Radar questions?

[animal]

Hi guys,we're looking for a radar for a 63 Bertram.It's a 25 ft Express Cruiser(I think )It's got twin Mercs on a bracket,so actually its closer to 30 ft.
We've never had radar before,so I'm wondering what features we should look for.We don't have a lot of money,and I know we can get a brand new unit for under $1500,I just don't know if units priced that low,can get the job done.
Our primary use of the boat is tuna fishing,and our primary need for radar is getting out even in heavy fog.It would be nice to be able to use the radar to locate bird activity,but If the inexpensive units aren't sensitive enough,so be it.Safety is our primary concern.Thanks in advance for any advice,Bobby.
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[clcharette]

JRC 3000 is selling for $1575, I believe its for a seven inch screen and a 4kw radar. I seen this offered on Boat Bandit?

West Marine is offering the Raymarine C70 w 2kw radar for $1900. Its a multi unit machine that will allow you to use a fish finder, gps etc..

You probably should be looking at a 4 kw machine if you want to be using it for locating birds. Using radar is not that difficult, however you must learn to use it during the day in clear weather. Everytime I go out the first thing I do is turn on all my electronics and let them warm up. With the radar, get use to looking at targets on the screen and matching them to the visuals you see on the water. If you do this, then the first time you actually are out in the fog, you should be able to determine boats from channel markers etc.etc.. Good luck with your purchase, its probably going to be the best $1500 spent.

[animal]

I just got back from WM,out of three units he showed me,the c-70 is the financial best choice.The Garmin 4208 was sweet,with a preprogrammed chartplotter for the entire USA,but it's two grand,with no radome.Add about another grand.
I guess we'll probably go c-70,unless we find a better deal.

[clcharette]

JRC makes a MK II, its a small 12" Radome 1.5 kw for $1100.

[keeperreaper]

Get a 4kw for sure. @kw is fine for large object but the 4kw picks up everything. Domes are not as defined as open array but they cst less than the open array.
I have a 4kw furuno which I like alot. As Chris says practice when it is sunny and clear. Make sure it is set up right. you might need to shim it for the proper angle.

[Raider Ronnie]

2K won't locate birds, you need atleast 4K

[fish4striper]

Animal,

Check BOE on THT, he has good deals usually. Or check with MTC here.

[buckman]

We bought a used 48 mile open array. It's a 7K$ unit and we paid $500. Won"t see a boat beyond 12 miles because it's on a CC. However we have the ability to spot birds working 5 miles away in black fog.

[animal]

Thanks a lot,guys.We've got the time to look for a good deal,so we'll hopefully come up with something great.Thanks again.Bobby.

[buckman]

One more point. Those 4' arrays are heavy suckers so make sure your t top can handle it.

[animal]

No t-top.We're also looking for an arch.Anybody???

[fishsmith]

This looks like a good deal -->
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/boa/1044963462.html

[Hooper]

I have that JRC unit on my boat, works very good.

[animal]

Thanks again,guys.Fishsmith,I just called on the Raymarine.I'm going to do a lil online research on the unit,and call him back.Thanks.

[buckman]

Thats a great unit and a great price Animal

[animal]

Originally Posted by buckman

Thats a great unit and a great price Animal

I'm pretty sure we're getting it on Saturday.Anything in particular on that unit?I found very little info as of yet.

[keeperreaper]

Make sure the magnetron works.

[animal]

Matt,how would we be able to tell?Never had radar.We're going to get it on Saturday.

[Raider Ronnie]

Originally Posted by animal

Thanks again,guys.Fishsmith,I just called on the Raymarine.I'm going to do a lil online research on the unit,and call him back.Thanks.

You may want to re think on those older Raytheon units.
Those were manufactured mids 80s - early 90s, and even though they say Raytheon, they were actually manufactured by JRC for Raytheon. if they have XX in the model..
If you need to have them repaired, parts are usually not available.

[animal]

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

You may want to re think on those older Raytheon units.
Those were manufactured mids 80s - early 90s, and even though they say Raytheon, they were actually manufactured by JRC for Raytheon. if they have XX in the model..
If you need to have them repaired, parts are usually not available.

The guy said it's a 96?

[buckman]

Originally Posted by animal

Matt,how would we be able to tell?Never had radar.We're going to get it on Saturday.

Just plug the radome in, attach it to a couple batteries and have the guy run you through it.

I kind of feel with electronics thet if they work they most likley will keep working. Because your only paying $400, I would go with it and worry about repairs if you have a problem down the road.

[fishsmith]

Originally Posted by buckman

Because your only paying $400, I would go with it and worry about repairs if you have a problem down the road.

$400? Come on, this is craigslist, get it for $300, ... $350 tops,

Good luck animal, I hope it works out for ya, if it does and you're out in fog remember to avoid CBDR - close bearing decreasing range
this is when the blip on the radar keeps getting closer the 'X' in the middle, u are the X.

[MakoMike]

Make sure the guy warranties that it will work. You never know until its on the boat. If you do test it keep the magnetron above or below eye level, the microwaves can damage your eyes!

[animal]

Thanks guys,looks like we're picking it up on Saturday.Now we need an arch.We may have a line on one,but if anybody hears about one for sale,I'd love to hear about it,Thanks,Bobby.