Radar

[KeithK]

Just getting started searching for a suitable radar for my Ranger 21EC 2010. Anyone familiar with a 'proper' radar? Are any of the Garmin radars suitable/compatable with the GarminGPSMAP 541s? Thanks so much.

 

[Kamalani]

We opted to omit the Garmin in favor of a Raymarine C-70 multifunction display. We operate chartplotter, radar, and depth sounder all from a single display unit that fits perfectly in the limited space fwd of the helm. (also, we shipped the magnetic compass loose and mounted it on the vessel centerline, not crowded in with the C-70) We love this system and everything works perfectly together. I am not familiar with the Garmin setup, but they may very well have a unit that will do the same for you. There just isn't much room for multiple display heads on the R-21.

 

[dloop]

I have a 546s in my 21ec. I opted to go with a separate display/unit (Furuno 1715) for the radar and glad I did. It mounts on the narrow dash by the middle window.

 

[Lobo]

My advise is to proceed with a great deal of caution. I've been wanting to get my radar to overlay my chartplotter (Lowrance) and the information I got from Lowrance reps was that this and that extra piece for around $900 will do the job. I bought one part that was supposed to do everything ($150) and I still have it as it won't do what is claimed. Then I went on a cruise with a former owner of a local company that manufactured marine electronics (he invented a lot of the stuff), and he told me why that won't work -- and if I was a good remember -- I would tell you what he told me. I think he knows much more than the local "retailer who sells sealed boxes of stuff".

If you have a chart plotter a couple of years old, you MAY be able to have radar displayed on our chartplotter, albeit it may be "instead of" or "split screen" but not "overlayed". Before you whip out the old Visa card, make sure you have real good information as to what the proposed solution will do for you. Technology changes so fast that the best solution may be to buy new with everything and sell your existing equipment.

Best of luck.

Dave

 

[rt11002003]

I've used Garmin equipment for years. If one buys a complete system and installs it correctly, it works. 😀 I don't believe the Garmin 540s, 546s and 541s will accept radar input. I've been researching the subject (on and off) since last last year. Garmin introduced a small chartplotter and radar a few weeks ago, the GPSMAP 740s. I think it is a 7" screen. Will probably fit in the R21EC.

Gene

 

[K7MXE]

I also have the Raymarine with the chart plotter, depth sounder and radar in one unit and also have a brookhouse adapter so I can run the Shine Micro class B AIS on the same screen. A total package but being fair a down side is the radar display does not track the plotter. They have adjustments to fix this and depending on how close or how far away you have it set it will change. I rarely use the radar unless I am in fog, I find the AIS a lot more useful avoiding commerical traffic. Just one view on the subject. What brand to choose? Go to the marina and count how many of each brand you see on top of boats and look into that one. Bob Heselberg in Eatonville Wa

 

[Kamalani]

BOB - I'm curious as to your statement that radar does not track the plotter with the Raymarine. I find that the radar overlay function is spot-on in my case. Radar-only screen seems accurate as well. Do I potentially have a problem that I've never noticed before? Alex, "Kamalani"

 

[Andrew Custis]

The garmin units we install in the boats cannot be adapted with Radar. Garmin did come out with a small unit (740S) that will fit in the R21 with all NMEA 2000 connections and is Radar adaptable. Its touch screen to. Pretty cool unit. 😀

 

[rt11002003]

My understanding is if one has radar, then one is required to use it when operating the vessel. :?

The last word I heard is that Raymarine has announced it is for sale. At the same time, I heard Garmin was a potential buyer. Yet, I still see a lot of Raymarine advertising. And, I believe Garmin is offering some of the former Raymarine products with Garmin labels.

Is there anyone out there who knows what is happening and can share their info? 🙂

It appears to me that Garmin and Raymarine own a huge share of the recreational boater's radar market.

I hear very good things about Furuno radar. And now we are facing the broadband radar from Simco as another choice.

