Advise on buying a radar

J

jdpromo33

New Member
Feb 1, 2010
103
New Jersey
Boat Info
300 Sundancer
Engines
5.7 Mercruisers
Please excuse my ignorance but I dont have a radar yet and not sure what I need exactly.

Also with a GPS system, do I even need a radar?

If so then I assume I need a dome/light/electrics and screen

Is there any particular make I should go for? Is this something I can install myself?

Thanks guys in advance

JD
 
GPS tells you where YOU are and RADAR tells you where everybody else is when you can't see them. Some GPS systems just need a dome that will connect and show you the image on the GPS unit. Others are stand alone and you'd need a separate screen. HD RADAR is now available and worth considering. I have no practical experience, but I've been looking at upgrading my Garmin 2006 to a 3206 (which includes connectivity for RADAR). Then I just need the dome and less dash clutter too.
 
Sundancer said:
GPS tells you where YOU are and RADAR tells you where everybody else is when you can't see them. Some GPS systems just need a dome that will connect and show you the image on the GPS unit. Others are stand alone and you'd need a separate screen. HD RADAR is now available and worth considering. I have no practical experience, but I've been looking at upgrading my Garmin 2006 to a 3206 (which includes connectivity for RADAR). Then I just need the dome and less dash clutter too.
Click to expand...

Ok thanks. I have a garmin GP540S and it doesn't say anything about radar connectivity.

Whats a little confusing is so many variations of screens, domes, bars and some have lights on them.

I guess I need to do some homework here
 
Right now you have to look at cruising you do mostly. If you are mostly cursing the ICW, then you don't need a oversized unit. If you often find yourself cruising the ocean, or heading up and down the coast, you are going to want one with better range.

Most all are going to have the same features right now, so it's going to boil down into two things.

1. Screen size, Get the largest screen that can possibly fit on the dash. If you are going with a multifunction screen, then you can do away with your old GPS, or move it as a spare.

2. Other items on the boat, and possible upgrades. One thing that I reccomend for anyone who travels the coast or in the ocean is the abillity to add AIS into it. Not all units support this, and it's a huge advantage. If you have things like a Raymarine auto pilot, or the ST60 gauges, then you might want to lean towards Raymarine. If all you have is the Garmin GPS, then a Garmin radar gps / radar would be a easy switch.


The install of the units are fairly straight forward. They do require tuning, and if you have never done this before, it's best left to a pro. If you have a pro install the system, make sure you get a sea trial. This way they can tune the radar, make all the adjustments, and show you how to operate the system. Ask about this in advance before you put any money out. If the company tries to charge you for a sea trial, or says "We only do them per request", find another company.

So if you start telling us where you mostly cruise, and some of the other questions up above, I'm sure the guys on this site can help out some more.
 
Just give me a call, I can educate you on this in just a few minutes, 866-735-5926 x104
 
To respond to your question- "Do I even need a radar?"

The short answer is: If you don't boat at night, or in heavy fog, then "no". Save your money. If you do, then absolutely.
 
In order for you to receive the most accurate answer, you need to give us an idea of what type of boating you do and what your intended use of your electronics is. Night, fog, fishing, ocean passages, inland lake, weather in your area?
 
Aficionado said:
In order for you to receive the most accurate answer, you need to give us an idea of what type of boating you do and what your intended use of your electronics is. Night, fog, fishing, ocean passages, inland lake, weather in your area?
Click to expand...

Thanks but spoke to Jim already and have a good idea of what I need
Thanks

JD
 
Sounds like I may need to call Jim before long. I don't have radar (yet) but need to update the POS stock Raymarine GPS as well and want to integrate them...

More $ in the hole in the water! (but if anyone has seen how fast the delta fog can come in, well worth it!)
 
2K WINGIN' IT said:
Sounds like I may need to call Jim before long. I don't have radar (yet) but need to update the POS stock Raymarine GPS as well and want to integrate them...

More $ in the hole in the water! (but if anyone has seen how fast the delta fog can come in, well worth it!)
Click to expand...

I checked on EBay and CL and found some great deals for less than $1200 used
Should not burn too big a hole in your pocket

JD
 
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