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Ranking the Best Marine Radar Systems of 2024

Raymarine RD418HD HD Color Radome

Raymarine Quantum 2

Furuno Defender

Marine radar used to be a pipe dream for most boaters. A cool sounding gadget, but totally impractical. How could any regular boater use it? Why would they ever want to? It was for commercial freighters and ocean liners. But you can’t stop progress. These days marine radar has come home. There are plenty of small, portable, affordable units.

Radar is one of the greatest inventions ever in terms of boat safety. Navigating in rough seas and fog was far more treacherous before it came along. Now, with radar, a clear path can always be found. Unseen obstacles and oncoming vessels need not be a danger or a surprise.

If you’re a serious boater, you want to have the best marine radar you can get. But what makes for the best marine radar? Let’s take a look at some of the best marine radars on the market. Then we’ll go over what features you need, and why you need them.

With a range of 48 nautical miles, the Raymarine Color Radome operates on 4 kW of power. This kind of radome antenna operates on plug and play technology. It’s easily compatible with a lot of other hardware. Compared to the typical 24 nautical miles, this has a great range.

The Raymarine color radome scanner features an adaptive digital receiver. That means you’re going to have a clear picture no matter what. It easily adjusts to changing weather and sea conditions. It also takes environmental changes into effect quickly and easily as well.

The multi-level target display operates in 256 colors. It even features a bird mode. That means it can detect a flock of birds at a distance. Why is that important? It can show you where a school of fish is that the birds are feeding off of. That can save a lot of time hunting down fish . Just let the gulls and pelicans do it for you.

Dual range mode lets you scan near and far simultaneously. At 21 pounds, it’s not an overly huge unit, either. That means this is ideal for a smaller boat. It features everything you want in a compact shell. It won’t stand out and look awkward on your boat, either.

For the features and the price, Raymarine has hit it out of the park with this marine radar.

$2,272.68 Amazon  →

The Raymarine Quantum marine radar is definitely at the head of the class. It will set you back more than the RD418HD but it’s worth it. It features CHIRP pulse compression and Doppler collision avoidance. Raymarine’s advanced tech can instantly highlight moving radar contacts. Once it does, it can color code them for easy tracking at a glance. It will tell you if they’re coming towards you or moving away.

In high-traffic areas, Raymarine’s Quantum takes a lot of guesswork out of navigating. A quick glance can let you know what’s a potential danger. At the same time, it shows you what’s moving away.

Raymarine’s Quantum also features MARPA tracking. This is used by the U.S Coast Guard. It keeps an eye on dangerous targets. That way you can avoid collisions.

Additional features include TrueTrails target history. This can show you the path other vessels have taken. The CHIRP pulse compression can show you anything even in the thickest fog. And it can identify it as close as 18 feet away.

It has a 24 nautical mile range for traffic detection and immediate awareness. That means it’s on and ready instantly.

Installation is easy and the unit is lightweight. Raymarine boasts it’s actually 50% lighter than similar units. All in all, if you want one of the best marine radars and price is no obstacle, give this a try.

• Buy on Amazon   →
• Buy on Walmart   →

With some marine radars costing over $5000, the Furuno Defender is a welcome change. At a fraction of the price, it still offers reliable functionality. The price is definitely not the only bright spot here. For people who don’t want to get too complicated with technology, this is a breath of fresh air. The Furuno Defender can be hooked up to a smartphone.

The 4kW power output gives you a 24 nautical mile range. That makes it ideal for smaller boats and casual sailors.

The Defender operates something called DRS4W radar. It is compatible with all iOS devices. All you need to do is download their app in the app store. It’s free and very user friendly.

Once using the app, you gain a lot of functionality. You can slip between day mode and night mode. Target distance is also available. You are also able to set up a guard zone around your boat. This means that if the radar detects anything within that zone, your phone will alert you.

The unit is sturdy and can handle winds up to 70 knots. You’re also covered in high heat or freezing cold. It’s also sturdy and waterproof to meet all your needs.

