Radar for a Cape Dory 25D being setup for Maine

[Egilchri]

I am in the processing of purchasing a Cape Dory 25D, and intend to cruise the Maine coast next summer. I plan to sail during the day, and in reasonably fair weather, if possible.

But we all know about Maine fog. Now, this boat doesn't have radar, and I assume I should try to address this deficiency, for safety.

I'm a computer geek, so I'm prepared to use Open OpenCPN, if this figures into an economical solution. Cost is an issue, so what hardware should I keep my eye out for?

[Antsjh]

Hi, the newer solid state radars use a lot less power than the old magnetron, so I would think you would prefer solid state. Furuno, which is highly regarded by commercial guys makes a nice small unit that connects to a screen via wireless, I would think that would be a great candidate for your boat. Fwiw I fish on a friend’s boat that has a new Garmin unit and I am not impressed. In the past I have had small Furuno and Raymarine units and been happy with them but they were old tech

[Egilchri]

Thanks! So just to confirm what you're saying, all I would need would be that Furuno unit, and a tablet? That's it, no extra hardware like a router? And no need for extra software, like openCPN? (I plan on getting openCPN anyway)

[Antsjh]

Looks like it only works with ios devices -

https://www.furuno.com/en/products/radar/DRS4W

[Egilchri]

Well, if it comes to that, I can buy an iPad. Thanks.

[Don C L]

Pretty cool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO3lqv7CoA0

[Enfant Du Vent]

Ahoy Egilchri:
(The following is an opinion from a Luddite who doesn't like more equipment than absolutely necessary.)
My sailing included Nova Scotia and multiple passages to / from Gloucester, MA--without radar.


Without radar, I didn't need to run the engine for power = was able to hear waves on shore or large vessels in my vicinity.