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Key attributes of the updated software edition:

Delving into NMEA 2000 networks including SeatalkNG and SimNET, this video guides you through the process of connecting your watercraft's devices, setting up your personal NMEA 2000 network, crafting your own wires, and hooking it all up to a Raspberry Pi 5. Additionally, you'll pick up on...

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Key highlights of the updated software edition:
Key highlights of the updated software edition:

Key attributes of the updated software edition:

In the realm of marine technology, a new video demonstrates the integration of old and new equipment using a Raspberry Pi. This tutorial showcases the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, comparing their capabilities when accessing data from anywhere, and discusses two HAT (Hardware Accessory on Top) options: the economical CAN Bus HAT and the MacArthur HAT.

**Raspberry Pi 4: Proven Reliability and Sufficient Performance**

The Raspberry Pi 4, a widely used device in marine applications, boasts proven reliability and sufficient performance for running OpenPlotter (and similar nav/boat monitoring stacks). A 4GB RAM Pi 4 offers enough headroom for typical NMEA 2000 data aggregation, visualization, and logging. Its lower power consumption is advantageous for continuous marine use, and many CAN Bus HATs and related hardware have been tested and proven on the Pi 4, providing stable interfaces for NMEA 2000 networks.

However, the Pi 4's CPU and memory bandwidth are lower than the Pi 5, which may limit performance in scenarios with high NMEA 2000 data rates or when running multiple demanding applications. Its slower I/O could become a bottleneck if bridging NMEA 2000 to high-speed networks (e.g., Ethernet, CAN-FD). Moreover, the Pi 4 lacks PCIe, so any future expansion for high-speed CAN-FD or Ethernet adapters would be USB-based.

**Raspberry Pi 5: Higher Performance and PCIe Support**

The Pi 5 offers significantly faster CPU, RAM, and I/O, which can handle more concurrent tasks, faster data processing, and better response times for real-time navigation displays. Its PCIe support enables high-speed low-latency expansion—useful for future CAN-FD or advanced Ethernet interfaces. The Pi 5 also has USB 3.0 and a faster Ethernet controller, beneficial for bridging NMEA 2000 data to other networks (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi) and for running web-based navigation dashboards.

However, the Pi 5 is more expensive than the Pi 4, which may matter for cost-sensitive marine projects. Its more powerful SoC and additional features may draw more current, which could be a concern for battery-powered systems. Moreover, the Pi 5 is less proven in the marine environment than the Pi 4. Some HATs and software may not yet be fully optimized or tested.

**Comparison of CAN Bus HATs: Economical vs. MacArthur HAT**

The economical CAN Bus HAT is suitable for simple, budget-conscious NMEA 2000 integrations where isolation and advanced features are not critical. The MacArthur HAT, while costlier, is a professional marine solution with robust isolation, CAN-FD support, and better long-term reliability—ideal for demanding or safety-critical marine installations.

**Integration Practicalities**

Both Pi 4 and Pi 5 can interface with NMEA 2000 via CAN Bus HATs or converters to Ethernet (e.g., CAN-to-Ethernet gateway). For most marine messaging (250 kbps), Pi 4 is sufficient, but Pi 5 may excel in scenarios with higher data rates or multiple simultaneous applications. Software like OpenCPN now natively supports NMEA 2000, and tools like Canboat/Signal K are mature and work well on both platforms. For headless or kiosk use, Pi 4’s lower power draw may be preferred unless performance is paramount.

**Conclusion**

Choose Raspberry Pi 4 if you need a cost-effective, proven, low-power platform and your NMEA 2000 system is not pushing the limits of performance. Choose Raspberry Pi 5 if you require maximum performance, future expandability, or plan to run demanding navigation and monitoring software stacks. Always select your HAT based on required isolation, data rate, and the need for long-term reliability.

For most recreational marine NMEA 2000 networks, Raspberry Pi 4 with a decent CAN Bus HAT is more than adequate and offers the best balance of cost, power, and reliability. Consider Raspberry Pi 5 for more complex integrations, especially those involving Ethernet bridging, CAN-FD, or multiple concurrent high-load applications.

The MacArthur HAT is available for purchase at openmarine.net, and the economical CAN-BUS HAT can be found on Amazon and AliExpress. NMEA2000 cables, connectors, and 5-pin M12 connectors are also available on Amazon and AliExpress. Patronage of the channel is available on Patreon.com/TheLowCostSailor, and donations can be made to the website. All necessary items (case, SD card, pre-assembled Raspberry Pi) can be found in the online store. The 12V power module for the MacArthur HAT is available at openmarine.net. A free 3D model for a Raspberry Pi (4 or 5) case with MacArthur HAT is available at /files2share/RPIMacArthurHATCase.zip, and the printed Raspberry Pi (5) case with MacArthur HAT can be purchased on our website. The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB can be purchased on Amazon, AliExpress, and Tiendatec (Spanish distributor).

  1. Embracing the world of smart-home-devices and gadgets, one can find the Raspberry Pi 5, a technology powerhouse that excels in areas like running demanding navigation and monitoring software stacks due to its higher performance and PCIe support.
  2. In search of economical smart-home-devices, the CAN Bus HAT, a popular Hardware Accessory on Top option, proves suitable for simple NMEA 2000 integrations, offering a cost-effective solution with basic NMEA 2000 functionality.

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