Entry-Level Radar Package

[fullkeel2]

I am looking for an entry-level radar package for my 1968 Bristol 29. I don’t have much in the way of electronics on my boat and the only electronic nav aid I have is a hand held gps so I don’t really have compatibility concerns. I had my eye on the raymarine c70 package that west marine sells but it looks like raymarine may be in trouble so I guess that is not a good idea. My price limit for the system is around $2k. Any thoughts.

Thanks.

[David M]

Have a look at the Garmin radars. Good prices and good equipment. We have a Garmin radar installed on one of the boats at work that I have been very happy with.

[fullkeel2]

David, any suggestions on models etc. looks like you are also in San Francisco, can you recommend a good marine electronics person I could go to for installation?

[David M]

Have a look at the Garmin online catalog or call the closest dealer to see what you can get for under $2000. The system I have on board one of our boats at work was over $2000 and I do not remember the model number off the top of my head.

In the Bay Area, I have purchased from Johnson-Hicks in Sausalito but have done all the installations myself. (Garmin and Navnet3DBB installations) They do have installers and are good people to deal with. The best prices can be found from online retailers, but the price difference between online retailers and Johnson-Hicks was not much since they were flexible with their prices. There really is not a huge price markup between wholesale and the best retail prices for marine electronics. If you buy from Johnson-Hicks or someone else who is local then you also have someone nearby to help you out if there are any problems.

[Nice N Easy]

For an entry level system, with no compatibility issues, look at the little JRC units. I had one on my previous boat, and liked it a lot. Small, 16 mile range, not a lot of bells and whistles, but a good reliable unit. Their tech support is first class. You can get one of these for around 1,000 and use the rest of the money for rum or other necessitiesl

[David M]

I second the JRC idea for an inexpensive radar.

[Tempest245]

Good info, as I too have been desirous of a reasonably priced radar unit.

Fullkeel2, I owned a 68 Bristol 29 for many years..loved that boat...last I heard it was in Florida...any history on yours? Dinette model ?

[Fishman_Tx]

Another Bristoleer!

[idpnd]

I'm also in the market for one.

The Furuno 1623 and later models are affordable, small and standalone so you don't have to get all the chartplotter melarkey- have been considering that one

I can't seem to find the JRC 1000 online, any directions or alternative product suggestions welcome.

There's actually a JRC 1500 "Mk2" out there, can't find any shops for that either though..

Sitex/Koden could be another option.

[marc2012]

Google marine radar,garmin 16 mi bout 999.marc

[sv_makai]

I wouldn't just look for entry level packages. When we added radar to Makai I hunted for model closeouts. We were able to find a Raymarine SL72 Pathfinder Plus radar chart plotter brand new from Defender for 12-1300USD(original price at Defender was 3,500USD). The big reason for the close out was the color models were starting to arrive. The replacement to the model we found was color. No other meaning changes.

By looking around for the next to the latest and greatest you may be able to find a great performing radar with very usable extras at bargain prices. Our radar has preformed well and was an exceptional value.

[seandepagnier]

I am on a bristol 27 anchored near sausalito.. I got a furuno 1621 (older model) on ebay for $600. It is in the mail, I hope it works.

[marc2012]

Looked at that myself.Glad a fellow cf got it.marc