Radar suggestions

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

I'm looking at adding a radar unit to my 210cc. would like to hear from those (Tums) who already have one and/or get your opinions as to the best model for our size boats. my primary use will be to monitor direction summer t-storms are heading when we night fish for bull red drum and to navigate in fog. i cant afford the high end color, bird finding what want units , but the b/w 4kw < $1000. unit.
robert

[calicokid]

IL-LOGIC-AL
I have the Furuno 1623 its my first radar and I’m still figuring out the finer points, but so far I’m very happy. I’ve run it in clear conditions lots and it all seems to make sense. While running in the fog last year I was able to identify boats and rigs easily it gave me a real sense of security. The whole set up cost just over $1000 well worth it IMO.

[retiredalaskan]

I have a 02 210 with t/top i mounted a jrc 1000 radar on top works great had an opportunity to use it in the fog a few weeks ago and was very glad i had it. the markers and boats showed up quite well.between gps and radar you can get just about anywhere.

[mgrant]

I started out with a JRC 1500 and did not like the functionalities. I know have a Furuno 1715 on my 210's T-top and I really like the preformance. Been caught coming back under the Golden Gate when the fog had rolled in, boy was it nice to know where the freighters were.

[CHESBAYVA]

I also have the Furuno 1715 (24 n.m.) great unit.I got mine fron BW part #316343078 $1,449.99 .

[Tums]

You can get the JRC 1500 for less than $1000 dollars. West Marine will match prices so all you have to do is print off a internet price with the shipping and handling and they will match that price and charge you price plus what ever the local tax rate is. I found a deal for like $875 when I bought mine and got it from West Marine for around $950 tax, tag and title. This will allow you to have some one local to take it back to if you have any problems.

As far as the performance I have used it under many conditions and it has performed very well for me. Once when night running in flat conditions I picked up objects smaller than a 5 gallon bucket on the water. It was plastic buoy markers that had been put out in the bay. The JRC takes a little time to get use to how to use it. Once you do you will find it is a very good unit. A few weeks after Ivan last year I found out in fog just how good the unit was. I was running in very dense fog with the range set to .5 miles. Some little blip appeared on the screen as I was running in the channel (had set unit extremely sensitive due to thick fog) so I motored down to figure out what it was. As I got closer the unit started picking up more little dots. Turned out it was post sticking just above the surface from a dock that had blown away. The channel marker that was on the dock side of the channel was gone so there was nothing there to let you know that you would have been out of the channel in danger either. I have also used it successfully to dodge rain and storms. I do think the extra 8nm of the 24 nm radars would be helpful in that area to give you more time to react. All in all I am very happy for the price I paid of what I have recieved out of the JRC1500. If you have any particular questions about the unit feel free to ask.

BTW JRC makes a color 24 nm Radar / GPS unit that you can pick up for between $1500 to $1600..
http://www.marinelectronics.com/JRC/jrc1800.htm

[mainerocklobster]

Hi all, I've been watching this site for quite a while as well as the old site, but never posted. I was curious how those of you who have a radars have mounted them. I should say that I have an 03 210 with the factory T Top. It looks like calicokid mounted his directly to the T Top, which is what I would like to do in order to keep the clearance down. Would appreciate any suggestions.

[NCangler]

Welcome to the discussion Maine! Great question. I'd like to add a Radar system to my new 215 after I get it. I have a Furuno color fish finder FCV600L. Does anyone recommend another unit over the Furuno? Any pictures of Radar installations you guys would like to share? I know OspreyVic has some good input on his Radar system in his article on his boat setup.

[Tums]

Go to a local fabrication shop and have them weld in a Plate from the front to back support in the middle of the TTOP to mount radar dome on. Run the wiring up the TTop support leg and out the top to the radar dome. Here is some pictures that show the plate that I am talking about in the back ground.



NC as far as fish finders the Raymarine Digitals are the best I have used to date.

[mainerocklobster]

Tums, Did you mount the dome directly to the plate in the pic or use an elevated radar mount like most boats have? and how is it working for you? I just purchased a JRC 1500 for about $900 including shipping. A dealer up here told me that JRC is going out of the light marine business and only going to produce comercial radar equipment. I don't know if this is true or rumor. All I know is the price was right. btw thanks for your response.