Furuno Radar / Chartplotter

[lifeforsail]

Hello All,

The boat we are looking to buy needs a new radar and a chartplotter.

I saw the Furuno radar/chartplotter online the other day and I'm wondering if anyone here has had any experience with it?

We plan to go cruising so we need something reliable and that will withstand the test of time.

Thank You.

[whatever]

Hi, Good luck on the purchase of the boat! The boat we purchased 4 yrs ago has a Furuno Navnet Radar and Chartplotter and we have been very pleased with it. Of course, there are newer versions out there, but they Furuno has good customer support and are easy to use.

[Paul L]

Which model are you looking at, Navnet3 MFD?

Paul L

[barnakiel]

Been on a boat with a pretty big Furuno combo at the helm (cockpit) but can't remember the model. It was big. Worked great - good visibility in the sun.

b.

[lifeforsail]

The 1824C model.

[barnakiel]

BTW Furuno used by some pro fishermen so I believe it may be OK.

b.

[lifeforsail]

Thank you all for your input.

[Dreaming Yachtsman]

We have had a Furuno radar/chart plotter installed since the boat was new in 2003 and have only just now begun to have a problem with the input/output channels (http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-it-31519.html). As soon as I get near a service center with a test bench, I'll be getting it checked out. Aside from that issue, I find the system highly reliable and very easy to use. Just keep the track ball clean!

[Tom Spohn]

We have the 1834C which is the same as the unit you are looking at except the 34 has a 4kw radar. Ours interfaces with other brands of transducers for wind and depth, autopilot, AIS, and compass. No problems. The overlay of radar on top of the chart plotter is especially helpful going through narrow passages in the fog.

Most of the commercial boats in our area use Furuno. It is the best. If you can get the bigger radar you won't be sorry.

[SariTimur]

Tom,
I just purchased the smaller version of your unit (the 1724C) and am now trying to interface in my AIS and GPS. I am interested in your comment that it does so no problems as I am having trouble figuring out what pins to use and data format etc. I have used a lot of Furuno on big boats and they have a great reputation but the local support in Singapore by the agent is sadly lacking when it comes to yachts. The parallel importers are much better but they can not afford as much stock or support issues so I really have no where to turn.

I know to use the seven pin connector but not sure if 232 or 485 format or baud rates. I think I can figure out the pin outs from the manual but have had trouble with the rest. Can you advise what you used?

Cheers

Mark

[Tom Spohn]

Mark, My Furuno was professionally installed so I can't advise on pins, etc. I do know that my
AIS needed RS232 input and the dealer had to download an update to make it work. If yours is brand new maybe you don't need the update. Also my local dealer (in Tacoma) depended on assistance from the Repair Center in Wa. State for advice on getting everything hooked up. I notice there is a repair center in Singapore. Maybe they can assist. Sorry I can't be more help.
Worldwide Service Network | 'Quality Assurance | About Us | -Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

[SariTimur]

Thanks Tom,

I was just kind of hoping that you might have went through it and saved me a lot of work myself. The local repair center is good for commercial ships but doesn't want to know about us yachts. The parallel importers are pretty helpful but do not have the turnover to provide good tech support. But the radar works great and I will eventually get the peripherals in there.

Cheers