Radar questions

[cogzwell]

Hey guys:

I have a 34 venture with a furuno navnet system -- big screen and a little screan. my current radar is a 2kw dome. I have been told that the 2kw is fine for weather but you need a 12kw open to search for the birds. I am very ignorant when dealing in electronics and am seeking input.

1. should I buy new from a dealer or buy used?

2. do I need 12k (my ttop has 9 ft over head clearance and 4 ft sweep. I think radar is line of site) or is 6 kw enough or is 2 k enough?

3. can you really see birds at 3-6 miles with 12k power?

4. what else is involved besides buying the antenna and having it installed to the existing system?

5. can you recommend someone to do the work?


Any input is apreciated.

[chummer]

Hey Cogz,

I chase tuna with a 6kw open array. With your setup, you might find larger packs of birds but your ability to see them will be limited. Not so much because of your output power, but because your dome's array is too narrow. A friend of mine with a 4kw dome has managed to see birds and is waiting to see if it will work over on the other side. Same deal - he'll find the larger packs, but won't see the 1-2 birds or lone frigate bird that will lead him to larger tuna.

As for upgrading, if you know what you're doing, you could probably wire in a larger array. I unfortunately know more about this than I should, having swapped out one array for another. I would recommend you get someone to help you with a used unit (some risk) or get help from a dealer (pricey).

As for a larger array, I'd recommend the 4kw array at a minimum, but when you're into that money, I think the 6kw is about right for the money. The 4kw open array is 3.5' wide and the 6kw is 4' wide.

Upon installing a larger array, it's likely your T-Top will need to be reinforced. I've broken two already from excessive side sway, so I had a local welder reinforce them both. Also had the bolts shear off on one side, so I bumped them up in side.

Not sure where you live, but in Brevard I recommend Bethel Marine to help you get and install the array. As for T-Top reinforcement, most any competent aluminum welder should work fine as long as they've worked with T-Tops and understand how to put in reinforcement bracing.

Good Luck
Chummer

PS - Here are what birds look like on a 6kW radar.

markingersoll/Boating/BirdRadar - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[cogzwell]

Hey Chummer, great post and thank you. I really want to see birds so i think i'm going with at least the 6k unit.

Do you think i will need to reinforce my hard top? It is a very strong platform with an observation tower on it.

[Warrior]

Don't go any less than 6kw. I have a 12kw 72 mile radar on both of my boats. On my contender, I have basic reinforcements... mounting plate. My friend has a 6kw dome radar on his SeaCraft, and he has no problem reaching out 2 miles - Navnet. Don't save pennies now! Not on a Venture. I can pick up a sailboat wake within my 3 mile view.

[swordstalker]

I have a Furuno 12kw with a 4 foot open array - no problem seeing the birds 3 miles away. Here is an article from their website that you might find helpful:
http://www.furuno.com/Furuno/Doc/0/R...oints_8-04.pdf

[DonK]

My best friend (and 1/2 partner in a boat) knows his stuff, been at it for close to 20 yrs.

I'll drop the name of the company he works for, or if you want to work on the "down-low", I'll see if he wants to do some side work. (his new company strictly forbids side jobs....but.....)

PM me your phone # if your interested.

[Certifiable]

I run the 4ft boom 12kw Furuno and have no problem picking up single birds at 4 miles, smaller packs (10 birds) at 6 miles. My last boat had the same set up and I could mark birds at 8 miles on a calm day. Some units just tune in better than others....the nature of electrical things.
The $ difference between the 6kw and 12 kw is minimal when compared to the expense of reworking your t-top and installation labor.
The 6kw will work fine for most moderate days when you are looking 3 miles out. But, on the calm days when I push the range out to 6 miles, I cover 28 sq miles vs. your 7 sq miles, a HUGE difference when you pull up to the gas pump after chasing birds all day. The fuel savings alone from 3 calm days of fishing will pay for the upgrade to the 12kw unit.

[INCENTIVE]

Certifiable, we agree that your last boat has a good radar. We have no problems seeing birds at 6 miles and on good days have also seen them at around 8. Thanks for selling us the boat with the good radar. Lets just hope we can get some calm weather soon so we can get out.

[cogzwell]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm going to go with the 12kw and call it a day.

Thanks again!

[Certifiable]

Good to hear from you Bill (Incentive)!!
You definitely have the hotest radar that we have ever seen. You could probably ping a bird at 4 miles and see the baitfish in his mouth with that unit.
My new one is pretty good, but not as good as that one.
See if you can get that wind to stop blowing so we can all go out and play !!
Regards to all.

[Warrior]

Fellas, I want to go!

[cogzwell]

RT an I are setting ou for a 3 or 4 night trip at 0900. We can take on or two more....... if you are willing to put up with us.

[bajakian]

Originally Posted by cogzwell

RT an I are setting ou for a 3 or 4 night trip at 0900. We can take on or two more....... if you are willing to put up with us.

Chris , good luck with your trip. Wish I was going with you. Catch ya next time!!

[cogzwell]

Richard, you and your guest should meet us over on thursday, friday...... west end?