymarine system
(Resolved proactively during scheduled management maintenance — no owner involvement required.)
BEFORE
Cracked and sun-damaged VHF cables at helm.
AFTER
Area sealed, no water intrusion under simulated rain test.
Key Takeaway
TBZ’s technical expertise and resourceful approach saved the owner over $2,900 and preserved the vessel’s original equipment configuration.
By sourcing compatible parts and performing the work in-house, TBZ avoided unnecessary upgrades, downtime, and risk — while maintaining full communication reliability.
Want your yacht handled by experts who protect your time, money, and investment?
Schedule a free systems check or onboard inspection today.
📞 (305) 799-7996 | ✉️ info@theboatingzone.com