Thoughts on Radar

[fellinger]

What are the general thoughts on the need for radar on your boats?

I am running a 23' WA and fish inshore waters of <20nm off (most often 5-10nm max). I am very cautious and pick my days. I understand that bad weather or other conditions can come at a moments notice and decrease visability. Do you believe having a secondhand, serviceable radar is overkill or should it be standard equipment?

Thanks,

Fred

[Hotrod]

I love it.. and couldn't see not having it

[IrishAyes]

I, personally, would not do without radar on my boat. Fog can roll in at any time during the boating season without warning.

It is not so much as to how safely you operate your vessel it is more as to how others operate theirs. In the fog you can hear another boat's engine but at times you can not tell what direction they are coming from or just how close they are. But you can see them on the radar and avoid them as necessary.

It is another piece of equipment that can keep you safe.  

[kayak1]

Even on the kayak I have a GPS for just that reason......Fog can come in fast and with the use of the GPS I can get back to the same place I left from......The cost of the radar is far less.... then the lose of life.....Get the Radar.

kayak1

[Offshore Madness]

  theres nothing more to add then what they all just said.

[CapBob]

Radar is a must. You can get some good new units for a great price. Nothing wrong with second hand units, most of the time they are from guys that upgrade.

Up graded my Radar to a color Radar/GPS combo, sold my B&W Furuno 20 mile unit to a friend for $300 (complete) and he is very happy.

As with anything do your homework and check out what you are buying.

 

[Kenny]

I personally thinks it is a must have in the safety arsenal

[NJ Guy]

im installing a lowrance dome on my boat this winter to hook up with my HDS 10....if i can afford the arch lol 

[Hunter 2]

I don't have radar, my boat would need an arch for the dome. I have used it on friends boats and I like the features.

[Maritime Matt]

Like any other New piece of electronics, using it way before you need it and fully understanding its limits will only make it better. I personally don't have it yet on my boat but have run boats with it. Keeping a fixed stare on a screen with multiple menus and trying to get it dialed in, in the fog, may not make for a happy ending.
Capt.Matt