[DBM]

It seemed pretty obvious from my last post that it pays to put Radar on our new build from the start.

The question now is which brand to go with. Who's had good/bad experience with any of them, and does the more expensive systems really work that much better than the less expensive systems?

Thanks again for all of the support.

DBM

 

[iFishMD]

Being that you are a recreational boat looking for safety. (not looking for birds or long range) I would base your decision more on the electronics package than just the radar. I would get a plotter that offers overlay. Personally I am a big garmin fan and even put it on my boat again when I had the new one built. The fish finder is its weakest link but with the new GSD 22 sounder box, it isnt bad at all. I think the Garmin chart plotters are the best out there though.

Others I would consider are the Raymarine or Furuno stuff (which tends to be more money but offers the best radar and sounders).

Make a trip to BOE in annapolis and have Jim show you all the stuff that is available and you can make your decision based on the features and appearance you like

I see he has the non 4kw HD Garmin dome NOH unit with full warranty for under $640. I am going to start working the wife this weekend for it! see here RADAR - DOME:

 

[TerpHeels]

This a tangent to your post here but this unit below is an excellent unit and will find birds to a verified 4 miles. I'm running the JRC model (JRC made the unit for Raytheon) on my boat. Make sure u find out the # of hours on the magnetron before buying...

Raytheon R41XX 4kw 48 open array

 

[shawn fisher]

Furno 1623 is all you need. It's a B/W stand alone unit that can be had for about $1k. Color would be nice but not necessary imho.....


Shawn F

 

[gooddog]

I think you want a unit that will permit you to display radar and chart and sounder on a single screen, unless you have a lot of space. I have the Furuno 1722 networked and it will do all three functions, although only two can be viewed at the same time. And only the larger more expensive 10" screen versions will allow an overlay of the radar screen on the chart display. Like everyone seems to say, Furuno has the best radar and sounders, but Garmin has a better gps chart system, largely because the display is more readable. In fact I normally use my little portable Garmin 276c, which I bought to be a battery operated backup, as my main chart screen. It is half the size of the Furuno screen but much brighter and much easier to read. I attached a mounting device for it to a corner of my helm and stuck on an external antenna that connects easily. I use the Garmin in the car for road navigation, then pull of the little antenna, change the chip, and run it on the boat. It permits me to have all three functions, radar, sonar, and gps, viewable simulataneously.

 

[NachoLibre]

As previously mentioned, it's also important to consider your overall electronics package. I have a networked Garmin 4208 with an 18 HD radar and it overlays nicely over the chart and I can split it with my FF. While I know that Garmin isn't the best on the FF side, I find the chart side and radar integration so good and and easy to use to be very happy with the overall package.

 

[shawn fisher]

One screen networked for multiple functions is a tragedy waiting to happen. If you have the space, best to have your gps seperated from your radar/fishfinder. If 1 of the 2 fail you will still be able to navigate back should you be in some weather etc.....But like Gooddog said, you could always carry a portable gps as backup.


sf

 

[Megabyte]

If I were buying a package and especially if space for separates was limited, the Garmin 5212 touch screen would be at the top of my list. The screen is awesome, and the integration with the radar, sounder, and satellite weather is the best you will find. For radar, you have your choice of two size domes or an open array.

If I were just looking just to add radar to my boat, I'd look no further than the Furuno 1932MK2 with the 3.5' open array.

BTW - I'm accepting donations for this radar if anyone wants to contribute to the cause.

 

[Bay Bob]

As an ex-Avionics Tech, I vote for stand alone systems. The problem with integrated systems is that if you have a problem with the display you are blind.

If you have stand alone systems the odds of both systems going out is pretty slim.

I run a JRC 1000 which takes up nearly no space on the dash, and has a very small radome. It does everything I need and at reasonable cost and size.

I don't need 30 mile range, I am more interested in what is happening at 300 yards.

Spend what you can afford, the extra features don't hurt !

BB

 

[TUNALUNATIC]

DBM-

Not much has been mentioned regarding KW here....what are you going to be primarily using your radar for? If you are going to use it out in the bluewater to scout for birds I would go with a 6KW + unit open array. You can spot birds with a 4KW but the 6kw make a big diference. If you are not concerned about birds and rather getting home safely and using it in the bay then stick with a 2 or 4KW unit- does not have to be an open array- can be a dome. The 2KW will pick up an boats, bouys, docks within a mile range that will give you plenty of time to get out of the way.
As far as manufacuters go- your gonna get the same chevy, ford, dodge BS.
The raymarines are very user friendly
The Furuno make the best radar for 6KW and up

Find out your primary use and go from there.

Jason

 

[CONTENDER21]

I agree with bay bob. If you are strictly in the bay and using for navigation than furuno 1623 or 1715 are fine. For me a 4kw open array in the bay for finding birds is a waste. A good set of binoculars will do just fine. If you are ocean fishing than yes 4kw or 6kw open array is the way to go.

 

[DBM]

Thanks for all of the opinions, i'm going to have to make a decision over the next 60 days. I better start talking to folks.

BTW I got dibs on donations for a top notch radar, it's my post:clap::clap::clap:

Thanks,

DBM

 

[Megabyte]

The idea that more xmit power and the better signal of an open array is only "for distance and for finding birds" is only partially true.
Radar distance is limited not only by power, but by height off the water. A 6kw unit that sits 10' off the water isn't going to give you 30 mile range. You will probably be lucky to get 1/3 of that distance.

What it will give you is target discrimination and clarity - sort of like the difference between 8x and 25x on a rifle scope. If you want to see detail, move up in power.
If all you need to look for is an approaching container ship in the shipping channel, the lowest power/smallest dome will work just fine.

However, if you want to be able to pick up ATON's in a fogged in creek, find a channel marker, or if you want to pick up that 16' Jon boat among the pilings in your creek on a moon-less night, you need two things... power and target discrimination.

Power and antenna type/size isn't just about distance, it's about the quality of the image.
If that isn't something that you care about, stick with the lower power units and learn the capabilities (and limitations) of the unit you select. You will still be ahead of the game.

Radar is all about safety, so you are ahead of the game already. ;-)

 

[Baldzilla 2.0]

The new Lowrance HDS units are sweet! I am getting that when I get my new boat. You can integrate a radar into that. It has the built in HD so you dont need the sounder box anymore! Check 'em out,!

 

[Lone Ranger]

The new Lowrance HDS units are sweet! I am getting that when I get my new boat. You can integrate a radar into that. It has the built in HD so you dont need the sounder box anymore! Check 'em out,!

When???What????

 

[iFishMD]

You arent going to touch this deal anywhere!

Marine Closeout - Overstock items for boaters!

Price is for display and radar

 

[salty sam]

I'm not old but I'm old school....that is I prefer separate units. Multifunction units are great but if one part goes then you've lost the whole thing while being fixed. That said, I prefer Furuno for radar.....have used them for years.

I have a B/W 1700 series (forget which model) but it's in the 2Kw size with a dome. It's plenty for the Chesapeake since I'm more concerned with seeing boats, bouys, etc than finding birds. Not that expensive either.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Megabyte]

You arent going to touch this deal anywhere!

Marine Closeout - Overstock items for boaters!

Price is for display and radar

That is an amazingly low price!

 

[Baldzilla 2.0]

You arent going to touch this deal anywhere!

Marine Closeout - Overstock items for boaters!

Price is for display and radar

That is a helluva deal, the unit alone for a great price is just over $1000, wish I needed one now!