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Author Topic:   Raytheon VS Foruno

im4bc posted 10-13-2002 01:15 PM ET (US)
Looking to purchase a complete set of either brand. All color radar, color gps (with radar overlay) and color fishfinder. Any preferences with these companies?
InHerNet posted 10-13-2002 05:44 PM ET (US)
I have the Raytheon L760 color GPS/Fish Finder. I am very pleased with the unit. Easy to see in the daylight and can be adjusted for night. I like the split screen capability and large viewable area. When it was installed on my 23’ the factory electronic box on the console had to be removed and replaced with StarBoard to accommodate for the size. I decided on this installation over the overhead electronic box due to visibility and ease of reach. The electronics are attached via USB connection. I have not purchased the radar as of yet. I would be interested in knowing if you purchase the combo how you like either one.
Don
Louie Kokinis posted 10-13-2002 06:07 PM ET (US)
I have Raytheon Radar, Garmin GPS, and Garmin Sounder installed on my boat. Both brands are very reliable, but I prefer the speed and detail of the Garmin GPS units.

tully_mars posted 10-14-2002 12:14 PM ET (US)
You really can't get the best of everything in any one brand. Raytheon has the best radar, Furuno second. Garmin has best GPS because they have many more features and are much more intuitive to use for the boat assistants. Fish finders are a toss up in my book, but I like the Furuno Color FCV600L.
Tully Mars
thebone12 posted 10-14-2002 02:02 PM ET (US)
I beg to differ, furuno has the best radar, I own both and like furuno better but raymarine is amazing though
tully_mars posted 10-14-2002 02:25 PM ET (US)
thebone12,
Interesting. I have the Furuno MK2 2.2 kw radar and all the reviews I have read put Raytheon at the top because of the software that reassembles the echos, I forgot their coined phrase for it. That makes me feel better though.
How does your Furuno radar do in the rain? Mine doesn't do so hot, but that was only once and it was really raining hard.
Tully Mars
tully_mars posted 10-14-2002 02:25 PM ET (US)
thebone12,
Interesting. I have the Furuno MK2 2.2 kw radar and all the reviews I have read put Raytheon at the top because of the software that reassembles the echos, I forgot their coined phrase for it. That makes me feel better though.
How does your Furuno radar do in the rain? Mine doesn't do so hot, but that was only once and it was really raining hard.
Tully Mars
Louie Kokinis posted 10-14-2002 02:54 PM ET (US)
Inhernet:
I find it strange that Whaler has partnered up with Raytheon, yet the designers have yet to change the size of the electronics box to accommodate Raytheon units??? I wasn’t overly disappointed because my console is an older design, but I didn’t realize the newer models had the same problem :(
Tully
I agree that Garmin probably makes the best GPS units and I love my Ratheon Radar.
I think Furuno makes a good product. Cost difference between the units (IMO) is negligible, so I bought what appeared to be the user-friendliest. But, larger boats I’ve seen have Furuno systems installed, so they must also be doing something right.
Mine is mounted low and only has a usable range of 3 miles. Target separation is good even in heavy rain and fog, but I only get a mile in a real heavy downpour (fog is no problem at 3 miles).
thebone12 posted 10-14-2002 05:45 PM ET (US)
I dont have the lcd, I have the 1832 crt 4.0 kw and it is Amazing! In the rain it is just as good, I have plyed with the rathyeon and only the open aray I have seen do I like.
bsmotril posted 10-15-2002 09:22 AM ET (US)
I have the Raytheon suite on my conquest with the older style Sea-Talk Bus. Reliability after five years has been perfect. I have had many opportunities to run other boats with the Furono Radar, and Raytheon beats it hands down in all conditions. The Raytheon will pick up Crab Trap bouys, or even the head of a swimmer in the water. The Furuno does not come close. At the 1/8 or 1/4 mile ranges, the Raytheon will discern a skier behind a boat, and the wakes of the boat. The Raytheon auto tune and clutter/rain controls are much easier to use and more effective. I think that the signal processing technology Raytheon brings over from their military radar applications make the big difference here. The thing I don't like about Raytheon is their GPS user interface. It is combersome, and the menus are not exactly intuitive. I agree with the other poster wh says that Garmin has a better GPS. Check out the pics on my web page to see how to mount the oversized Raytheon gear into a small electronic box..
http://home.austin.rr.com/smohome/new_conquest23.htm
BillS
im4bc posted 10-15-2002 11:45 AM ET (US)
Bill s
great set up on the transducer. Do you have the map overlay feature on your raytheon radar set up. It seems like a nice feature with way point tracking and target tracking.
thx
im4bc
bsmotril posted 10-15-2002 09:41 PM ET (US)
I don't have the map overlay. That feature was not available when I purchased mine. However, you can configure and display windows of information from the GPS onto the radar display as well as GPS waypoints.
