Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Re: Any experience with Furuno/Nobeltec PC Radar?

I used the first generation Nobeltec RadarPC for about 8 years. It works.

I think radar on a PC down below has very limited uses, because radar is mostly useful for a boat that is underway. I placed my laptop on a swing arm just inside the companionway, so it could be used from the cockpit. That was ok on my multihull, because we never heeled more than about 5-10 degrees. At more heel the swing arm would be tough to control. (tip- Velcro beneath a laptop tends to rip out modular panels and covers, so place 1" squares or dots sparingly and carefully). The laptop is not direct-sunlight viewable and tends to overheat in direct sun, and of course it also needs to be protected from moisture including dew. That means you can't have it exposed to your helm position in fog/mist, one of the times you need it most.

So to sum up my opinion gained from years of experience: Radar on PC is a cool idea of limited use and where I REALLY want radar is at the pedestal in a weather proof display overlayed on the chart. I have no need for radar at the nav table nor on a device that can't be exposed to rain and mist in the cockpit.

My best advice is to rethink your position on this.

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