I am looking at adding a gps/plotter & radar to my Hunter 420. I now have ST60 instruments, ST7000 autopilot, and Raynav 300 GPS which interfaces with my laptop and Cap'n software for plotting at nav station. I am considering adding a C80 or C120 (+$680) at the helm and a 2 or 4kw (+$600)raynav radar. * Is the C120 worth extra money or just overkill? * Is the 4kw worth extra money or just overkill? While I'm sure the big screen and additional power on radar are nice, the whole package changes from 5k to 6.3k with install, navpod, etc. Are there any 'real' advantages to the upgrades? I understand that the 4kw radar will allow better weather tracking and more clearly indicate nearby objects. Any comments welcome... thanks
C80 or C120 plotter? 2kw or 4kw radar?
- Thread starter Persy
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Screen size...
Screen size is a personal choice. I have a C-80 and it's plenty big enough for me and the ONLY difference between the two units for the $680.00 is a few inches of screen. As for the radome a 4kw is only worth it if you're looking for weather out to 48nm. A 4kw dome can't see 48 miles on the waters surface even if it's mast mounted due to the curvature of the earth. I've owned a 4kw and numerous 2kw's and the 2kw is more than adequate for the speed you'll be going in a sailboat. I'm also assuming this is coastal cruising where 48 miles worth of weather data is not necessary 90% of the time.
Screen size is a personal choice. I have a C-80 and it's plenty big enough for me and the ONLY difference between the two units for the $680.00 is a few inches of screen. As for the radome a 4kw is only worth it if you're looking for weather out to 48nm. A 4kw dome can't see 48 miles on the waters surface even if it's mast mounted due to the curvature of the earth. I've owned a 4kw and numerous 2kw's and the 2kw is more than adequate for the speed you'll be going in a sailboat. I'm also assuming this is coastal cruising where 48 miles worth of weather data is not necessary 90% of the time.
C-80 is a nice size for
us.. I agree with Maine Sail, size is personal choice. With that said, I spent a fair amount of time looking a the C-80 and C-120 next to each other at my local WM store and in the end, I could not get excited enough about larger screen to pay the money... As for the 2kw that is all we need... The exception, once again as stated by Main Sail, is if you need weather data 48 miles out... Note, you are well past the horizon at 24 or 48 miles. For what it is worth http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Instruments.htm Good luck
us.. I agree with Maine Sail, size is personal choice. With that said, I spent a fair amount of time looking a the C-80 and C-120 next to each other at my local WM store and in the end, I could not get excited enough about larger screen to pay the money... As for the 2kw that is all we need... The exception, once again as stated by Main Sail, is if you need weather data 48 miles out... Note, you are well past the horizon at 24 or 48 miles. For what it is worth http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Instruments.htm Good luck
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