Choosing the right radar unit

Wait.

You just mentioned radar but not the plotter and all the other equipment. Being "fairly old" doesn't tell us a whole lot. But if what it has is in working condition then I'd suggest working with it a little and then figuring out what you feel is appropriate long term. That's why I say "wait." Now if it's not functioning that's a different story.

Your survey should include information on all the electronics, their condition, and their usefulness today. It should include recommendations on what needs to be replaced or upgraded.

I would also suggest some training, ideally on your new boat by an experienced captain, who can educate you on your equipment. While doing so he can point out what he considers deficiencies in your electronics.

Being based in New England a radar is indeed critical because of frequent thick fog.

Furuno is pretty much the standard in radar but pretty old is pretty vague... If it s an old CRT model then indeed upgrading maybe a good idea... If it s more recent color LCD, it may be all you need. I am using a 12 year old furuno which is perfect.

One feature which I find absolutely critical in any radar is Trail. This shows you the trails left by echos over the last few minutes giving you an instant big picture of where other boats are coming from, a rough idea of their speed and show any change of course right away. I ve run many times in the southern New England pea soup with that 12 year old furuno Navnet and the trails really made it easier.

The old CRT radars actually give a better picture as to the shape to the vessel and such on the screen, LCD's pixels don't allow as much definition as CRT. If the radar you have is functioning properly, it may be wise to keep it. New radar's do have advancement in other area's over the old units such as showing ARPA data and stuff. Without knowing the model of what you have, it's hard to advise you. I prefer the Furuno equipment and my second choice on a boat your size would be Garmin. If you're not tech savvy Garmins menu's are a bit easier to learn/navigate through than the Furuno's. But if you're replacing the radar and the other electronics are old, I'd recommend a multi-function unit with chartplotter and fishfinder functions and 2 screens per helm area if possible, or at least on the FB.

It sounds like you have an 18xx or 19xx series Furuno radar. It is an open or closed array? Closed would be an 18xx series, open would be a 19xx series. Most all Furuno equipment is bench serviceable. I find Furuno radars to be excellent.

Regarding an open vs closed array. An open array will be better, the bigger the antenna, the narrower the beam width, the better the target discrimination. Not to say that a closed array won't do the job. Rule of thumb, biggest antenna you can afford. But at least the 18" dome preferably a 4ft array, ideally a 6ft. Dreamy an FAR21xx.

It sounds as though that may be a 10kw FR8111 which is an excellent commercial radar. It the antenna white or does it have a blue face? White it is very likely the above. 12" screen? trackball? The 19series were 64 mile. The 8000 series 72 mile. Remember you are not going to see surface targets that far away, just weather.

https://www.furunousa.com/ProductDocuments/FR8051%208111%208251%20Operator%27s%20Manual%20G3%20%205-7-05.pdf operators manual

If it ain't broken, don't fix it

It s always a good idea to spend some time using the boat and stuff before jumping into spending thousands of dollars On upgrades you may or may not need.

Personally I m not a big fan of overly integrating electronics especially on boats like yours where you have plenty of helm space. I like the redundancy of keeping things separate, especially depth finder. No benefit in having it integrated on your plotter.

Using th boat for a while may also make you realize that you may end up spending a lot more time driving from the lower helm or from the upper helm... Meaning you may not need dual displays at both helms.

I ve seen too me any owners jump in and spend $10k+ on fancy electronic package they never use...

I just made that mistake: Replaced the 2008 NavNet on my NORDHAVN 43 with a 12 inch TZ Touch 2 on the flybridge, a 15 inch in the pilot house, as well as a solid state radar. Found out after the fact that Furuno no longer supports Navionics in the US. You are stuck with C Map if you want to use Furuno in the US. Pulling everything off during the Fall yard period. Expensive mistake.!!

Another reason I hate this product is the fact Furuno has taken the auto course up heading option away. You now have to use North up or the screen moves around. Lastly the iPad app isn't ready. I feel very misled

What's wrong with C map products?

Maybe only that I prefer Navionics. I don't like the fact Furuno advertises that Navionics is compatible, when they are not in the US

Anyone have any creative thoughts for the disposal of this Furuno equipment. I am considering a Viking funeral during FLIBS, or Newport Boat Show?

I've been building up a mini reef at Great Sail Kay.