Radar is a collision avoidance navigation aid. That is the ability to detect other vessels or obstructions at night or in cases of reduced visibility. Other uses of marine radar systems include tracking of weather relative to your boat's position, position fixing, locating a harbor or channel entrance at night or in fog and even detection of birds at sea to determine where schools of fish are located.

2. What size radar do I need?

Screen size and power level of antenna transmitter are the primary consideration. Open array antennas will give higher resolution pictures over radome antennas at a higher cost. A radar for a 30 foot open fishing boat might be a 7" CRT display with a compact 3 or 4 kw radome antenna.. A radar for a 45 foot sportfishing boat might be a 10" CRT display with a 4 or 6 kw 4' open array antenna.. Larger sportfishing boats may look to a 12" CRT display with a 10 kw 6' open array antenna for detection of birds.

3. What type of GPS system should I consider?

Handheld GPS systems are available for as little as $200.00-HOWEVER these small units are better suited for use as a backup system or for small boats where a fixed installation is not possible. Handheld units require a backup supply of extra batteries and may not be a good resource for interface connections to peripheral equipment such as chartplotters or automatic pilots. Reception of Differential correction signals is not practical. Extended systems offer DGPS for accuracy to less than 10 feet. Some systems such as the NORTHSTAR 951XD offer a built in differential receiver as well as chartplotting and even tide tracking. Other systems such as the FURUNO GP-1810F offer a combination chartplotter as well as 500 watt dual frequency fishfinder. An optional differential receiver is also available. This large screen unit may be operated in a split screen mode showing the boat's position on a chart and at the same time the fishfinder.

4. Do I need a Differential (DGPS) type system?

Differential systems are a consideration where 300 foot accuracy is not good enough. Entering a narrow channel at night, saving events such as a fish haven or diving a wreck almost requires 10 foot accuracy to precisely locate your vessel.

5. What type of chartplotter software media do I need?

There are two major types of electronic cartography (vector cartography) .

C-MAP & NAVIONICS

• C-MAP is producing CF85 charts to support earlier version chartplotters.
• C-MAP is producing CF95 charts to support all current chartplotters.
• C-MAP supports Cetrek, Datamarine and Raytheon as well as other manufacturers.

  

• NAVIONICS is producing charts to standards of both earlier and current chartplotters.
• NAVIONICS is producing a scale of 4 sizes of memory capacity ranging 2 to 32 mb. MARKER 1 is a programming station for Navionics allowing a custom order of chart areas or reprogramming updated chart areas at any time.
• NAVIONICS supports B&G, Furuno and Northstar as well as other manufacturers.

• CD-ROM offers actual NOAA and other standards in full color detail.
• CD-ROM is the best value in multiple chart kits at higher detail and can be used in personal computers or dedicated navigation systems such as the new NORTHSTAR 961XD.
• CD-ROMs are manufactured by BSB Chartkit, Maptech as well as other manufacturers.

6. Why should I consider an automatic pilot?

An automatic pilot (autopilot) is like having a having a second mate to steer your vessel while underway. A variety of systems are available to accommodate almost any steering system. Most current systems are hydraulic pump driven. These are installed in a parallel tee configuration to an existing steering system. Other configurations include rotary, electric linear and hydraulic linear for direct connection to rudders. Qualifying the correct size and type of autopilot is extremely important. Years of installation experience has proven that a properly qualified system along with a professional installation will make the difference good performance in all sea conditions. Marker 1 professionals can help you with this selection and expert installation.

7. Why should I consider interfacing my autopilot to a gps or other navigational aid?