I spent a lot of time shopping for radar a few months ago. I was on a budget
and looked at JRC, Furuno and Raytheon. They each had three low priced
models and the specifications were almost identical. I went with Furuno's
1622 because the LCD was smaller than the comparably priced CRT JRC model.
I have a wakeboard tower on my 19' bowrider - serves double duty as a radar
arch. Several mounts are available including a pipe/pole so radar can be
mounted on almost any style boat.
The wiring is simple: one cable for power and one for display.
You're right about GPS - it's great to know where you're going.
Add radar and you'll know what's around you.

"Wheres the sun?" wrote in message
news:fiJ4b.322150$o%2.146075@sccrnsc02...
I own a 24' Chapparal Signature Series cruiser and enjoy weekend trips
from
Boston down the coast to Cape Cod.

A few weeks ago I found myself caught in the worst fog I have ever
encountered, right down to the water, I could barely make out my pulpit.
Thank god for my Garmin 232 GPS to make it home. My fingernails were dug
deeply into the steering wheel as we continously listened to the Harbor
Cruise ships' horns alerting us of their presence, we finally made it back
in one piece.

Can someone recommend a decent radar system for my boat. I do not have an
arch so installation tips would be appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance!