Open array or Raydome

RKB · 05-19-2005, 04:18 PM

I'm just about to order radar and can't pick a antenna it's going on a 22' jet but soon to be a 27 sea sport looking at the 24" raydome or 4kw 3.5' any help you guys could give would be great.

Thanks Ron

Critr Gitr · 05-19-2005, 04:27 PM

i prefer closed array. Am installing a 2'er this week. The opens look neat spinning around but unless you can guarantee clear air I'd opt for the radome.

Reelentless · 05-19-2005, 04:32 PM

Open Array usually has a much smaller beam width so you get better target definition. What shows as a big blob on a dome will show as individual targets on an open array. Whether its worth the extra cash or not, I guess it depends on what you plan to use it for.

To target birds, the open array will do much better. To target other boats and the jetties (collision avoidance), domes work fine.

They are both limited by line of site.

Open array looks better.

Which 27' model Sea Sport are you getting?

RKB · 05-19-2005, 04:33 PM

I'm looking at the pilot.

Reelentless · 05-19-2005, 04:36 PM

Nice boat! Congrats.

An open array would look/work sweet on that boat. What the hell, its only money. :smile:

RKB · 05-19-2005, 04:41 PM

Whats that :whazzup:!!!!!! all I have is loose stuff in my pocket and it's not green.

Sensei-san · 05-19-2005, 08:24 PM

Realistically an open array on boats that do not have a flying bridge or radar arch that can put the radar up fairly high is a waste of money. Sure open array units do have a tighter beam than a radome but the line of sight to the horizon will wipe out any advantage that such a unit would provide. For most small boats the radar horizon is about 8 miles. On the East Coast and the Gulf, people often use their radars to spot birds and other phenomena that can indicate pelagic fish. I have not heard of captains in the PNW doing the same thing. I don't think what people call tuna birds would show up on a radar. Way too small.

Rather than being macho and having an expensive radar unit that will gain you not much, I would invest the money in looking at the best unit. Raytheon, Furuno, Garmin, and many of the manufacturers have gone to multifunction units that offer a really good combination of features. To be able to combine real time radar with a chartplotter to me seems the ultimate in navigation.

RKB · 05-19-2005, 10:09 PM

Sensei-san
as much as I hate to admit it you are correct the units that I was looking at are Furuno 1824c/nt vx2 or 1934c/nt vx2

Silver Eagle · 05-20-2005, 05:39 AM

RKB just installed a 1833C Furuno and with 36 Mile Radar closed, I'm still learning but I think its going to be a great unit, with the Chartplotter and Navonics Its nice for those night runs when the fishing was toooo good to leave in time...............Ray

DriftR · 05-20-2005, 09:38 AM

A radome with 4kw of power will suit your needs. Open arrays as mentioned will define targets somewhat better. That is once you have learned the ins and outs of operating and understanding your unit. With that 4 KW of power you'll be able to navigate safer than you have without radar. Just go with the radome, learn how to operate your radar and you won't be dissappointed with your choice. I know I am looking very seriously at the Furuno 1832 with radome right now. I just don't want that open array.

8knots · 05-21-2005, 04:46 PM

I've had the 1832 for the last four years and I have been very happy with it. It sure makes me feel better at night when going out of CR.