BillS
Louie Kokinis posted 10-16-2002 01:22 PM ET (US)
Another really neat system the new Raymarine unit offer is MARPA.
Unfortunately the older Raytheon units don’t have it, but they can be upgraded to include target tracking. I almost made the transition until I found out the feature also requires a 10 cycle/sec electronic compass to function properly it.
With all the equipment confined to a 3’ area on my boat, electronic compasses can’t calibrate properly:( It would however be a great addition for anyone that can accommodate a digital compass.
bsmotril posted 10-16-2002 02:37 PM ET (US)
I read an article somewhere about installing an autopilot that required an electronic fluxgate compass. Most such compasses have a separate sensor and display connected by cable. In the article, they mounted the sensor on the boats centerline, low, under the companionway steps. Having the sensor in a location that is the least influenced by wave induced motion is key, and keeps it away from other electronics that would cause false readings.
BillS
Louie Kokinis posted 10-16-2002 08:29 PM ET (US)
Bill:
Before I read your response I thought the only place to mount the sensor was below the front storage compartment (in the older outrage design). I think there may be some hope for the bottom of the leaning post :)
Has anyone attempted this install? If so, how does it work?
Sweetness posted 10-19-2002 03:43 PM ET (US)
I have a Simrad auto pilot and the fluxgate compass is mounted on the starbord side midship behind where the fire extinguisher is mounted on my Outrage. It is parallel to the centerline and mounted as low as possible. The setup of the unit allows to select the orintation of the compass so it does not have to point in the direction of the bow. This unit has worked perfect, the boat tracks straight when engaged. Connected to the navigation system thru the nema jack and have run many miles under auto pilot control. I dont know how I did without this unit. The location of this fluxgate has posed no problem with navigation of the unit as compaired to the boat compass.
The set up of the unit allows for adjustment of deaivation if necessary. I would think all units would have the same adjustments.
JoeyP posted 10-19-2002 08:20 PM ET (US)
IM4BC, what kind of whaler are you putting this big$$$ electronics stuff on. It must be one of the bigger Conquests. You will be able to navigate to the jetty and back blind folded.
What's that red over green buoy mean anyway?
Louie Kokinis posted 10-20-2002 07:04 PM ET (US)
Sweetness:
What equipment are you also running. Do you also have radar, gps, vhf and stereo speakers near the sensor (on the console)?

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Author	Topic: Raytheon VS Foruno
im4bc	posted 10-13-2002 01:15 PM ET (US) Looking to purchase a complete set of either brand. All color radar, color gps (with radar overlay) and color fishfinder. Any preferences with these companies?
InHerNet	posted 10-13-2002 05:44 PM ET (US) I have the Raytheon L760 color GPS/Fish Finder. I am very pleased with the unit. Easy to see in the daylight and can be adjusted for night. I like the split screen capability and large viewable area. When it was installed on my 23’ the factory electronic box on the console had to be removed and replaced with StarBoard to accommodate for the size. I decided on this installation over the overhead electronic box due to visibility and ease of reach. The electronics are attached via USB connection. I have not purchased the radar as of yet. I would be interested in knowing if you purchase the combo how you like either one. Don
Louie Kokinis	posted 10-13-2002 06:07 PM ET (US) I have Raytheon Radar, Garmin GPS, and Garmin Sounder installed on my boat. Both brands are very reliable, but I prefer the speed and detail of the Garmin GPS units.
tully_mars	posted 10-14-2002 12:14 PM ET (US) You really can't get the best of everything in any one brand. Raytheon has the best radar, Furuno second. Garmin has best GPS because they have many more features and are much more intuitive to use for the boat assistants. Fish finders are a toss up in my book, but I like the Furuno Color FCV600L. Tully Mars
thebone12	posted 10-14-2002 02:02 PM ET (US) I beg to differ, furuno has the best radar, I own both and like furuno better but raymarine is amazing though
tully_mars	posted 10-14-2002 02:25 PM ET (US) thebone12, Interesting. I have the Furuno MK2 2.2 kw radar and all the reviews I have read put Raytheon at the top because of the software that reassembles the echos, I forgot their coined phrase for it. That makes me feel better though. How does your Furuno radar do in the rain? Mine doesn't do so hot, but that was only once and it was really raining hard. Tully Mars
tully_mars	posted 10-14-2002 02:25 PM ET (US) thebone12, Interesting. I have the Furuno MK2 2.2 kw radar and all the reviews I have read put Raytheon at the top because of the software that reassembles the echos, I forgot their coined phrase for it. That makes me feel better though. How does your Furuno radar do in the rain? Mine doesn't do so hot, but that was only once and it was really raining hard. Tully Mars
Louie Kokinis	posted 10-14-2002 02:54 PM ET (US) Inhernet: I find it strange that Whaler has partnered up with Raytheon, yet the designers have yet to change the size of the electronics box to accommodate Raytheon units??? I wasn’t overly disappointed because my console is an older design, but I didn’t realize the newer models had the same problem :( Tully I agree that Garmin probably makes the best GPS units and I love my Ratheon Radar. I think Furuno makes a good product. Cost difference between the units (IMO) is negligible, so I bought what appeared to be the user-friendliest. But, larger boats I’ve seen have Furuno systems installed, so they must also be doing something right. Mine is mounted low and only has a usable range of 3 miles. Target separation is good even in heavy rain and fog, but I only get a mile in a real heavy downpour (fog is no problem at 3 miles).
