Scotty":21oph8zm said:
Can somebody please explain the MARPA feature of the C80 system? Is a big deal not to get this feature with the Raymarine system? Thanks.
Scott
Hi everyone,
I'll wade in here with the caveat that there's no "one" solution for every boat (or her crew).
The first problem with radar is that it puts you (as the captain) in a different legal position than without it; you're required to use it if it's on board (in reduced visibility) and to avoid collisions with it (even if the other vessel is "at fault"); which leads to the second problem...most of us don't get enough "screen time" to really stay good at interpreting the radar screen and corelating what we see there with our charts, and simultaneously figure out the "threat" level.
In my opinion, the best argument for the newer integrated systems is the ability of the radar to overlay the chart...this is not even close to being a gimmick and almost instantly gives folks that don't spend much time on a radar screen a better-than-good chance of figuring out what's really on the screen. In inland waters (like Puget Sound, Chesapeake Bay, Florida Keys, etc) and coastal waters, well over 90% of what's on the radar screen are fixed objects...shoreline, piers, markers, buoys, etc. Since the fixed objects are instantly identified with the radar overlay that only leaves the operator working with the 'targets' that are not associated with something on the chart.
MARPA (and ARPA) up the ante with the ability to fix a target (up to 10 typically) and compute that target's course, speed, closet point of approach, and time to closest point of approach. But the thing I feel is most outstanding about that is that the system (at least the Raymarine) draws
on the screen a course vector. Without even looking at the MARPA data or puzzling over the target on the screen you see immediately (and with no further analysis) whether or not there is a potential collision. Now, with the vector on the screen just because a target is in the upper right quadrant of your radar screen you don't have to freak out trying to figure out whether or not to give way (not even a concern if the vector is pointing away from your vessel). And since MARPA (ARPA) gives you a target's speed you can tell wether you're dealing with a slow trawler or a fast moving threat. Safety parameters can also be set on the MARPA system so if you get busy with other things and aren't watching closely enough the system will alarm when the target is deemed "dangerous" (based on your parameters).
On a large ship all the activities get spread out; someone is steering, another is plotting a course, another is watching the radar, another is listening, yet another is commanding. On our boats all those activities and responsiblities are heaped onto the person in the helm seat. Integrated systems are the best way I know of to even the odds and reduce the stress level to a management situation rather than pure stress. That's not to say you can't use the "old-fashioned" ways of doing things and that they are no longer viable...they certainly are. But to operate safely, efficiently and without stress with older systems it takes the time and dedication to learn and practice; time that I believe few (percentage-wise) folks that aren't professional skippers put in.
Since I strongly believe in "safety first" and that pleasure boats are for fun and being stressed-out and scared is not fun (YMMV), it is my opinion that if you're going to add radar to your small boat and you're not already an expert radar operator (and aren't going to take the training to become one) there is nothing better you can do for yourself and your crew than to install an integrated system in your boat. [That doesn't necessarily mean depth but certainly the chart and radar.] This is easier on a brand-new boat certainly and those with boats already will have to look at their individual circumstances and use and assess whether or not an upgrade is in order.
I've never made money selling electronics and probably never will; my recommendations are always based on safety aspects (because I've "been there, done that") and on finding ways to maximize the use of one's boat. You'll use your boat more, and use it with more confidence, if you know you can leave and get home safely.
Harware is hardware...it doesn't make any difference whether you choose Raymarine, Furuno, Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance or others; whatever system you choose there are thousands of folks using and enjoying it. As in all electronics we hit "leap-frog" points where one manufacturer brings out something that 'leaps' ahead of the others for a short period. Raymarine did this with the "C" series this last year. The Furuno NavNet system is just as good but is more expensive (I've heard rumors of a price drop). Garmin is outstanding, they just haven't had the radar part of the puzzle until now; the pricing on their 2kw dome seems to be very high (several hundred dollars more than Raymarine) but the 4kw dome is pretty competitive. With the new 3000-series displays that ought to be a very good system indeed.
We've concentrated on the Raymarine system because they did get the 'leap' this last year and they also offer autopilots and VHF radios. We can install a "complete" system utilizing the C-80 and the autopilot less expensively then choosing other systems at the moment and the 8.4" color screen seems to fit well with our installations. I have no (zero, nada, zip) reservations about installing other systems (Furuno, Simrad, Garmin) and would happily use any of them for my self.
Really, the "which is better" question is moot...they're all superb and you can't make a bad choice. Most important is something you have to check out in person; what's the screen look like and can you see it? Can you press the buttons or are they too recessed or too close together? Will if fit where you want it to? Can you get a chart chip (or CD) for your area? As much as I like Lowrance depth sounders and their new compact chartplotters combo units I couldn't have one on my boat; I can't see the screen which makes it pretty useless. This is a
totally personal and subjective matter and I would never recommend against them; only point out that the individual buyer should get themselves in front of a display to make sure it works for them.
As usual, this is longer than I intended! :embarrased
