R-21EC Radar Dome Choices??

[TugScout]

Hi Gang,

My 2016 21EC came with the Garmin 741xs and VHF200 radio. I'm looking to add radar over the winter and wanted suggestions on which radar dome to choose.

From my research I've kind of narrowed it down to the Garmin GMR xHD units but I'm not sure if I should go with the 18 or the 24" version. Any thoughts?

Will both units mount of the 21EC mast without adapter plates? Is the additional resolution of the 24" really worth an additional $800?

I'm pretty much a fair weather pilot and don't plan to be out at night or in terrible weather, but if I am, I want to be prepared.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[bob daily]

Mark I installed the German 18HD on my R21 and yes I used the adapter plate but also made a bracket to instal the plate to the mast I ran the wires through the side of the smoke stack using clam shell brackets. The power cord was run down the stripper pole then under the deck to the power panel
The wires to the plotter were run in the overhead then attached around the trim of the window on starboard side. Just a note they come with about 30 ft of wire, but there's plenty of room in the overhead to hide. I went with the 18 due to size and works great in the fog. Bob

 

[Catch22]

I am running an18 XHD Garmin with a 740s and Garmin 200VHF. I pick up jet skis and buoys just fine. The chart overlays really help with reading results and differentiating targets. A 24 may have given better resolution but did not want the extra weight and bulk on the stowable mast. Another advantage of the 24 would also be extended range over the 18, however, I am not sure if that is a real factor here, given the relatively low POV on the mast of a smaller boat like the 21.

 

[TugScout]

Thanks Bob and Catch,

You both gave me things to consider. I han't thought about bringing the power cable through the stripper pole which is a great suggestion and I also didn't consider the greater weight of the 24" on the collapsible mast. Since my boat is in the water, I never have folded down the mast, but can certainly see a time in the future when we would put it on a trailer so that's a great thing to think about.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Cutwater28GG]

is the GMR fantom 18 compatible? could be good to get into the latest tech?