Whats in a good radar

[gameover]

thanks for the responses. These are the answers I was looking for.
I think the VX2 is a very reliable unit that will continue to be used for a while. It may not be todays latest but I feel that its tried and true. Not to mention very capable.

Thanks
Taylor

[Hard Core]

I have Furuno 4kW open array navnet2 system on my Parker 25, it is not about having more range, you are limited by height at that point (10 feet high to 10 feet high LOS is 8 miles). But, I can pick out birds up to 6 miles away, people with radomes don't see anything. The wider/broader beam is what gives the target resolution.

Worth the investment in my opinion, it's saved many a trip finding the birds...

Can't go wrong with Furuno.

[lsider]

I had the 4kw dome on a Navnet VX2 on my previous CC and now have the 4kw open array on a Navnet 3D on my current boat also a CC. Both radars were mounted about 9.5 ft above the water line.
The dome was good for general navigation but not for birds. The open array offers more definition. There is an unfair advantage between the two other than the beam width; the radar for the VX2 is analog and for the 3D is digital. The digital is very good.
There is a definite price difference between the two but in my case was either a 3.5 ft array due to space limitations or a dome so I chose the digital array to maximize performance.

In my opinion if spotting birds is your motive and the price is good a 6kw on a VX2 is a good choice.
The VX2 will be supported from Furuno for at least 3-4 more years until their contract with the coasties expires so no worries there.