Recommend a radar/plotter for small boat in San juans

[zakthor]

Currently using an old furuno gps/depth finder. Looking to update the plotter and add a radar. The new low power (solid state) units look neat. Just want to be able to see in the fog.

I played with demos at west Marine and some displays were really nice and consume noaa maps. The displays were as nice as an ipad. Not a fisherman but son is.

I can’t tell good from bad though, the furuno was primitive and sort of sucked for 20 years, but it always worked.

I don’t want to upgrade anything in the future, just need something reliable.

So... what is a reasonable unit?

[dar636]

I use two on our boat, a Simrad NSS9 on the upper helm and a NSS12 on the lower. Both are multi-function and networked so you can add components to your budget.
Radar, cameras, depth sounders, engine instruments, autopilots, etc., basically anything that can be added to a NMEA 2000 data bus can be managed with these types of displays.

I prefer these to Garmin units having used both on charters. I think the Simrads are simpler and more intuitive. Not sure on pricing or anything like that, and I do know I am a full generation behind the latest versions.

These units have internal databases and updates are available from the Simrad website at no charge, but the databases are not completely updated with full NOAA charts. I have a separate program running on a windows PC, Coastal Explorer. Coastal Explorer is a subscription and is updated constantly via the internet each time it boots up and is a legal chart system. It is not free...

So I use the Simrad units to interface with the boats various components while underway - foremost the autopilot, but use the PC and coastal explorer for trip planning, legal charts as well as the other functionality that CE built into their program. Also while underway.

The combination of functionality in these two units far surpasses anything available in aviation, at any level.

Try Fisheries Supply in Seattle for better prices than West Marine, otherwise hit the internet. Matt in Tacoma.

[drcoastline]

Hands down the Garmin GPS 741XS/18HD radar bundle. I bought on sale a few months ago for $1,899.00 doen from $2,199.00. Currently on sale at West Marine for $1,699.00. The new model 742xs and 18HD $2,199.00 are coming out so last years model deeply discounted.

Full color chart potter loaded with US maps, Radar interface overlay and depth/fish finder interface. This is a touch screen all in one unit.



Also NMEA 2000 capable.

[berettafan]

no radar experience but am a HUGE fan of Simrads NSS series.

Had twin NSS7's on my last boat and it was the ****. stupid easy to utilize, adjust and read.

[gatotom]

About 5 yrs ago, I updated my whole instrument package on my previous boat with simrad. After installing, could not get the radar to work. Called tech support numerous times, had a pro installer scratch his head. Finally sent it all back and went with Furuno. Installed like a dream and it all worked as stated. The quality is superior, the wires are bullet proof, very happy with the entire system.

In 2015 sold the boat and got the Sabre and it has a 2013 Raymarine mfd but garbage instruments from Datamarine. Am happy with the Raymarine and have since bought the I-70 Raymarine instrument package. Will install sometime this yr.

I find that radar chart overlay is the most useful function over plain jane radar, hands down most useful function in any kind of fog. To me your system is only as good as it can be in the worst weather because in good weather you can use dead reckoning.

[LWJ]

Ok. I know absolutely zero about marine instruments. But my neighbor who is a professional mariner as well as a boat enthusiast has an Ipad as his backup chartplotter. He has traditional instruments on his boat. All are mounted at the helm and both could be used at the same time.

He claims the Ipad is better. I checked it out. You can buy software for about $30. The Ipad needs to be cellular enabled so that it has the GPS chipset.

Also, neighbor's boat is a 43' trawler. Big ticket item. He didn't do this to cheap out.

[zakthor]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Hands down the Garmin GPS 741XS/18HD radar bundle. I bought on sale a few months ago for $1,899.00 doen from $2,199.00. Currently on sale at West Marine for $1,699.00. The new model 742xs and 18HD $2,199.00 are coming out so last years model deeply discounted.

Full color chart potter loaded with US maps, Radar interface overlay and depth/fish finder interface. This is a touch screen all in one unit.



Also NMEA 2000 capable.

Cool, well, by small boat its 26' volvo inboard diesel and I don't want to add an alternator or anything like that. The 18HD says 4kw transmit, so that would be bit more than I would like to consume...

I was hoping someone could recommend one of the new low power "doppler" units. I'm a bit skeptical of the claims but the logic of implementation makes sense.

I hope I'm never more than 10 miles from land, mostly I want the radar to see other ships in the fog, and also to second guess my location if I'm ever caught out in the mist.

The new plotter is something I'm most excited about. The one I played with at west marine had a touch screen and was damn nice to use (unlike the current unit which feels as though it has the compute on the order of an old calculator.

[Sebscst]

Another vote for Garmin. Hands down most user friendly. I still have chart plotter combos that are over 10 years old and run great. Simrad is another good option but I’ve had lots of software problems. My furuno stuff never lasted more than a year.

[gatotom]

afterburn 549, you now only use chart, compass and dead reckoning if your mfd goes out and that's if one has learned dead reckoning, which I doubt the new generation has been brought up knowing with mfd's and radar and smart phones.

Peavine pass is a no brainer, stay in the middle, deception pass, I guess if you need to go on the east side of Whidbey but you are right, the most important aspect of boating thru these waters is tide and current.

When the soup comes in and I have seen it come in faster than you can say, holy moly, that radar overlay is awesome.

For best price, go to Defender.com will beat west marine or fisheries but now west marine is promoting will beat the lowest price campaign again.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by zakthor

Cool, well, by small boat its 26' volvo inboard diesel and I don't want to add an alternator or anything like that. The 18HD says 4kw transmit, so that would be bit more than I would like to consume...

I was hoping someone could recommend one of the new low power "doppler" units. I'm a bit skeptical of the claims but the logic of implementation makes sense.

I hope I'm never more than 10 miles from land, mostly I want the radar to see other ships in the fog, and also to second guess my location if I'm ever caught out in the mist.

The new plotter is something I'm most excited about. The one I played with at west marine had a touch screen and was damn nice to use (unlike the current unit which feels as though it has the compute on the order of an old calculator.

You mean a generator.

Hopefully you have dual batteries with a four way selector? If not add it. One battery is starting the other is electronics. When running both batteries are being charged by the alternator. When the engine is off you select only the electronics battery to run GPS, Radar, stereo, etc. You could also install a solar charger as back up.

Not only is Garmin user user friendly their warranty/service is second to none.