Upgrading Electronics Package in Phases

[KnotConnected]

Hello again!

I've got a crappy, super old Garmin GPSMap 210 that likes to turn-off when I'm cruising. The plan is to replace it with a nice color chart plotter, but I'd eventually like to add Radar to the package down the line. Due to the expense (and the fact that honestly, I don't really NEED radar, it'd just be cool to have..) I'd like to install the GPS / Chartplotter screen now, but make sure it'll fit the radar dome down the line when i get around to purchasing it.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recomendations for units to start with?

Also, when i do get a radar setup, is there much more to it than bolting it in and wiring it up? Do they need to be calibrated / tuned?

 

[dingbat]

Garmin, Simrad and Lowrance are pretty much the only "bolt-on" suppliers of radar. Simrad equipment is nice, but I have a strong preference for Garmin when it comes to chart plotters.

There is more to it then just bolting it up. You''ll need to determine the running angle of your boat to get the proper mounting angle. Running cables and accommodating existing antennas, lights etc. is always a lot of fun.

Depends on what you mean by "setup". Radar, like sonar, is not something you just bolt on and put in auto mode. To get the best use out of it. You'll be "adjusting" and changing settings on a "per use" basis.