Travel and Leisure

The open sea, a bastion of freedom romanticized since the Greeks. A place of danger, wrought with Sirens that lured sailors to their death and the resting place of dreams. Expansive in the human mind, the ocean stretches out separating continents and their inhabitants. But these once held beliefs are cast away as myths and superstitions. There are no mermaids tending gardens on the sea floor. 

Human beings are great explorers, priding ourselves on discovery. We sailed the oceans, traversed the depths of jungles and crossed deserts; charting the routes we took, destroying mystery but gaining explicit knowledge. But that doesn't mean the ocean is beyond our eye. No, we still travel it for leisure and livelihood. People still want crabs and lobsters, others want to sail the open waters and some still find pleasure in sport fishing. Today, sailors and boating enthusiasts are no longer dependent on the stars for navigation like our forefathers. Through innovation, radars have been created to not only find fish, but locate the movement of currents and a boat's position in the sea relative to land and other vessels.

Furuno radar systems are trusted by fisherman and casual boaters alike. Creating the first commercialized fish finder in 1948, Furuno has been the leading innovator of radar equipment since. In 1965 they created the Net Recorder, in the early eighties they developed the first videoplotter/current indicator and most recently, in 2001, invented the revolutionary NavNet radar system. These inventions have helped sailors across the globe reach home safely and chart the open waters for the perfect catch. For 30 consecutive years Furuno has won the coveted NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) award for their outstanding radar equipment. 

When choosing a radar system, vessel size and type must be taken into consideration. For smaller boats a NavNet type radar is not necessary. That doesn't mean it isn't possible, but they do cost three times as much as a base model, Furuno 1623 or 1715. The 1623 and 1715 (includes Watchman mode and a 7" LCD screen) are quality radars for beginners and weekend boaters. They both have built in fish finders and GPS systems. 

If you're operating a 50' plus sailboat, sport fishing boat or yacht a NavNet radar is highly recommended. These systems combine GPS and WAAS tracking programs. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) uses a series of satellites to correct inconsistencies in GPS, including ionosphere disturbances, timing and satellite orbit errors. Comparatively, GPS is accurate to within 15 meters versus WAAS accuracy within 3 meters. A radar boasting these two tracking systems sets the NavNet apart. Including 3D map rendering, a fish finder and an option to sync the vessel's motor and operations directly to the radar, makes it an unbeatable system to have installed in your boat. 

The open seas are freedom, mystery and wonder. For thousands of years it has captured the hearts of people. But we no longer have to worry about becoming lost in a sudden onslaught of fog or going wayward because the stars vanished from sight. With the invention of radars and the constant improvements of their abilities, taking to the high seas has never been easier or safer.