What is considered the best GPS Radar Combo for cruising sailboats in 35-40' range?

[vtcapo]

Looking to purchase a GPS Radar Combo that can be installed on the pedestal with the option of removing it to the chart table. Currently looking at a Garmin 740 system.

Any advice based on your experience would be greatly appreciated.

RT

[TheOffice]

I'd look at the Ray E7. Reasons: 1. longer warranty. It has the "mouse". 2. It isn't easy to use a touch screen in bad weather. 3. You can mirror the display to an iPad or upgrade to an app so you can control the plotter from it. That way you would not have to move anything.

[vtcapo]

Originally Posted by TheOffice

I'd look at the Ray E7. Reasons: 1. longer warranty. It has the "mouse". 2. It isn't easy to use a touch screen in bad weather. 3. You can mirror the display to an iPad or upgrade to an app so you can control the plotter from it. That way you would not have to move anything.

Thanks. The ability to mirrior to an iPad is amazing. I will give this unit a hard look....

RT

[s/v Beth]

I have the simrad touch screen with their digital radar. Very happy with it so far.

[J_m]

Newt: Which Simrad touchscreen do you have and do you have the newer broadband radar?

[s/v Beth]

I have them in my enclosed locker in the cockpit, so I opted for the NSS 8 with the newish (3G) broadband overlay. Gives me excellent viewing of the chart with radar next to it on the screen. The radar has more than proved itself of the last voyage. Sailboat on collison course without lights!

[xymotic]

for "best" It would have to be the B&G Zeus 8.

My personal choice would be the simrad nss7 but I'd also look real hard at the newly announced lowrance 7 and 9 touchscreens.

For me these are the best systems out there bar none, but the power consumption on the 3&4g radar makes them a no-brainer for a sailboat over the other brands.

[foggysail]

I cannot voice an opinion on current GPSs. I use an old Garmin 183C. I am impressed with Garmin's support. My old 183C is no longer supported by Garmin and I found this season that the tide info was only programmed for 10 years.

I called their technical support and asked how I could update the software. I had to pay $50 for them to send a ROM with current software to load which I did. Their policy is to charge $50 for the ROM and also to return the $50 if you return the ROM.

I now have my needed tide info and my $50 back. Great company!

Foggy

[vtcapo]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

I have them in my enclosed locker in the cockpit, so I opted for the NSS 8 with the newish (3G) broadband overlay. Gives me excellent viewing of the chart with radar next to it on the screen. The radar has more than proved itself of the last voyage. Sailboat on collison course without lights!

Tuff choice considering the options available. In south Florida most say its a waste of money for radar since we have very little fog but I have also had an experience with almost being run down by a sea going tug pushing a large gravel barge at night with no lights on the barge. If my spotlight didn't pick up the barge it would have been THUMP and end of story. The tug which was on autopilot (no one in the wheel house) probably wouldn't have even felt it.

As far a reliability which manufacturer stands out?

RT

[DeepFrz]

I personally would choose Furuno for radar and their new NavNet can use tablet and iPhone.

[witzgall]

+1 for the NSS7. We have one, used it over the winter, and will be installing a new to us BR24 dome in the next few weeks. The chartplotter is super, touch + buttons is the best. We LOVE LOVE LOVE the autopilot integration - the chartplotter IS the autopilot control head.

Chris

[witzgall]

Look carefully at the power consumption of the Furuno gear, especially the newest chartplotters. They are super capable, but draw alot of power (IMHO).

I would love a RD33 display...

Chris

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

I personally would choose Furuno for radar and their new NavNet can use tablet and iPhone.

[mikereed100]

Another vote for the NSS7 and Simrad 3G. The NSS7 is very intuitive and easy to use, the Simrad 3G comes with a longer cable and interface, more suited to sailboats than Lowrance, otherwise the same unit. The NSS draws .4 amps and the radar 1.6 when running. Usually I leave it in standby and turn it on only when I am looking at it. As mentioned the NSS can also double as the control head for the Simrad AP as well as the stereo. The 3G has great resolution out to about 6-8 miles. More than enough for my purposes.