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Random Quote: The fastest way to make something obsolete is to buy it
I just bought a 28' Carolina Cat, it has a hard top and I guess it would be considered a pilothouse type boat but the back of the pilot house is open. Anyway, it currently has a Furuno 1650 on it which I'm going to keep to use just for the bottom machine and as a backup GPS. I want to add a radar/gps combo unit with the overlay feature. I really only need the radar for avoidance while running at night (visiblilty is definately an issue with the pilothouse) The GPS needs to be accurate for navigating inside the intercoastal at night and in the fog. The 1650 that is on the boat right now seems to be too slow (if you relied on it you would run over the channel markers) I would like a screen in the 10" range and want to stay with the dome style array. I will regularly run between 40 and 65 miles offshore so weather will also be an issue for the radar, but I'm not looking to be able to spot birds at 5 miles. Which combo would you guys reccommend without spending a ton of money?
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
I'm assuming you live perhaps on the east coast of Florida as do I. I have worked with both Garmin and Raymarine extensively. It sounds like you might be a good candidate for a Garmin 3210C Network Bundle and either the GMR-404 or 406 open array radar. That will certainly give you a very good system to work with and I doubt you'll run into markers at night with it. I suggested the network bundle because it also comes with the XM Weather receiver that I have found to be invaluable even with radar. You go as far offshore as I do and the best radar still won't see a storm coming across the state if you are that far out. With the weather overlay, you'll be able to watch storms much like you do on your computer and determine if you need to take avoidance action or not well before you'll see it with our radar.
Team Ruby
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
Brian? is that you?
__________________ I am a Marine Electronics rigger. My opinons do not reflect those of my boss or anyone but me, and I am not a shill. My answers are based on 20 years of doing it for a living, and 40 years of doing it for love. your mileage may vary.
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
I've contemplated doing the install myself, any suggestions? By the way I'm actually on the East Coast of FL. The boat stays on a lift in Clearwater. Generally, if I have the install done how much can I expect to pay?
Thanks
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
I think you'll find the Garmin very easy to install. It's all plug and play into the network bus. The one thing that I think may be a challenge without knowing the boat is running the radar cable. The Ethernet cable is really large in diameter, if memory serves, it requires a hole of about an inch and a half. If that does present a problem the connector can be cut off and a new one installed when you reach the location of the network bus. Other than that the rest is easy and there are a number of people on THT to help you over any hurdles you may encounter.
Team Ruby
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
Team Ruby, is the open array a necessity for the type performance I'm looking for. I'd really like to keep the cost around 3,500-4,000 total. However I don't want to install something and it not do the job. Thanks
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
I installed a 6100 northstar with 4k radar 24" dome, little more money but I love it. Installed myself and northstar support has been awesome. I would send pictures but have not figured that out yet. Also added navman fuel meters.
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
No, you don't need open array, I misread your first post and thought that was what you were looking for. A radome will serve your needs just fine.
Team Ruby
Re: which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat?
Before you lock yourself into a specific manufacturer, you may want to give Raymarine a look. BOE (a board sponsor) has some pretty good specials on Raymarine systems. If cost is a factor, the C-series is very good. If you can afford the extra expense, go with an E-series display. You will not be dissapointed.
which radar/gps chartplotter combo for my boat? 
