Radar advice

[Steve101]

Hi, I want to buy a Radar system for my boat and want to know if I can get away with using my laptop as my plotter cutting the cost of the system down. Is there anyone out there who could give advice on exactly what I would need to buy, even down to any software I might need? Thank you

[Rhosyn Mor]

I preusme you mean using your laptop as a display? I think that Nobletec offer a system IR2 that works with their plotting software, BUT, and I am not too sure about this, it is not cheap and you might be better off with a standard Furuno/ Garmin, which you can get for around 2K USD these days.
hope this helps

[Islander]

Can be done with Nobeltec (and maybe the new Coastal Explorer?) but I think the equipment and software would cost far more than a basic radar setup.

I have a JRC 1500 which I see online for $899 with free shipping (not spamming but it's at Boaters World). It works well and has been reliable. The added advantage is that if my PC dies, I still have the radar to help me navigate.

I have the radar tied in to my nav system so I see waypoints etc. on it, but not charts overlaid with radar returns - I've heard people say that is an overrated feature they quickly tire of and switch off.

Cheers.

[bene505]

I've heard the solid tate radar are coming out IIRC this spring. It's a good time to wait a few months and see what's out there, or pick up the used ones from people that are upgrading. Again IIRC.

[Steve101]

Thankyou all for some good advice. Another reason I want it to run through my laptop, is that I have the worlds charts on C-Map.