Radar

[nzfisher]

Thinking of upgrading radar to HD. With the new digital DSP functions filtering down from the military I was wondering how much better is it than the standard 5 year old Garmin system I have now? I am hoping some tugNutters with newer boats have some opinions. I do a fair amount of offshore fishing so better resolution and target acquisition are big factors in foggy conditions which seem to occur despite best intentions. Any feedback?

 

[Levitation]

Depending on your MFD being able to handle the increased data flow the xHD radars are visibly better in both speed and discrimination of targets. We recently had a tech demonstration by Garmin at our Rendezvous where actual screen shots showed that clearly.

Check with Garmin on your MFD and xHD combination.

 

[knotflying]

To add to Denny's comments, keep in mind that the bigger the dome the better you will see separation of targets. For example, when entering a harbor entrance our standard size domes may pick up the two bouys as one target where as a bigger dome will define both. The larger the dome the narrower the beam, hence more defined targets. So, if it were me and I was upgrading I might consider the wider diameter dome.

 

[dialtone]

Do you think a bigger dome would work with the trailerable setup of the folding mass?

 

[RSC]

I put the small Garmin HD combo package on my 21 a few months ago. I live on a canal, travel into a creek and then into a barge canal before I can hit the inland waterway here in Florida. It takes an hour to get out through some twisty channels to the waterway. I turn it on every time I go out to understand its quirks, capabilities and images. With a bit of practice and changing the scan distance it is fairly easy to discriminate and understand targets at the tug speed.

 

[knotflying]

Do you think a bigger dome would work with the trailerable setup of the folding mass?

The radius is 7.5 inches larger. The 18 measures 18" diameter, 9.3" high ,the 24 measures 25.4" diameter, 9.8" high
. The degree width is 1.3 degrees less on the 24, which makes a difference. If you are concerned about flipping the mast down and trailering. Why not make a mockup and (a) see how it will look and (b) see if there are any mast storage issues.

 

[rt11002003]

I definitely prefer the broad band radar. My Lowrance unit displays marker buoys at my marina as close as approximately one boat length, 21 ft? Target separation is distinct. The disadvantage, compared to the usual radar, is target pickup at distance. Broadband doesn't have the range, yet.

 

[rt11002003]

Sorry, I think I misread the topic. I'm not sure what advantage HD is, or really what it is.