Furuno 1815 8.4 Color LCD RA Radar (19" 4kW Dome)
Quick take
The Furuno 1815 is a standalone marine radar built for pleasure craft, workboats, and small fishing boats that want an easy-to-use 8.4-inch color LCD display paired with a 19-inch 4 kW radome antenna. It’s designed to help you identify what’s around you faster, with Fast Target Tracking for up to 10 targets and visual modes meant to make moving targets easier to interpret. The main buying caveat is that it’s a radar system, so you will need to plan for installation and proper connectivity if you want the AIS expansion capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 8.4-inch color LCD screen for detailed radar viewing
- 4 kW transmitter output with a 19-inch radome antenna
- Fast Target Tracking supports manual or automatic tracking of up to 10 targets with speed and course vectors shown quickly
- Display customization options, including selectable display colors
Cons
- Buyer-review evidence is limited to a small number of comments, so broader real-world patterns are hard to confirm
- AIS target tracking depends on connecting with a compatible Furuno AIS setup
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for the Furuno 1815 is relatively limited, but the themes that do show up are consistent. Installability and day-to-day usability are highlighted, with buyers mentioning straightforward setup and that the system is comfortable to use after installation. The included completeness of the package is also a recurring positive point, suggesting it can be easier to get running without immediately needing extra add-ons. Performance feedback is generally positive as well, including confidence for offshore or longer-range conditions, though the evidence set is small.
Key features that matter on the water
8.4-inch color LCD display
An 8.4-inch color LCD is built into this package, with options to adjust how the radar image looks. If your visibility changes throughout the day, having selectable display colors can make a practical difference for readability.
4 kW radar power with a 19-inch radome
The system combines a 19-inch radome antenna with 4 kW transmitter output. For many small-boat radar buyers, the goal is a balance between capability and manageable hardware size, and this unit is positioned as a standalone radar package for that use case.
Fast target tracking for speed and course context
Fast Target Tracking (TT) is one of the standout functional features. It supports manual or automatic tracking for up to 10 targets, and after selecting a target, speed and course vectors are designed to appear within seconds. That matters when you are trying to decide quickly whether a contact is closing, steady, or moving away.
True Trail and True View style interpretation
The radar includes modes intended to make moving objects easier to interpret at a glance. True Trail is designed to show gradation of target trails behind moving objects. True View is designed to keep echoes consistent while your vessel is turning, so contacts can stay easier to follow without waiting for the display to “update” after a turn.
AIS expansion when paired with Furuno AIS
For buyers who want more than traditional radar returns, the unit is designed to work with Furuno AIS, enabling AIS target tracking on the screen. The system is described as able to track and display up to 100 AIS targets when connected to a Furuno AIS setup.
Pros and cons
Where the Furuno 1815 makes the most sense
- Small-boat radar buyers looking for a standalone color radar package with a radome antenna and a dedicated 8.4-inch display
- People who prioritize quick decisions, especially when interpreting approach and movement, thanks to Fast Target Tracking and speed/course vectors
- Users who want a radar that’s easier to read across conditions, supported by adjustable display colors and interpretive viewing modes
- Owners who plan to add AIS later, since AIS target display depends on connecting compatible Furuno AIS gear
Potential drawbacks and fit considerations
- Limited review evidence for deep comparisons: there are not enough detailed review themes to confidently predict performance nuances like day/night discrimination, clutter handling, or long-term reliability in every scenario.
- Compatibility planning for AIS: if AIS is part of your strategy, you’ll need to make sure you choose a compatible Furuno AIS setup and account for installation and connectivity.
Installation and setup notes to plan for
The system supports a gimbal mount that allows the display to swivel when desktop mounted. Overhead mounts are available for flexibility, and flush mounting is possible using a 5-inch hole saw. If you are retrofitting an existing helm, measure your mounting space and consider how the display will sit relative to your seating and line of sight.
Verdict: is it worth it?
The Furuno 1815 is a strong fit for small-boat owners who want an easy-to-use color LCD radar experience, with Fast Target Tracking designed to give speed and course context quickly for up to 10 tracked contacts. It also offers a clear path to AIS display when paired with a compatible Furuno AIS setup. If you need highly specific capabilities or want the most proven long-term performance across a wide set of scenarios, the available review evidence is limited, so you’ll want to compare feature-by-feature with your intended operating areas and install plan.
Compare options and check availability
If you’re deciding between radar systems in this size and power class, start by confirming current pricing and stock, then compare tracking features and install style.
FAQ
How many targets can the Furuno 1815 track?
The Fast Target Tracking function is designed to manually or automatically track up to 10 targets, and it shows speed and course vectors after a target is selected.
Does the furuno 1815 work with AIS?
Yes, when connected to a compatible Furuno AIS system, it is designed to track and display AIS targets on the radar screen (up to 100 AIS targets).
What size screen does the Furuno 1815 use?
It includes an 8.4-inch color LCD display.
What antenna size and power output are included?
It uses a 19-inch radome antenna with a 4 kW transmitter output.
Can the display be mounted multiple ways?
Yes. The display can be desktop mounted with a gimbal (swivel), overhead mounted, or flush mounted using a 5-inch hole saw.
Is this radar suitable for offshore use?
The radar is intended for vessels like pleasure craft, workboats, and small fishing boats, and buyer feedback mentions successful use in offshore conditions. As with any radar, real-world performance depends on installation, antenna placement, and local conditions.
Specifications
| Product Title | Furuno 1815 8.4 Color Lcd Ra Radar 19 4kw Dome |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Radar Systems |
| Brand | Furuno |
| Manufacturer | Furuno |
| Model Name | 1815 |
| Model Number | Furuno |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 18"L x 15"W x 8.4"H |
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Boat |
| Screen Size | 8.4 Inches |
| Additional Features | Fast Target Tracking |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Human-Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Compatible Devices | Pleasure craft, workboats, and small fishing boats |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 18"L x 15"W x 8.4"H |
| Model Year | 1995 |
| UPC | 611679369840 |
| Mfr Part Number | 1815 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Vehicle Service Type | Boat |
| Special Feature | Fast Target Tracking |
| Year | 1995 |
| Human Interface Input | Touchscreen |
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