radar systems

[YACHTASEA]

I want to purchase a radar system for my Beneteau 361. I already have a very reliable Navman 5500 Chartplotter, GPS system that I'm happy with, however I know nothing about radar or what exactly I need.  I don't think the Navman has radar capability, so I need a receiver and dome that just handles radar.  Should I consider a second backup chartplottrer GPS with a new radar system that I purchase?  I'm interested in doing this in the most cost effective manner possible, so I don't know if that would be a good idea.  

 

Can anyone provide some info, insight and advice on what  I should be looking for.  I want to learn more about it so I can make an informed decision .  Thanks. 

[Pat S/V Ciao!]

Last year West Marine had a C70 chartplotter and a 2k radar dome on sale for below $2000.It wasn't digital but it was reasonable. I mast mounted the dome which took some time since I did it by myself but if I had a little extra cash ,I would used a polemount on the stern.

[h]

Yachtsea,

 

I had a look at the wiring diagram for the installation of the 5500, and could not see anywhere the radar connection point. IE my calculated guess said to me that it is not a radar compatible unit.

 

These smaller chart plotter are not normally connectable to a radar.

 

Given that the reutation of navman is not that great to begin with, I think you are better of to start over.

 

When selecting the next chart plotter, please consider the price of the individual chart for the area you plan to sail to. Prices of Charts could be so exhorbitantly high, to make the low cost chart plotter cost of ownership to become un-affordable. For this reason many owners purchase units with built in charts for the whole of USA, for example.

 

Another point of consideration is the type of network you want to have. Most newer Chart plotters is working with NMEA 2000 nowadays.

 

Panbo.com is a good source of information.

 

Good luck in your search for the radar. Which is only a small add on to your selection of which Chart plotter to get in the first place.

 

h