Is Radar suitable for 6.5m RIB

[redthunder]

I am looking to install Radar on my RIB. 6.5 m. Will the dome put up with the bashing from landing off waves? Having followed a mates RIB equipped with radar back from Southampton to Rye in the fog at night two days ago it seems an excellent investment.

Whats the difference between the dome type and the ones that are like a bar spinning round and which one would suite my RIB

And also what make would you buy Garmin 4008 or Raymarine E series?

[chewy]

The dome type usually have the bar spinning inside the dome.
Have you looked at the new broadband radar?

[redthunder]

No i haven't seen the new Broadband radar. What is it?

[Cypman]

Broadband is the dog's bo----ks, lightweigt and very low power consumption.
Has to be the future of small boat radar.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by redthunder

And also what make would you buy Garmin 4008 or Raymarine E series?

I would go with Garmin, also consider the smaller 750 unit which accepts depth data without the need for the 'black box'.

And yes, RADAR is suited to a 6.5m RIB.

[Andre]

Broadband only especially when the scanner will be low. It will not cook your brain cos emitts less then a mobile telephone.

Broadband radar is available only with Simrad, Northstar and Lowrance

[Erin]

If I could get on with the Lowrance menu structures I'd definitely recommend the broadband radar. Not sure it is any better at target definition necessarily, but it'll certainly reduce any risk of microwaving your brain from what I've read.

[Nickgriff]

Go for a "dome" radar, as open scanners will fail at a certain windspeed. Normally. Open scanners look better ( in my opinion) but are not too practical on a RIB. Open Scanners normally have a narrower signal beam, giving better detail... but then a 80'000 Ton oil tanker should show up fine on a Dome Scanner ) !!!

[MarkWildey]

I’m no scientist but I know a man who is and I remember a few years ago him telling me, while crossing the channel in fog, that the chances of getting zapped or affected by the radar (on my boat) are 0 so I wouldn’t worry too much about that.

Not seen or used the broadband radar but understand they are very good.

When I operated a RIB with radar my interest was what was near me, i.e. <1 mile away, so wouldn’t get carried away with 48mile sets.

Also the weight of the ariel will be the cause of much stress on the A’frame so consider that when choosing.

When I was caught out in fog it was a life saver and provided much reassurance that a safe passage could be made.

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by MarkWildey

Also the weight of the ariel will be the cause of much stress on the A’frame so consider that when choosing.

You could alway sit the wife on the pointy end with a long bamboo pole to wave back and forth.

I'd love to add radar to my 6 metre, but there's only so much room to bolt stuff...