Furuno 1731 Mark 3

[jdecris]

I'm looking at an older used Furuno 1731 Mark 3 System to purchase.

SELLERS DESCRIPTION
Furuno 1731 Mark-3 complete Radar unit.
Monochrome CRT 7 inch display and 24 inch Radome.
Removed carefully cleaned inspected in good working order.
Includes 10 meter cable with all plugs and new power cord.
Talking with folks at Furuno they mentioned this model continues to be a very reliable workhorse.

NAMEPLATE DATA
MARINE RADAR
Model 1731 Mark-3
Type RDP-099
Input 12-32 VDC
Serial No 3361-4578
FCC ID ADB9ZW1731M3

MARINE RADAR ANTENNA UNIT
Type RSB (or R5B)-0071
Serial No R076-7643
FCC ID ADB9ZWRTR058 (not 100% clear, hard to read)

Questions:

How old are the units?

Are parts and service currently available, and for how long might they be?

I currently have Garmin chart plotters, and could invest in a new 18" system for under $1500.

I could probably get this Furuno system for $500.

I realize there are lots of unknown variables, but based on the information provided by the seller - and your knowledge / experience with this particular system, is it worth / would you advise purchasing/installing/investing in?

Thanks, much appreciated.

Jim D

 

[Johnny Electron]

That unit sold from 1996 to 2007. It could be from to 25 to 14 years old.

 

[jdecris]

Yes - serial number indicates delivered to dealer in 2002
So 18 plus years old.

Also,

Total on Time - 1332 hours

Total Transmit Time - 982 hours

I am aware the manual states useful Time around 3000 hours.

So... buy - or walk away?

Thanks again.

 

[Johnny Electron]

A replacement magnetron would cost more than that. $500 for a working radar seems like a deal to me, but it isn't me buying it. Maybe you can get him to provide a no DOA warranty (no dead on arrival) just to cover your bases.