To Upgrade Radar, or not to Upgrade?

D

DPW

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Feb 9, 2017
40
Beneteau 43 Hingham, MA
I had a Raymarine radar installed on my 2008 Beneteau 43 4 years ago when I bought it: 4KW 18” Digital Radome RD418D. Last year I upgraded my MFD from the original E classic, to a ES Touch. When I picked the boat up the installer explained to me that he had to solder the connection for the radar dome to link it to the old E classic MFD. It seems to work okay but it is not as sensitive as I would like, it rarely picks up buoys or other smaller objects on the surface. I am considering upgrading to a Raymarine HD color radar dome and would like to know opinions on what I can expect for improvement? The upgrade would enable WiFi connection from the MFD to the radar dome so the soldered connection would no longer be needed.

Any insights appreciated.
Thanks,
DW: Sea Fever, Boston
 
Captain Larry-DH

Captain Larry-DH

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Jun 14, 2010
2,381
Robertson & Caine 2017 Leopard 40 CT
You need to decide what will bring you more joy. Choice 1: Money in the bank. Choice 2 new Radar with better function. Choice 3: SOTDMA AIS Class B+ maybe?

If you don't have an AIS transceiver that's where I'd spend my money. Or maybe (both) Choice 2 and 3 if your budget allows.
 
C

CarlN

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Jan 4, 2009
603
Ketch 55 Bristol, RI
Last summer cruising in foggy Maine I turned on my radar a total of 5 times. 20 years ago a good radar was a "must have" but with a good chart plotter and AIS transponder it's now a "nice to have" (although I know there are many who disagree).

And yes, I know not all boats use AIS but in US waters all commercial boats over 65ft do. Those are the ones I worry about running me down.
 
capta

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,956
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
AIS is no substitute for radar, but radar can substitute for AIS. The only thing you lose w/radar is the direct information about the vessel, such as her name and type.
Of course, if one doesn't know how to use a radar set, that could be why one might not get the difference. If one can plot from a radar, speed, CPA and numerous other important information is available to the user, it's not just a nice picture of what's out there. Radar can even show one an approaching front, squall or waterspout, and in some cases the approximate strength of the system.
AIS only works if the other vessel has AIS or has it turned on, another major drawback to the system., often giving the user a false sense of security that they have a complete picture of what is around them on the water. AIS doesn't show buoys or other items in the water. AIS does not give one a warning if approaching an obstruction such as land, a breaking reef or that your anchor is dragging.
So, I suggest you get a radar unit you are happy with, take a radar operator course and put the AIS on a back burner until you have money to spend on a non-essential toy. Using radar is a seamanship skill whereas using AIS is avoiding any skill level at all.
 
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D

DPW

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Feb 9, 2017
40
Beneteau 43 Hingham, MA
sound wisdom, thank you. I am not as interested in AIS as I am at greater detail/sensitivity if I upgrade. Will I get that?
 
R

Rick486

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Oct 1, 2007
1,865
Boston Whaler Super Sport Pt. Judith
DPW said:
sound wisdom, thank you. I am not as interested in AIS as I am at greater detail/sensitivity if I upgrade. Will I get that?
Click to expand
Are you certain that you have the correct sensitivity settings on the radar. I have a Raytheon 4k that is 12 years old and it is very sensitive. But it is important to have it tuned correctly. I always see buoys, small boats.
 
D

DPW

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Feb 9, 2017
40
Beneteau 43 Hingham, MA
that may be the case. Just got her into the water this week so will be reading the manual and checking the settings. Many thanks.
 
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