Radar/Plotter

[pdc]

I am about to fit a Radar to my 32' Cruising Fulmar. I would appreciate advice on 3 key questions:

1. Is it worth buying a combined Radar / Plotter if one only buys the mono version? (The mono devices typically on allow split screen simultaneous display of Radar and Chart)

2. Do readers find the significant extra cost of colour (i.e. double the total fit) worthwhile?

3. Installing the display below decks above the nav table is the obvious location, but some advocate the cockpit (for maximum hands on deck in fog). With a tiller steered boat the only option is to mount the display against the cabin bulkhead. What is recommended?

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[Talbot]

I dont have a radar yet, but I do have a plotter (Navman 5500). I funded the colour version, and would not have bought B/W. I dont like the split screen plotter/radar. I would much prefer a screen for each - then you can have a b/w for the radar cause that does not really justify colour, but the plotter does. The split screen displays are not really large enough IMHO, and thus 2 x 7" displays are better. Siting these down below is a mistake, even if you always sail with a full crew. I frequently sail short handed and the added security of knowing where I am and where the boat is going is a superb morale booster. It also means that you dont have to fund the two at the same time!

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[pvb]

Go for colour...

As far as plotters are concerned, you need colour. It transforms the clarity of the display - an important point if you're viewing it across the cockpit - and makes interpretation much easier.

You're right that the extra cost of colour on a combined radar/plotter is huge, but as Talbot says, you can have a colour plotter and a mono radar for a lot less. I have a Navman 5600 colour plotter and it's an excellent unit for less than £800.

You mention that mono radar/plotters only allow split-screen simultaneous display (rather than superimposed), but bear in mind that to get a superimposed display to work properly you need a very accurate heading sensor, which could typically add another £600 or so to the bill.

Also remember that many of the less expensive colour units only have a screen resolution of 240x320 pixels, so if you use a split screen your plotter image will only be 160x240 pixels, really too small to be effective. The Raymarine units have 640x480 resolution however (you get what you pay for!).

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[vyv_cox]

Keep them separate. The split radar/plotter screens are too small, even on the 10 inch versions. Using both radar and plotter with the same orientation, e.g. north up or course up, is just as good.

Colour is excellent, both in the plotter and radar. If you can afford them you will appreciate the difference.

Crewed by two people, having the radar monitor at the chart table is acceptable. It avoids many problems, like potential theft, accidental damage and cutting holes in bulkheads. In fog it is much more useful having a crew member manning the radar than trying to peer through the gloom.

All IMHO, of course, based on one season's use of radar. A fine bit of kit.

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[Talbot]

"In fog it is much more useful having a crew member manning the radar than trying to peer through the gloom" useful it may be- an alternative it isnt - see rule 5 of IRPCS. Thus from my experiance of using radar (20+ years), having the beast available to you at the helm is a great advantage (as is the chart plotter) . I remove them when in harbour anyway and stow them out of sight (two connections and knurled knob - not too difficult)

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[vyv_cox]

Depends somewhat on the boat, other than the steering method. Siting a radar monitor conveniently in the cockpit of many monohull yachts is virtually impossible. I tried every possible option but none would work, with the exception of cutting the bulkhead, which I would not do. Same applies to the plotter but with preplanning and a cockpit repeater I retain virtually all the advantages and few of the disadvantages, granted that one of us is always available to go below for a check.

I sail two up always. While one is using eyes the other is using electronics.

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[Budgie]

I have a set at the chart table and a repeater forward in the cockpit where both I and crew (wife) can see it. I find that the chart table display is rarely used. The cockpit display is readily removable and lives down below when not in use. Raymarine sets (and others I presume) come with a suitable bracket that permits mounting almost anywhere.

Colour adds a whole new dimension, and if the budget will stretch go for it.

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[petery]

I have a 27' Vancouver and fitted Raymarine colour radar plotter.

The ability to superimpose the chart in colour over the radar image (which shows up in purple) IMHO transforms the use of radar. Radar echoes from marks coincide with the chart mark image; Racons clearly show with the ID superimposed on the chart. The sailing direction of radar targets is indicated on the chart.

...but I sail single handed and even though I fitted a 10.4 inch screen at the navigation station, I had to leave the helm to scrutinise it. In the end, I fitted a 7 inch repeater in the cockpit bulkhead.

... but its b****y expensive. However, I now buy all my marine electronics (except radios) new or s/h from the US via E-bay. Most is even CE marked!




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