Luc,
The Furuno radars are as good, if not better than all the others, but the
point you are missing is performance. You have stated that you need a radar.
Here there are two things that outweigh all the others. The first is array
size. Target descrimination is everything. The small scanners spread their
power across a beam width of 3 to 4 degrees. A 6 ft open array has a beam
width of 1.2 to 1.8 degrees. This effectively doubles the power delivered to
a target. The weight difference is only 10 to 15 lbs. Since range is NOT as
important as close in targets mounting the radar aft outside of the sail
plan, extra size and weight is of no consequence. Add to that more power and
you have a radar that truly discriminates one target type from another. So,
the rule is bigger and more powerful is better. If you have the electric
power and the room , use it.
Steve

"luc" wrote in message
ups.com...
I read in Practical Sailor about radar, and their reccomendations were
the Furuno 1715 (? I think), and not rated as good was the 1623. I
have a race boat, and want a radar, but as small and light as possible.
While sailing aboard Derek Baylis, a Wylie Cat 65 this past weekend, I
asked the captain what he thought of the 1623, since that is what was
on board. He answered that it was the worst piece of junk for a radar
he's ever seen, and he has much experience. Here I was ready to buy
one, but now not so sure about the 1623.

A few questions. Is there another small radar that is good? Is the
quality of the radar directly related to the size of the radome? What
are the pros and cons of locating a radar on short mast aft, as many
cruisers have, or on the main mast of a sloop?

thanks for any help,

Luc