Garmin® Fusion Apollo™ MS-RA800 Marine Stereo, Premium Touchscreen Stereo with Built-in Wi-Fi® Connectivity
Quick take
The Garmin Fusion Apollo RA800 is a premium marine touchscreen stereo designed for a clean, modern helm setup and on-boat streaming. With built-in Wi‑Fi, it supports AirPlay-style audio from Apple sources, and its faster processor plus upgraded internal amplification are meant to feel responsive. The biggest “before you buy” check is whether you need SiriusXM and specific wired networking ports, since a few buyers flagged port and feature removals compared with earlier models.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in Wi‑Fi for streaming audio from Apple sources (AirPlay audio support) and wireless remote control
- Upgraded internals, including a faster processor and an internal amplifier rated for more power than the RA770
- Brighter-day visibility and a modern edge-to-edge glass faceplate for a cleaner helm look
- Marine-rated front face with IPX6 and IPX7 water resistance
Cons
- Potential disappointment if you expect SiriusXM support, since buyers reported SiriusXM capability was removed
- Port and cable compatibility can be a concern for upgrades, including wired networking expectations
- Not a budget pick at its typical price point, so value depends on whether you will use the Wi‑Fi features and integration
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited, but the comments cluster around a few decision-relevant themes. Several buyers who upgraded from earlier Fusion Apollo models highlight a cleaner, more modern look and faster system response. Wi‑Fi streaming and general audio quality come up positively, especially for AirPlay functionality. On the downside, some buyers felt the RA800 “went backward” for their specific setup due to missing or changed features, including SiriusXM availability and port changes that can require additional cabling. A separate install-related issue was resolved quickly after contacting Garmin support, which suggests Garmin customer service may be helpful if wiring or harness problems pop up during installation.
What the RA800 is built for
The RA800 is aimed at boaters who want a premium marine head unit that looks like modern electronics and centers the listening experience around Wi‑Fi streaming. Instead of treating streaming as a secondary feature, this stereo focuses on fast, touchscreen-friendly control and lossless-capable audio streaming from compatible services, with Apple AirPlay-style support via Wi‑Fi.
Touchscreen and helm fit
The 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen is designed for readability in bright daylight, with improvements called out for sharpness, color saturation, viewing angles, and overall legibility on the water. The edge-to-edge glass faceplate is intended to blend with new-generation marine electronics, and the unit is flush mountable for a more integrated helm appearance.
Wi‑Fi streaming and Apple compatibility
Built-in Wi‑Fi is one of the RA800’s core strengths. It’s used to support AirPlay audio streaming from Apple devices, and it also pairs with smart-device control and compatible Garmin watch control. For boaters who already run Apple Music or Apple-based audio on their phone or tablet, this can be a straightforward way to bring streaming to the helm without relying solely on wired sources.
Power, performance, and responsiveness
Garmin positions the RA800 as a meaningful step up from the RA770. The key changes highlighted include a faster processor (helping the interface feel more responsive) and an internal Class‑D amplifier with increased onboard power output. In real-world terms, that combination matters if you want quick menu behavior on a touchscreen and more headroom driving speakers directly, without always needing an external amplifier.
Integration on board: networking and multi-zone control
If your boat already uses NMEA 2000, the RA800 is designed to integrate with compatible chartplotters and MFDs for stereo control. The RA800 can also connect with other Apollo Series stereos to build an audio network on board. Features like stereo grouping and combined volume control are aimed at boats where you want consistent audio across listening zones.
Water resistance and durability
The front face is IPX6- and IPX7-rated, built for exposure to salt fog and harsh marine conditions (the design also references protection against vibration and UV exposure). This is an important category consideration if your stereo will live at the helm where spray and weather exposure are common.
Price and availability
At a premium price, the RA800 makes the most sense when its features match your current setup. If you will actively use Wi‑Fi streaming, want modern touchscreen control, and can benefit from on-boat network integration, the value equation looks better. If your priority is primarily traditional tuner playback or you rely on SiriusXM specifically, you should verify feature and port compatibility before buying.
Who should buy this marine stereo
- You want a modern, edge-to-edge glass touchscreen head unit with good readability in bright conditions
- You plan to stream from Apple devices and want Wi‑Fi-based audio control at the helm
- You have (or plan to build) an Apollo Series multi-stereo setup for shared audio across zones
- You need marine-rated front-face durability with IPX6/IPX7 protection
Who should avoid it or double-check first
- You need SiriusXM and want it built-in, since some buyers reported it was removed compared with earlier versions
- You are upgrading from an older unit and rely on specific wired ports, cables, or networking assumptions
- You are mainly looking for a low-cost replacement and do not expect to use Wi‑Fi streaming or network features
Simple checklist before you hit “buy”
- Confirm whether your listening sources require SiriusXM, and if not included, plan your workaround.
- Review how your current stereo is wired and networked, especially if you use Ethernet or specific port setups.
- Make sure your boat supports NMEA 2000 integration (if you want chartplotter and MFD control).
- Check that your speaker/amplifier plan matches whether you will use the built-in amplifier or an external amp.
FAQ
Does the fusion apollo RA800 support wi‑fi streaming and airplay?
Yes. It includes built-in Wi‑Fi connectivity intended for AirPlay-style audio streaming from Apple devices.
Is the RA800 water resistant for marine use?
The front face is rated IPX6 and IPX7, which is designed for exposure to marine conditions such as salt fog.
How is the touchscreen visibility in bright daylight?
The 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen is designed for improved readability in bright daylight, with enhancements aimed at sharpness, color saturation, and viewing angles.
Does it include SiriusXM?
Some buyers reported that SiriusXM capability is not available on this version. If SiriusXM is a must-have for you, confirm compatibility with your preferred audio sources before purchasing.
Can I control the stereo from other devices on board?
Yes. The RA800 is designed for integration with compatible on-boat electronics (including NMEA 2000 control) and also supports wireless remote audio control via compatible smart devices and Garmin smartwatches.
Does it work with other Apollo Series stereos?
Yes. It can connect with other Apollo Series stereos to create a network on board, with features like stereo grouping and combined volume control.
Specifications
| Product Title | Garmin® Fusion Apollo™ MS-RA800 Marine Stereo, Premium Touchscreen Stereo with Built-in Wi-Fi® Connectivity |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Marine Stereos |
| Brand | Garmin |
| Manufacturer | Garmin Fusion |
| Model Number | 010-02937-00 |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 1.7 Pounds |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Controller Type | Android, iOS |
| Other Special Features of the Product | AM Tuner, Built-In Bluetooth, Built-In Wi-Fi, Digital Display Screen, FM Tuner |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet |
| Total Number of HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Connector Type | RCA, USB Type-C |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 4 |
| Video Encoding | H.264, H.265/HEVC |
| Output Power | 40 Watts |
| Wattage | 40 watts |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Supported Internet Services | Apple Music |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Audio Output Type | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| UPC | 753759330361 |
| Mfr Part Number | 010-02937-00 |
| Warranty Description | 3 Years Limited Warranty |
| Built-In Media | 6 ft (2 m) drop cable for the NMEA 2000® network; Dust cover, Documentation, Four 8-gauge self-tapping screws; Two screw covers, Fusion Apollo™ MS-RA800 marine stereo; Mounting gasket, Power and speaker wiring harness; Auxiliary-in, line-out and subwoofer-out wiring harnesses |
Recommended next
Rockville RGHR2 Marine Gauge Hole Receiver, Bluetooth/USB/AM/FM, TDA7851L Amp, 288W
The Rockville RGHR2 is a compact marine-gauge-hole receiver built for boats and powersports, with an IP66 waterproof design, Bluetooth streaming, USB playback (plus 5V charging), AM/FM radio, and a long wired remote for convenient control. It offers solid power on paper and generally positive setup and sound comments, with the main buyer caveat being fitment (gauge-hole/mounting size) and a reminder to wire it correctly (including the memory power wire).
Kicker 46KMC4 Weather-Resistant Gauge-Style Media Center with Bluetooth
The Kicker 46KMC4 is a weather-resistant, four-channel marine media center built around a bright 3-inch LCD display, AM/FM plus weather-band tuning, and Bluetooth audio. Buyers who prioritize straightforward controls, visible-in-sun readability, and expandable RCA outputs tend to be the happiest, with the main caveat being that fine-tuning your install and cable connections matters for best results.
Pyle Marine Stereo Radio Receiver Speaker Kit
The Pyle marine stereo radio receiver speaker kit bundles a Bluetooth head unit, built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and two 6.5-inch waterproof speakers with CD/MP3 plus USB and SD playback options. It is a solid “upgrade-ready” choice for boats and off-road vehicles, with the main caveat being that higher volume can reveal some distortion.
Rockford Fosgate Punch Marine PMX-1 Digital Media Receiver with 2.3" Dot Matrix LCD Display
The Rockford Fosgate Punch Marine PMX-1 is a compact, water-ready marine digital media receiver built for straightforward Bluetooth streaming, flexible AUX/USB audio, and speaker-friendly sound shaping. It’s a strong fit for boats and RVs that need an easy swap-in upgrade, with the main caveat being the limited on-unit media options (no built-in disc player).