www.iFourWinns.com

I bought a Garmin radar dome when I was at the N.E. Boat Show. The cable that runs from the dome to the head is nothing other than water tight cat5 cable. Both ends are factory sealed and made up. The connector is close to a 1/2" in size. So because of that, the kit comes with a RJ45 connector. In other words, cut the connector OFF, run the cable that is more like 3/16th in size and than put the connector back on.

My question is, has anyone done this?? Has the connection held up as to rust/corrosion? I hate the idea of cutting off a factory made connector!

I had the same concern when installing my dome a few seasons back. I am in Long Island Sound (salt water). I cut the connector to run the cable through the arch. I have had no issues with corrosion at all. Good luck with the install.

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2008 V338
Twin Volvo Penta 320hp DP

2002 268 Vista
1987 225 Sundowner
1986 170 Horizon
1975 Steury V415SS

One thing I would do is see if putting some sort of dielectric grease on the connection is safe/appropriate and also make sure you use shrink wrap on the new connection.

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Thank you, both!!

Yes, I was going with the dielectric grease, along with a little silicone, and heat shirk tubing. Oh yes, and a prayer. I called Garmin, he said "Its done all the time."

I installed it last weekend. I did cut the connector on the dome side and added the new connector. It is a RJ-45 crimp on with cat 5 or 6 cable. When I first turned on the GPS, the radar icon was not there. To find the factory connector on the GPS side was loose. I re-crimped that.

Now on a good day I will have to try it out. So when the fog rolls in, I will know what I am looking at. I think??

It will show other boats, birds, your wake, land, buoys, sometimes rain/storms, etc. At first you'll be like I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING THIS THING SUCKS but after reading the books, reading the net, and just messing with it getting to know what the shapes are and what settings to use in what conditions... you'll be a radar pro in no time.

There's some good forum posts about the Garmin and screen shots like this one to give you a jump start.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-elec ... -dome.html

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Thank you, that was some nice screen shoots!!

There is a "clutter" setting. For flat to rough seas. As for rain & storms, it will differently pick them up! Thats one of the reasons I want it. I will be able to see were the storm/rain is coming from. You can overlay the map and the radar screens too.

Whats funny too, the pic of the boat in the upper right is looks almost like my boat. Minis one antenna.

Ric, that link is nice with the pics. BUT have you read the other postings from that site?? They are bad with each other and name callings!