 Amazon  →

Garmin GMR Fantom Marine Radar

The Garmin GMR 18HD+ offers great performance at a reasonable price. The power output here is 4kW, and it provides a range of 36 nautical miles. The images are clear and precise. That includes close up as well, with range detection as close as 20 meters from your vessel.

The Garmin GMR has dynamic auto gain. That means even in poor weather you can expect a good image. It can be easily paired with a heading sensor for increased functionality. Hook it up to a multifunction display and you are ready for MARPA tracking. The unit is compact in size so it will fit nicely on any boat. Installation is also fairly easy.

The Dynamic Sea Filter adapts to changing sea conditions. That ensures you don’t lose signal or clarity regardless of what’s going on. Radar images are overlaid on the chart plotter. That means you have improved navigation capabilities.

• $2199.99 Walmart   →

Simrad Halo 20+ Marine Radar

The Simrad Halo 20+ has a range of 36 nautical miles. It uses pulse compression technology and features beam sharpening. The dual range mode lets you see at a distance and also close up. With 60 RPM operation you can see close up almost instantly to 1.5 nautical miles.

The Simrad features VelocityTrack Doppler technology for collision avoidance. This will help you keep track of any hazards on the open water. You can steer clear of other vessels and objects well ahead of time. It operates in several modes. These include harbor, offshore, weather, and bird modes.

It also features MARPA target tracking. This lets you follow 10 targets simultaneously. If you’re using dual range, it doubles to 20.

Unlike some systems, the Simrad is ready instantly. There is no warm up period during which it has to build up. If you plan to stay close to shore, the Simrad Halo may be the best marine radar for you. The speed and accuracy help you identify close range targets. This can be done faster than almost any other marine radar out there.

• Buy on Bass Pro   →

Furuno 1815 Color LCD Marine Radar

The Furuno 1815 4kW marine radar features an 8.4 color LCD display. This means you don’t need to worry about having to try to integrate boat radar into your GPS or chart plotter. It’s an ideal unit for fishing boats. Or just pleasure boating. The radome antenna is small and won’t take up a lot of space. The installation is simple and easy to understand. Also, the controls are highly intuitive. Mastering the functioning will not take much time at all.

Details are displayed clearly and in full color on the display. Fast Target Tracking lets you follow up to 10 targets at one time. True Trail mode also displays the path objects are on. It then compiles that data over time so you can see where an object is and how it got there. The range extends up to 36 nautical miles.

 Walmart  →

Things to Consider

Not every marine radar is built the same. There are several factors that can affect which one is best for your boat.

Radar System Range

Marine radars come in different ranges. Think of it like binoculars. Depending on the lens and prism type, some can see a great distance. Others have a much more limited range. So then the question becomes what range do you need and why?

If you’re a casual boater, you may not need any great range. If you tend to stay near shore, a limited range will work perfectly for you. It can still show hidden hazards and vessels in fog.

If you’re interested in more serious boating, a greater range is needed. If you plan to do boating a good distance from shore, this will be helpful. Likewise, if you’re an explorer and want to head to unfamiliar waters. A long range boat radar will eliminate any surprises.

An average range is 24 nautical miles or 26 nautical miles. Even up to 48 nautical miles. 36 nautical miles is rather rare, but it’s a sweet spot in the middle. The best marine radars need to have range plus clarity.

As you can imagine, a more powerful marine radar is typically a better marine radar. A more powerful engine goes faster. A more powerful shower cleans better. It’s just how things work. Power is different from range, although range is definitely affected by power.

A low-powered marine radar will have trouble getting through severe weather and fog. Heavy rain will slow it down as well. These obstructions absorb radar, making it less functional. More power will help it cut through them.

Power for a marine radar is measured in kilowatts (kW). The typical range for a marine radar starts at 4 kW and goes up to about 25 kW. A 4 kW radar has a maximum range of about 48 nautical miles. At 25 kW you’ll get a maximum range up to 96 nautical miles.

