I have radar on my boat. Could i do without it 99% of the time, Yes. But that 1% it can really save your arse. Gps charts are not always perfect. it may say you are left of the buoy when in fact you are about to hit or a little to the right. When the radar is on there is no question. Especially helpful when running a channel at night you just follow the highway of buoys right down the gut. saves you from hitting lobster pots early in the morning or late at night. shows other boats so you don't hit them. Mine is about $1000 it is a JRC1000 probably the cheapest thing on the market but it has never let me down.
If you have the cash and the space and are going to be out a lot then put one on.
...Came full circle on this! I ditto YoAdrien and reiterate my 2 cents which is if you've got the money and the space to mount it radar is very valuable for the reasons stated. I was on a lake last weekend in dense fog and lost GPS...radar would have reduced my stress level demonstrably.
