Furuno 1623 LCD Radar: A Compact Yet Powerful Marine Navigation Tool

Furuno 1623 LCD Radar: A Compact Yet Powerful Marine Navigation Tool

Introduction

When navigating coastal waters, harbors, or tight passages, having a radar that is compact, reliable, and accurate can make all the difference. The Furuno 1623 LCD Radar offers a balance of performance and size, making it a solid choice for small pleasure craft and light fishing vessels.

Originally introduced by Furuno, this radar system has a 2.2 kW transmitter, a 15″ radome, and a 6″ monochrome LCD display. While it is no longer a current model in all markets, its features and legacy make it worth understanding—especially for those maintaining or upgrading small marine navigation setups. Mackay Communications+3Furunousa+3Furuno+3

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Key Specifications & Technical Highlights

Notable Features

• Multiple modes — Normal, Off-center, Zoom, and Watchman modes let you adapt to different navigational scenarios. Furunousa+2Furuno+2

• Watchman Mode — In this mode, the radar’s antenna is stopped and transmission disabled; only navigation data remains displayed. At preset intervals (e.g. 5, 10, or 20 minutes), the radar “wakes up” and scans for targets. If a target enters the “Guard Zone,” an alarm triggers and normal scanning resumes. Furunousa+2Furuno+2

• Reverse Video Display — Allows switching to a mode where targets appear white against a black background, which can help reduce eye strain at night. Furuno+2Furuno+2

• Zoom Window & Off-Center Shift — Useful for focusing on a particular region while still maintaining situational awareness. Furuno+1

• Echo Trail & Guard Zone Alarm — Echo trails (with selectable intervals) help track motion of nearby vessels; Guard Zone alarm adds another layer of situational safety. Furuno+2Furunousa+2

• Automatic and manual gain / tuning / clutter controls — Helps in optimizing the response in different sea / weather conditions. Mackay Communications+3Furuno+3Furuno+3

• Waypoint “lollipop” display — If connected with a compatible GPS or chartplotter, the radar display can show your waypoints overlaid. Furunousa+2Furuno+2

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Performance & Real-World Evaluations

In tests of entry-level LCD radars, the Furuno 1623 stood out for having among the best target resolution in its class. Practical Sailor+1 Because its antenna rotation speed varies depending on the range scale (faster at closer ranges), it improves short-range detection—crucial for collision avoidance. Practical Sailor+2Furuno+2

One review noted that, compared to a sibling model (1623’s counterpart like 1712), the 1623 performed slightly better in resolution and consistency of returns. Practical Sailor

These real-world observations tend to match the design intent built into the radar’s variable rotation speeds and optimized pulse settings for different ranges. Furuno+2Furuno+2

However, as with any marine radar, performance depends heavily on correct installation (mounting height, alignment, cabling), proper tuning, and adjustment to environmental conditions (sea clutter, rain, interference). Furunousa+3Practical Sailor+3Furuno+3

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Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

• Compact & lightweight design — suitable for smaller vessels (17 ft and up) without compromising too much on radar capability. Furunousa+2Furuno+2

• High contrast display — easy to read even in bright sunlight. Furuno+1

• Energy efficiency — low draw in standby/Watchman mode helps preserve shipboard power. Furuno+2Furuno+2

• Feature-rich for its class — including Guard Zone, echo trail, reverse mode, zoom, etc.

• Proven track record — many owners still use them reliably, and detailed documentation and parts support exist.

Limitations / Considerations

• Monochrome display — lacks the color discrimination of modern color radar systems

• Not actively offered in all regions — in some markets it has been discontinued or superseded. The Furuno USA site notes that the 1623 is “No Longer Available.” Furunousa

• Limited range — 16 nm is adequate for many coastal applications but insufficient for long-range ocean navigation

• Sold as a complete system with cabling and components — replacing parts or extending signal cable lengths may require extra planning (e.g. timing correction). Furunousa+1

• Installation sensitivity — improper placement, cabling, or alignment may degrade performance significantly

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Installation Tips & Best Practices

1. Mount height & clearance

   • The radome should be mounted as high as practical to reduce obstructions and maximize horizon detection.

   • Avoid placing it near structures or metal obstructions that may block or distort radar signals.

2. Cable length & signal timing

   • The standard signal cable lengths are 10, 15, 20, or 30 m (longer runs may require timing adjustment) Furuno+1

   • If you deviate from standard cable lengths, you may need to correct for timing offsets so short-range targets do not appear distorted. Practical Sailor+2Furuno+2

3. Proper bearing alignment & tuning

   • Calibrate bearing so that displayed targets align with the actual heading of the vessel.

   • Use auto tuning where available; manual tuning may be needed in marginal conditions.

4. Optimize clutter filters & gain

   • Use sea clutter (STC) and rain clutter (FTC) adjustments to reduce unwanted echoes in rough seas or precipitation.

   • Adjust gain carefully—too much gain worsens noise; too little may erase weak echoes.

5. Guard Zone & Watchman setup

   • Define guard zones appropriate for your vessel’s maneuvering area.

   • Use Watchman mode to conserve power while keeping alert for intrusions into your guard zone during low-activity periods.

6. Integration with GPS / NMEA systems

   • If you have a GPS or chartplotter, wire the radar for NMEA communication to overlay waypoints (the “lollipop” marks) onto the radar screen. Furuno+2Furunousa+2

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Use Cases & Ideal Applications

The Furuno 1623 is best suited for:

• Coastal cruising & inshore navigation

• Small to medium recreational vessels

• Fishing boats requiring radar for collision avoidance

• Backup radar / auxiliary radar when budget or size constraints exist

For larger vessels, or those needing long-range detection and color radar features, more modern or higher-power units may be preferable.

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Conclusion

The Furuno 1623 LCD Radar strikes a compelling balance between compactness and radar capability. While it does not compete with high-end, full-color systems or long-range marine radars, it remains a capable tool for smaller vessels navigating coastal waters. Its feature set—such as guard zones, echo trails, variable antenna rotation speeds, reverse display mode, and efficient power consumption—makes it a practical choice, especially when properly installed and tuned.

If you maintain or sell marine navigation gear on fourtoolz.com, an article like this (with updated pricing, local supplier info, photos, or even user testimonials in your region) could help prospective buyers understand whether the 1623 is the right fit for their vessel.

If you like, I can also prepare a shorter product-summary version or a buyer’s guide comparing 1623 with modern alternatives. Do you want me to do that?