There are lowered power marine radars you can get as well. Some down as low as 2 kW. These only have a maximum range of about 24 nautical miles.

The ability of your marine radar to function can be tweaked by more than just power. For instance, a taller antenna can help improve range and power as well.

Types of Marine Radars

Not every boater is aware that marine radars come in different types. They perform the same basic function but operate slightly differently.

Pulse Radar: These are the older style of radar system. They create microwave pulses with high powered magnetrons. It’s rather similar to how a microwave oven works. The pulse are released in short bursts of voltage. Though older, it’s still reliable radar technology.

Solid State Radar: Solid state is the newer style of radar system. It’s also called broadband marine radar. Solid state uses something called Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave technology. This is sometimes abbreviated to FMCW.

Solid state marine radars use less radiation than pulse radar. That’s another thing people don’t often consider. Radar does release energy that could potentially be dangerous. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll be exposed to a dangerous dose, however. It would take a long time.

Solid state radars are easier to install than pulse. They don’t need to warm up the way a pulse system does, either. They have improved range even using the same power. And they also have a better target resolution.

Most marine radars have a beam width of 5.2°. A narrower beam width is going to provide you with a more detailed image. This is especially true of an object that is far away. It’s like focusing on something with a flashlight beam. But there is a downside. Narrow beam width tends to miss things as well. The narrower your beam, the more likely it is to skip important objects. So you need to have a happy medium. Too wide and resolution suffers as well.

Compatibility

Marine radar systems work in conjunction with other technology. On its own, radar won’t do much, right? You need to see the data it collects on a screen. That means tying it into your GPS or chart plotter.

Some radars come with their own GPS and chart plotter hardware. But most boats will already have a GPS or chart plotter on board. It’s more efficient to tie them together. But you need to make sure your radar actually works with what you have. If not, you’ll need to have some extra technology on board.

Just as with anything else on your boat, you need to settle on a budget for a radar. Even a “cheap” radar is an investment. Some kinds of radar systems can get well over $5000. For that kind of money, you want to make sure you’re getting quality technology.

Cheap radar systems do exist. But never forget that you get what you pay for. If you find a bargain radar, always research it. Check reviews across several sites. Especially if it’s a brand you have never heard of. If you can’t get some reliable history and reviews, you may want to skip it.

Boating Habits

The way that you boat can dictate how you use marine radar system. As we covered, weather can affect how radar systems work. But if you do boating at night, for instance, that has an effect as well. Early morning boating can benefit from high powered radar as well. If you have a fishing boat, you can get a marine radar system that is also a sonar. That way you have the benefit of a fish finder.

Casual boaters will probably just need a simple marine radar system, if they need one at all. But if you’re a real gadget head, then maybe a more intense system is needed.

Choosing the place to mount your radar is as important as the type of radar. If you mount it wrong, it will limit function. Improper mounting makes blind spots. If the radar is obstructed by other parts of your boat, it can render it useless. Your radar should come with a mounting kit. This will always be the best way to mount it. If it doesn’t, you need to do a little homework. Find out the best way to mount your specific model.

At the very least, radar needs to be mounted above the passengers on the boat. This keeps you out of range of the electromagnetism that is being used. You want to look for the highest possible point on the boat. That way the radar can operate at a full 360 degrees.

Waterproofing

Everything on a boat needs to have a degree of waterproofing. That just makes sense. But electronics can be touchy. You wouldn’t want to dunk your GPS or radio, right? The radar is the same way. It needs to be waterproof, however. It’s going to be exposed to sun and surf.

Radar units have specific waterproof ratings. You want something rated IPX6 at least. The IPX scale rates devices based on their water resistance. It runs from IPX0 to IPX9K.

An IPX0 has no water protection at all. At IPX6 it can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water. This is ideal for a boat radar. It should be enough to keep it safe in rough seas. It is rare you would find anything above IPX6.

IPX7 means it can be submerged for 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. It is unlikely you would find a radar system that has this rating or above.

