Radar upgrade question

Riptide Charters · 03-05-2008, 03:36 PM

Hey Guys,

I'm looknig for an opinion on a radar upgrade. I have a 4KW Raymaine dome on an E120 on the new Contender. I use the unit for hunting birds out to 2-3 miles max. Thats about what I got from my Furuno 4KW dome. I have a oportunity for around $2,000 to change over to a 10KW 4' Open Array. Now on a big tall sporty or sailboat clealy this would give me more of everything. But on a CC with the radar being only T top high how much is there to gain?

Beamwidth is allot narrower so separation will be better, but I have no issues with my current setup distinguishing between targets at my normal operating range of 1.5-3 miles. What I'd be looking for is extending my bird finding out to say 5 miles or so. I used an online calculator to see what the radar horizon is and I show about 4.5 miles to a water level target and around 8-9 to a target 5' high (birds tight to the water) Is this a reality to "see" birds at this kind of distance from a CC with only a T top regardless of how much power I push?

The only down sides other than wasting $2000, is the Array setup is about 50# heavier on my T top and it will suck a TON of juice compared to the dome. But to double my bird finding range I'd be willing to deal with that.

Opinions? Anyone made this upgrade?

perfectscore · 03-05-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riptide Charters

Hey Guys,

I'm looknig for an opinion on a radar upgrade. I have a 4KW Raymaine dome on an E120 on the new Contender. I use the unit for hunting birds out to 2-3 miles max. Thats about what I got from my Furuno 4KW dome. I have a oportunity for around $2,000 to change over to a 10KW 4' Open Array. Now on a big tall sporty or sailboat clealy this would give me more of everything. But on a CC with the radar being only T top high how much is there to gain?

Beamwidth is allot narrower so separation will be better, but I have no issues with my current setup distinguishing between targets at my normal operating range of 1.5-3 miles. What I'd be looking for is extending my bird finding out to say 5 miles or so. I used an online calculator to see what the radar horizon is and I show about 4.5 miles to a water level target and around 8-9 to a target 5' high (birds tight to the water) Is this a reality to "see" birds at this kind of distance from a CC with only a T top regardless of how much power I push?

The only down sides other than wasting $2000, is the Array setup is about 50# heavier on my T top and it will suck a TON of juice compared to the dome. But to double my bird finding range I'd be willing to deal with that.

Opinions? Anyone made this upgrade?

now u wanna kill birds- christ you're a real killer

lol, i dont think it is worth it, your not getting that much for 2k, unless the bird finding is the difference between winning a tourney and not if that is what u do. otherwise, u say the current set up is working fine, why fix that which isn't broken ???(i hate cliches too)

yachtjim · 03-05-2008, 05:25 PM

A 4kW dome is typically not considered useful for really finding birds. I think if you moved up to this new array it would open your eyes to really finding birds. I say go for it. Remember that new radar is 24V so you may need a 12-24 converter.

000's · 03-05-2008, 06:05 PM

Buy furnuo I have the same system half the problem is gaymarine I mean raymarine

Riptide Charters · 03-05-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yachtjim

A 4kW dome is typically not considered useful for really finding birds. I think if you moved up to this new array it would open your eyes to really finding birds. I say go for it. Remember that new radar is 24V so you may need a 12-24 converter.

Jim any recomendations on a 12/24 converter?

yachtjim · 03-06-2008, 08:38 AM

The simrad vtc 305 will do the trick. Its about $500.

000's · 03-06-2008, 10:03 AM

Best prices on inverters on the web http://www.donrowe.com/

03-05-2008, 03:36 PM	#1
Riptide Charters Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bourne, MA Posts: 337 Credits: 1,616.6 Boat: "Riptide" 33T Contender Home Port: Bourne, MA Best Catch: 103" BFT Occupation: Guide	Radar upgrade question Hey Guys, I'm looknig for an opinion on a radar upgrade. I have a 4KW Raymaine dome on an E120 on the new Contender. I use the unit for hunting birds out to 2-3 miles max. Thats about what I got from my Furuno 4KW dome. I have a oportunity for around $2,000 to change over to a 10KW 4' Open Array. Now on a big tall sporty or sailboat clealy this would give me more of everything. But on a CC with the radar being only T top high how much is there to gain? Beamwidth is allot narrower so separation will be better, but I have no issues with my current setup distinguishing between targets at my normal operating range of 1.5-3 miles. What I'd be looking for is extending my bird finding out to say 5 miles or so. I used an online calculator to see what the radar horizon is and I show about 4.5 miles to a water level target and around 8-9 to a target 5' high (birds tight to the water) Is this a reality to "see" birds at this kind of distance from a CC with only a T top regardless of how much power I push? The only down sides other than wasting $2000, is the Array setup is about 50# heavier on my T top and it will suck a TON of juice compared to the dome. But to double my bird finding range I'd be willing to deal with that. Opinions? Anyone made this upgrade? __________________ Good Luck, Capt. Terry Nugent Riptide Charters www.riptidecharters.com My photo gallery (so far)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-05-2008, 06:05 PM	#4
000's Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Richmond Posts: 317 Credits: 1,521.7 Boat: Margaritaville II Home Port: Va Beach va Best Catch: 500-550 Blue fin Occupation: Realtor ,Charter Boat Capt.	Buy furnuo I have the same system half the problem is gaymarine I mean raymarine

03-06-2008, 10:03 AM	#7
000's Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Richmond Posts: 317 Credits: 1,521.7 Boat: Margaritaville II Home Port: Va Beach va Best Catch: 500-550 Blue fin Occupation: Realtor ,Charter Boat Capt.	Best prices on inverters on the web http://www.donrowe.com/