|
Post by 30abob on Aug 10, 2018 14:07:32 GMT -5
Attachment DeletedAll, I stopped by the shop yesterday to check on the install of radar and autopilot. Boat was way disassembled but supposed to be ready Monday or Tuesday for commissioning. I'm excited about trips further offshore but welcome any advice or guidance on how to get the most from this set up. Garmin 1242 xsv chartplotter, Garmin Fantom 24 HD radar and Garmin Reactor 40 autopilot. Bob
|
|
|
Post by outtadblue on Aug 10, 2018 14:18:55 GMT -5
This is a little newer radar and auto pilot than I'm used to, but should work about the same. My suggestion is to spend a day just trying and playing with it. Play with the gain on the radar. This is the one tool that you need to have figured out befor you actually need it. It's different for running at night vs running in rain. You will have to adjust the gain to really dial it in. Just play with it.
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Aug 10, 2018 16:10:54 GMT -5
Agree
Radar will take time to learn and even more time to really maximize its potential. Mess around with it, a lot. Use it in the day, get use to the types of returns you are seeing when you can actually see the objects with your eyes. I run my radar day or night, very comfortable with it and alternating the settings for conditions. Garmin radars are actually pretty nicely tuned out of the box when gain, noise rejection etc are set to AUTO. However, you never really maximize the radars potential in AUTO but it's good enough to run around in while you get used to it.
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Aug 10, 2018 17:21:43 GMT -5
Important to check out the Autopilot. I suggest you first check it at lower speeds with winds/waves about 30 to 60 degrees off the bow. Make sure it holds a reasonable line. Then slowly increase speeds up to cruising. Make sure it doesn't 'crazy Ivan' on you and be ready in case it does. On my previous boat the Raymarine AP was great until conditions (cruising and above, with 20k winds and 3 foot waves about 30+ degrees off the bow). Totally unreliable at that point and unsafe. If I slowed down it still did sharp turns, but due to the lower speed they weren't dangerous.
I was going to get a Garmin to match the chartplotter, but I only used the the combination a couple of times on my previous boat and with the Simrad it means clicking on one additional entry if I want to use them together. Your Garmin should be fine, but be sure to check it under various conditions before trusting it. I only leave the console at low speeds and I always keep an eye out for other boats and stay close to the console (usually I'm rigging lines for trolling when on AP and I'm not in the seat).
|
|
|
Post by Team Ruby on Aug 10, 2018 17:22:35 GMT -5
It's looking good. Ready by Tuesday eh, sounds like you're in for a long weekend. The time just won't pass quick enough.
|
|
|
Post by finatic on Aug 10, 2018 17:51:23 GMT -5
Thanks for the post I'll be setting mine up next week and learning the same way you will be
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Aug 10, 2018 19:10:22 GMT -5
Thanks for the post I'll be setting mine up next week and learning the same way you will be Yours comes with free lessons. Lol
|
|
|
Post by Team Ruby on Aug 10, 2018 19:15:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the post I'll be setting mine up next week and learning the same way you will be Yours comes with free lessons. Lol Yep, The School of Hard Knocks, been there too!
|
|
|
Post by 30abob on Aug 11, 2018 10:52:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the great guidance! I'll update once I have it. You're right about the long weekend...my sweet wife is already planning to keep me busy.
|
|
|
Post by finatic on Aug 11, 2018 15:09:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the post I'll be setting mine up next week and learning the same way you will be Yours comes with free lessons. Lol Boy the hits keep coming, this is like the radio's top 40s ,,,,lol
|
|
|
Post by jtoys on Aug 18, 2018 9:45:43 GMT -5
Looks good on the boat Bob, I don't have auto pilot but I do have the radar. Like the other said, you really have to spend time getting used to it and dialing it in, everyones preference is different. Kinda like how bright you like the dash lights on your car at night! You also might want to consider increasing the height of your stern light now. I bought the same exactly light but in the 36" model. Its a very easy replacement.
|
|
|
Post by jski59 on Aug 20, 2018 10:02:57 GMT -5
Autopilot = greatest invention of all time.
But seriously, I'll never have another offshore boat without it. We regularly run 40+ miles and I feel it's actually safer running on autopilot...lets me scan the horizon for any obstacles and I'm way less tired at the end of a long fishing day.
|
|