Adding Radar / Chartplotter

firecadet613

Well-Known Member
May 10, 2007
5,253
Indiana
Boat Info
SOLD - 2007 Four Winns V358
Engines
Twin VP 5.7GXi V-Drive / ZF63s
Think I know the answer to this....but how hard is it to add radar/chartplotter/gps to a cruiser that does not have it? Just as simple/hard as installing the electronics and wiring it up? Figure it may be a good winter project and just run the boat I'm buying the rest of the year without it...
 
Awesome. I've seen some of the lower end packages for $3,000 or so? Sound about right? I'll research in depth later, just need a good cost estimate before I make an offer to buy...
 
Probably not hard, but how handy are you. And what kind of access will you have. Will you be making a cut out or just using a mounting bracket. How are you going to run the wires. Etc.
 
Simple enough, as I had hoped for. But, a much better project for the off season when I can leave it at any time as is and head home vs when the boat is in use and in the slip!
 
My one piece of advice on this and I think 100% of folks who have done will agree.

Buy as large of a screen as you can fit. 8” may seem large in the store but it’s almost impossible to use in real life situations.

Josh
 
My one piece of advice on this and I think 100% of folks who have done will agree.

Buy as large of a screen as you can fit. 8” may seem large in the store but it’s almost impossible to use in real life situations.

Josh

8” can be fine for routine navigation. When you start using it for radar, or splitting the screen, it can get small in a hurry.

It depends what will fit on the dash. Some layouts are terrible for screens. My layout is probably above average for size and being on center for easy viewing. At the time I got mine unit 8” was the biggest that would fit in the dash. It works just fine for navigation, and is OK for splitting to run sonar and nav. I can do a 3 way split to run sonar, topo map, and fish eye view but only do that when going slow. It would not be the best with radar.


This is a split view of sonar and chart.
1F9ACAFD-CADB-4E5A-BC29-381BC3285731.jpeg
 
8” can be fine for routine navigation. When you start using it for radar, or splitting the screen, it can get small in a hurry.

It depends what will fit on the dash. Some layouts are terrible for screens. My layout is probably above average for size and being on center for easy viewing. At the time I got mine unit 8” was the biggest that would fit in the dash. It works just fine for navigation, and is OK for splitting to run sonar and nav. I can do a 3 way split to run sonar, topo map, and fish eye view but only do that when going slow. It would not be the best with radar.


This is a split view of sonar and chart.
View attachment 71422

I went with a dual Axiom setup since the 9 inch displays were pretty much the max without over sizing. The new Raymarine Quantum Radar are a simple install too. A power cable and a network cable (Raymarine proprietary CAT6 marinized) or just a power if you choose wireless.

340SDA - Helm with Axioms (After).jpg

With this setup I can have two chart views, the isolated radar, a zoomed in chart view (with radar overlay) and the sounder. I can overlay data as needed and build other combos to quickly change views.

-Kevin
 
Kevin

Just a note so you know you can get the matching factory panels custom cut to fit your new electronics from tecnographics. They are a sponsor here and Sam is amazing.
 
Kevin

Just a note so you know you can get the matching factory panels custom cut to fit your new electronics from tecnographics. They are a sponsor here and Sam is amazing.
 
Awesome. I've seen some of the lower end packages for $3,000 or so? Sound about right? I'll research in depth later, just need a good cost estimate before I make an offer to buy...
Yes, it's possible, depending on what you want. I just saw a Garmin GPSMAP 942xs Touch + GMR 18HD+ bundle for $2200.
 
Kevin

Just a note so you know you can get the matching factory panels custom cut to fit your new electronics from tecnographics. They are a sponsor here and Sam is amazing.

Yes, I have dealt with tecnographics and they are great - I actually wanted to get away from the wood burl look for something different. I am still on the hunt for a port side keypad cover to complete my color change out (my current one is cracked) and I have been debating adding a third display above for just engine data and removing the 2 tachs and speedos.

On a side note we digitized these panels to match outside dimensions and made sure the mount holes aligned, we also custom cut them on a CNC and they are available for installers.

-Kevin
 
The new Raymarine Quantum Radar are a simple install too. A power cable and a network cable (Raymarine proprietary CAT6 marinized) or just a power if you choose wireless.

I have the RM wireless Quantum radar and I have not been happy with it at all... Do Not Recommend it !!!
 
Yes, I have dealt with tecnographics and they are great - I actually wanted to get away from the wood burl look for something different. I am still on the hunt for a port side keypad cover to complete my color change out (my current one is cracked) and I have been debating adding a third display above for just engine data and removing the 2 tachs and speedos.

On a side note we digitized these panels to match outside dimensions and made sure the mount holes aligned, we also custom cut them on a CNC and they are available for installers.

-Kevin
I know TechnoGrafic does custom colors so you can create your own look. Also, I think Sam mentioned they can recover a switch panel with new graphics, not sure they can solve your cracked panel, but maybe?
 
I know TechnoGrafic does custom colors so you can create your own look. Also, I think Sam mentioned they can recover a switch panel with new graphics, not sure they can solve your cracked panel, but maybe?

Nope, unfortunately not - I spoke with them a while ago about it.
It's the "loop" on the pad broke off :(
Once I have both new covers I will plan what I want to do overall.

-Kevin
 
I have the RM wireless Quantum radar and I have not been happy with it at all... Do Not Recommend it !!!

Is it a wireless issue or some other problem because I have not had a problem with mine but I did hardware it using the ethernet cable.

-Kevin
 
Is it a wireless issue or some other problem because I have not had a problem with mine but I did hardware it using the ethernet cable.

-Kevin
The wi-fi connection between the two is totally unstable and I am constantly trying to re-connect them.
 
The wi-fi connection between the two is totally unstable and I am constantly trying to re-connect them.

That sucks, I would just run the Ethernet cable and be done with it. Mine never has had a problem or disconnects. I just can't understand the $$$ cost of the ethernet cables and switches from Raymarine.

-Kevin
 
That sucks, I would just run the Ethernet cable and be done with it. Mine never has had a problem or disconnects. I just can't understand the $$$ cost of the ethernet cables and switches from Raymarine.

-Kevin
I’ll reach out to Ray Marine and see if that’s an option for me... thank you
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,946
Messages
1,422,764
Members
60,929
Latest member
Henchman
Back
Top