Radar/Electronics Questions

[Wanderer]

Trying to decide on which radar. Due to lack of room on the overhead mounting box 7 x 26inch, I have decided (sort-of) to go with Furuno's NavNet system. I have picked the 1732 radar/chartplotter (fits at helm) with a 4 kw 24in. radome. I am going to input gps with a GP36, and fishfinder with the network sounder BBFF1 color. My main qustion is the radar. I can save over $700 by going with the 1722 which has the 2.2kw 18in radome. Is it worth the extra money to go with 4kw. I do most of my boating and fishing withing 50 miles of the coast and want the radar primarily for night-time use. I won't really be using to see birds on surface.

Any other suggestions on a system taking size restraints into consideration. I have thought about using pods to mount above head, but it would cause me to be looking almost sraight up. I need to flush mount electronics.

The boat is a Aquasport 275 Explorer with a hardtop.

Thanx for any help.

[Montauk Joe]

Do some homework on radars before you buy and learn how they work and what factors make them better or worse. BoatUS has some info. on their web page. Two main points to consider, horizontal beam width and signal quenching. An 18 inch antenna gives you 5.2 degrees of horizontal beam width the 24 inch antenna gives 4 degrees while a 30 inch open array will be 2.5. The smaller the beam width the better the unit can separtate targets (tug and tow) and find inlets. If a beam completely covers a passage then you won't see the opening. Second point is the more power you send out the more you'll receive. Surprisingly very little of your signal ever returns and rain and fog can scatter even more. So, get more kw's not for the range (which you won't get) but for the aditional signal.

Spend the extra $700.

[RMP]

Wanderer,
I recently took delivery of a Wellcraft 270 Coastal, which is the same boat (generally speaking) as the 275 Explorer. I'm struggling with the same issue regarding the lack of space for flush mounted electronics. I assume that you are considering the Navnet system so that you can display all information in one unit. I thought about doing the same thing, but after reading several posts about the Raymarine RL70CRC's display being superior to the 1732, now I'm not sure. On the other hand, the hardtop is huge and I've noticed that the helm stays shaded most of the day, so maybe it wouldn't be that big of a problem. One thing that I am sure of is that I want the Furuno Fishfinder, either as a blackbox with the 1733 or the Furuno 582 with the RL70CRC. Therefor another option is to mount the RL70CRC at the helm and mount the Furuno 582 fishfinder in the overhead mounting box. My thought there would be to build down the bottom of the mounting box by laminating and thru bolting some starboard to acheive the height required. Doing this certainly would not effect your line of sight since the hardtop is so tall anyway. Another idea would be to fasten a piece of starboard across the vertical face of the mounting box, angled downward. This would increase the vertical distance to help in mounting the 582 although a piece of starboard might still be needed at the bottom. This would also allow you to see the fishfinder while standing in the cockpit. I mention starboard (and aluminum as backing) only because it is a material that I can work with, unlike fiberglass which I have no experience with. In regards to the radar antenna, I'm going with the 4kw because of target seperation... another 700 bucks... at this point, what the hell. Another thing to check is the depth that you will have for flush mounting at the helm. On the Wellcraft the liner of the head compartment creates a limited depth. On the Aquasport it might be the sliding cabin door if I remember correctly. You posted previously that you were awaiting delivery. I know you chomping at the bit to make these decisions, but unless you have access to another boat, you will have to wait to make your final decisions. I know, I've had mine for three weeks and am no closer to making a decision now than I was two months ago (playing on my new boat to much!)
These are just some ideas that I have. If someone thinks I'm offbase here, please let me know for my sake and Wanderer's.
Good luck

[Wanderer]

Thanx MJ and RMP for the input. I have changed my mind 50 times so far, but I NEED more input. This is as close to working or being on a boat I have been in a month and I am JONESING. If anyone has any info or input please post. I have to have something to get me by until boat arrives. Thanx again.

[GetJiggy]

Wanderer,

If price is not an issue, go with the Furuno Navnet system. Furuno makes arguably the best radars and fishfinders. They are a little harder to use, but very powerful. the one problem with combos is that if you lose one,you lose everything else, unless you build in redundency.

[grouperguy1]

I have a 270 coastal. I originally mounted my
furuno fcv600l fish finder hanging down from
the electronics box. Talk about NECK PAIN.
I moved the unit to the space to the right of
the meter panel in front of the binnacles.
Its much better on the neck but harder for others to see what I'm looking at when I say
"DROP DOWWWWWWN"

Radar ? I have not really felt like I wanted
it when I'm out on the boat.

[Stockbroker]

Thats a VERY small electronics box. You sure you have the height dimesions correct?

I looked at Navnet closely--but did not like the GPS of Furuno. I still went with their radar (a 4KW). To be truthful, I haven't used it yet. The display that comes with the 2kw on Furuno leaves a bit to be desired if you look beyond Navnet.

I think you have to be willing to make a few sacrifices if you go with HSB or Navnet. I had the room so I went with what I thought was best in each category, without spending an arm and a leg.

If you go with Navnet--spend the bucks on the largest display. You won't regret it.

Hope this helps,

SB

[All Relative]

check this site out for reviews

http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/S...cs/pwrboat.pdf

[RMP]

Wanderer,
I just pulled the trigger on my electronics purchase this morning. I got the Raymarine RL70CRC Plus with the 4kw Radome and the WAAS receiver. I'm going to mount it at the helm. The space is tight, I might have to do some modifications or move the throttles, since they might cause interference, but I am determined and will prevail. I went with the Furuno 582. I might mount it in the overhead box, but Grouperguy just reinforced my concern about having to look up to see it and the problems associated with that. When I get it, I'm going to set it up on the helm, just to the starboard side and see if effects my visablility. I stand most of the time while underway, the flip up seat works great, so maybe the fishfinder will work there. I will try to install as much as I can during the Memorial Day weekend. I'll let you know how things are going.

By the way, I almost purchased the Furuno 1732 and was on my boat this weekend taking measurements (build a mock up out of cardboard) to see how everthing would fit and low and behold the sun was shining right down on the helm where the Radar/Chartplotter will be installed. As much as I wanted to get the Navnet (and save money) with the blackbox sounder, I just couldn't do it with the sunlight washout concern that I have with the screen.

Also got the Icom 402 with the Shakespeare 5225XT antenea. It's smaller than the 502 and with limited space, I think this one will do just fine.

Wish me luck.

Randal

[Wanderer]

Thank for all replies. I have finally bought system. Got the Navnet 1732c
(4kw, 24 inch dome). With a new waasgps antenna just coming out by furuno. I am putting the bbff1 network fishfinder as the fish finder. I got an Icom 402 for a vhf.

I am also going to put a loran. Either my old Apelco 6300 or a Furuno LC90 mark II.

I am also considering adding the furuno GP36, which has dgps, as a back up, and
incase wass goes down at all.

Well there you have it. The boat is ready other then electronics, which I hope will be done within a week or two. (waiting on parts).