Marine radar shopping..suggestions needed

[Embs]

Just getting ready to buy my first radar unit I am looking at the FURUNO 1832 now. I would like to stay below 4K if possible.

I would love to have an integrated system, radar, GPS, finder. The cheapest I can find these systems is in the 7.5K range, OUCH!

The boat is a small cruiser, 25'

Any suggestions?


Thanks,

[OVRSTR]

Todd, in your price range I think you could get a much better deal if you were looking at Raytheon components in lieu of the Furuno. You can go with a combination GPS/plotter/finder and save some $ over using separate components as well as freeing up valuable helm space. As far as the radar goes, you'll save a lot of $ going with an enclosed radome instead of an open array antenna even though the open antenna looks better. Furuno components are excellent but at your size range Raytheon is an excellent quality choice and usually a better value as well as offering increased ease of operation (usually) over Furuno. I've had both for years. You can't go wrong with either set up. Let me know how you make out.

[Doug Zielke]

FWIW, Todd, my GB42 was equipped with a Furuno unit. Top quality and perfect operation all the way. You get what you pay for.