thebone12	posted 10-14-2002 05:45 PM ET (US) I dont have the lcd, I have the 1832 crt 4.0 kw and it is Amazing! In the rain it is just as good, I have plyed with the rathyeon and only the open aray I have seen do I like.
bsmotril	posted 10-15-2002 09:22 AM ET (US) I have the Raytheon suite on my conquest with the older style Sea-Talk Bus. Reliability after five years has been perfect. I have had many opportunities to run other boats with the Furono Radar, and Raytheon beats it hands down in all conditions. The Raytheon will pick up Crab Trap bouys, or even the head of a swimmer in the water. The Furuno does not come close. At the 1/8 or 1/4 mile ranges, the Raytheon will discern a skier behind a boat, and the wakes of the boat. The Raytheon auto tune and clutter/rain controls are much easier to use and more effective. I think that the signal processing technology Raytheon brings over from their military radar applications make the big difference here. The thing I don't like about Raytheon is their GPS user interface. It is combersome, and the menus are not exactly intuitive. I agree with the other poster wh says that Garmin has a better GPS. Check out the pics on my web page to see how to mount the oversized Raytheon gear into a small electronic box.. http://home.austin.rr.com/smohome/new_conquest23.htm BillS
im4bc	posted 10-15-2002 11:45 AM ET (US) Bill s great set up on the transducer. Do you have the map overlay feature on your raytheon radar set up. It seems like a nice feature with way point tracking and target tracking. thx im4bc
bsmotril	posted 10-15-2002 09:41 PM ET (US) I don't have the map overlay. That feature was not available when I purchased mine. However, you can configure and display windows of information from the GPS onto the radar display as well as GPS waypoints. BillS
Louie Kokinis	posted 10-16-2002 01:22 PM ET (US) Another really neat system the new Raymarine unit offer is MARPA. Unfortunately the older Raytheon units don’t have it, but they can be upgraded to include target tracking. I almost made the transition until I found out the feature also requires a 10 cycle/sec electronic compass to function properly it. With all the equipment confined to a 3’ area on my boat, electronic compasses can’t calibrate properly:( It would however be a great addition for anyone that can accommodate a digital compass.
bsmotril	posted 10-16-2002 02:37 PM ET (US) I read an article somewhere about installing an autopilot that required an electronic fluxgate compass. Most such compasses have a separate sensor and display connected by cable. In the article, they mounted the sensor on the boats centerline, low, under the companionway steps. Having the sensor in a location that is the least influenced by wave induced motion is key, and keeps it away from other electronics that would cause false readings. BillS
Louie Kokinis	posted 10-16-2002 08:29 PM ET (US) Bill: Before I read your response I thought the only place to mount the sensor was below the front storage compartment (in the older outrage design). I think there may be some hope for the bottom of the leaning post :) Has anyone attempted this install? If so, how does it work?
Sweetness	posted 10-19-2002 03:43 PM ET (US) I have a Simrad auto pilot and the fluxgate compass is mounted on the starbord side midship behind where the fire extinguisher is mounted on my Outrage. It is parallel to the centerline and mounted as low as possible. The setup of the unit allows to select the orintation of the compass so it does not have to point in the direction of the bow. This unit has worked perfect, the boat tracks straight when engaged. Connected to the navigation system thru the nema jack and have run many miles under auto pilot control. I dont know how I did without this unit. The location of this fluxgate has posed no problem with navigation of the unit as compaired to the boat compass. The set up of the unit allows for adjustment of deaivation if necessary. I would think all units would have the same adjustments.
JoeyP	posted 10-19-2002 08:20 PM ET (US) IM4BC, what kind of whaler are you putting this big$$$ electronics stuff on. It must be one of the bigger Conquests. You will be able to navigate to the jetty and back blind folded. What's that red over green buoy mean anyway?
Louie Kokinis	posted 10-20-2002 07:04 PM ET (US) Sweetness: What equipment are you also running. Do you also have radar, gps, vhf and stereo speakers near the sensor (on the console)?