I'm going to get confused. Well, maybe I already am confused. :? 😀

Gene

 

[K7MXE]

My radar tracking is off slightly from what the chart plotter shows when both are on the same screen. Kind of looks like a image right next to another but slightly different. The book covers it and you can adjust it but it changes on its own.
Raymarine is not perfect with customer support either. Lots of choices out there and a lot of folks that say theres is the best, I have no clue which is better over another. Mine does work and has not broken yet! I need to be out using it with this nice day we had today. Bob Heselberg in Eatonville Wa

 

[RProffer]

I went down to West Marine and was able to touchy feely all the different chart plotters from the different manufactures. It was really enlightening. It turned out the Garmin 5212, in my opinion, was the best. It was by far the easiest to use with the touch screen, had the brightest display, the best charts and graphics, etc, etc. I ordered the NAV system installed on the R25 for my R21-EC. This includes the 5212 chart plotter, radar, sonar/fishfinder, and GPS. I just got my boat yesterday, so I do not have any practical experience yet.

I would recommend you go to someplace like West Marine to test the systems you are interested in and see for yourself.

 

[rt11002003]

Rick, I'd like to know where the factory mounted that 5212 Garmin system in a R21EC. I'd love to see a picture of that; can you post one?

I had a Garmin 3210c system (10" display screen) that I mounted in my Albin 27 Aft Cabin helm. It has a 10' beam and a very roomy helm house, but the display unit still felt large. If I could have flush mounted it things might have felt different.

K7MXE, if I recall correctly my Garmin system had that same issue with matching the radar overlay scale with the chart scale. I suspect it has to do with different programming for the two different functions. :?

Gene

 

[msantulli]

In order for the overlay function to work on any radar/chartploter you have to have a Heading Sensor installed in the boat ! That could be the cause of the overlay problem !

 

[RProffer]

rt11002003,
The factory would not install the 5212 display because they said it will "obstruct the forward vision of the helmsman" and would not pass ABYC requirements. In actuality, with me or my wife either standing or sitting at the helm, it does not block anything above the gunwale. I purchased the system from the factory and the local dealer installed it. I could have gone with a smaller 8" chart plotter but I figured the display would get too busy for such a small display. My eyes are getting too old for small things.
The dealer installed the 5212 on the shelf behind the helm just left of the thruster control. The lip on the shelf had to be modified for the display to fit. I will post pictures next week and will PM you when they are posted. I have some other things to show that are new.

 

[rt11002003]

Thanks, Rick, looking forward to seeing the photos. 😀

 

[captd]

My Radar is on the blitz. I am getting code two. What ever that is. When I get back to Palm Beach I will call the tech and give him the code. Stern thruster quit again. Spot light is duct taped, Boat needs a good cleaning and buffing.

Oh the life of a boater.

Captd

 

[Kamalani]

msantulli brings up a good point. Heading sensor. I had originally installed a heading sensor so that the "head up" display mode would respond faster. (without it, the system calculates heading from course which takes time.) anyway, I was too cheap to buy the Raymarine fluxgate compass sensor so I shopped and found that the older KVH units are about half the cost, (and twice the size). It works just fine, though, and found that it also enabled the radar overlay feature as well.
Alex, "Kamalani"

 

[KeithK]

Wow...! I appreciate all of you that responded to my question about a radar. It is a pleasure to be part of a group of people that are extremely helpful. Thank you very much. I look forward, even more, to being on the water and meeting you all.

Thanks!
Keith

 

[captain's cat]

In order for the overlay function to work on any radar/chartploter you have to have a Heading Sensor installed in the boat ! That could be the cause of the overlay problem !

Not true. A heading sensor will make the radar track better with the chart plotter, without it there's a delay if you are changing course. But, if you can live with it, it can get its heading from the GPS and works just fine. I've got an E-80 on my TomCat with a 4KW radar that works fine in the overlay mode. I never found the slight delay (a second or two) to be a problem.

Charlie