SL72 Plus Radar Unit

[Paul Blumenfeld]

I'm looking at getting some radar to avoid the tankers in the shipping channel and when in the fog. If for a few more $$ the unit can also integrate with an old GPS unit,(Garmin 128), to provide location and waypoint information that would be great. I know the new C-Series stuff is great but more $$ than I currently need to spend. Does anyone have experience with the Raymarine SL72 Plus radar unit?  I'm trying to determine the differences and advantages of the SL72 Plus, SL72RC Plus, vs. the new C-series.

[John Langford]

I had a basic Raymarine SL72 on my previous boat. It was a good unit, easy to use and reliable. My only complaint is that it was difficult to read in the light. I now have a much cheaper JRC 1500MkII (cost less than $1000US) and it is a terrific basic unit with excellent visibility in sunlight and "foglight". It is installed on my Edson pedestal guard. I haven't done it, but I believe that it can easily be made to talk to a Garmin GPS using NMEA protocols.

Cheers,
John