Not every radar system is the same size. If you have a small boat, you need a small radar. Not for technology reasons, but for practical ones. Large radar units will be harder to mount if you don’t have the space.

Check the dimensions before you buy. Make sure you have the open space to mount it safely. Likewise, a heavy radar unit could pose an installation and safety issue. Some of these units weigh around 20 lbs. If these are not securely mounted, they could be a danger if a storm tears them free. Mounted in a high space, you don’t need a 20 lb radar hitting you in high winds.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

Categories : Boats

Shane William Savell on May 25, 2021

Hi, looking for small boat 30foot or do, radars with PI lines. Parallel index lines. Any comments. Cheers. Sav

David L on October 25, 2022

Something for your readers to consider. Will a radar pick up whales in the water. The answer is a resounding no! How then do some radars detect whales. Answer – the same way they all do. They won’t reflect off a whale, they will reflect off the hole in the water a whale makes. This explains why whales come and go on radar. When near the surface they make a “visible” hole in the water. When they dive – they disappear!

The radar horizon for an antenna is about 7nm at sea level and increases to about 12nm for a 100 foot antenna. The power out on a radar is not the critical factor when selecting a product. Your range is obviously extended when detecting targets which are higher than sea level. EG the mast of a merchant ship.

The statement above “The ability of your marine radar to function can be tweaked by more than just power. For instance, a taller antenna can help improve range and power as well.” is misleading, when you say a taller antenna I presume you mean a higher mounted antenna? (A taller antenna in the shape of the reflector would provide no benefit in the marine environment.)Height of the antenna may improve range as described above. It will not provide more power, this is purely a function of transmitter power. For example to double the range of a radar you have to increase the power out by 8 times.

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Best Marine Radar

Captain tyler brady.

• August 30, 2023

Radar ( ra dio d etection a nd r anging) was one of the technological marvels of World War II. Like many emerging technologies, it arrived as a weapon. The thought of being able to see other objects in the dark, whether in the air, or on the water was like science fiction when radar was first introduced, but now, that amazing technology is available for private use on your fishing boat.

The usefulness of radar in avoiding obstacles like shorelines, rock outcroppings, and, most importantly, other boats is incredible. So was the price of private, commercially available radar. The yachts of the ultra-wealthy were the first to get radar, but when a private yacht is the size of a cruise ship or a navy destroyer, the price wasn’t an option.

In this review, we’ll look at the best marine radar on the consumer market. There are many options, designs, and manufacturers, and we’ll look at price, features, durability, warranty, and reputation along with other specifications on each of them.

Best Marine Radar – Closed Dome

Our Picks For The Best Open Array Radar

Marine Radar – a longer history than you might think

The big names of the early days of radio, electricity, and innovation are all tied to radar history. Heinrich Hertz, the man whose name is attached to nearly everything digital these days, as in kilohertz, megahertz, and gigahertz, dabbled in early experiments that eventually led to radar.

Guglielmo Marconi, is the man who first sent radio waves from Europe to America. Moreover, he is responsible for those ridiculous AM radio ads, (OK, maybe we shouldn’t blame the great Italian scientist for that) and also experimented with bouncing radio waves off metallic objects to determine their distance.

None of these experiments were really radar; they could detect the presence of a large ship a few miles out at sea but couldn’t determine the range, direction, or speed. It was just a spark that emitted a burst of static, telling you something was out there.

The first directional radar came about as war clouds descended on Europe in the late 1930s.

All the major industrial powers worked on developing radar, with the Germans and English taking the lead over the United States and Japan.

By the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, the English determined the speed, direction, and number of German Luftwaffe bombers approaching their island from bases in France.

As the war progressed, radar units became much smaller, able to be fitted on every warship and then onto merchant vessels. The miniaturization continued with bombers and large night fighter aircraft equipped with radar by the end of the war.

We wouldn’t think of getting onboard a commercial airliner without radar today. Commercial merchant ships, and charter fishing boats all have radar, and now, so can you on your cabin cruiser, sailboat, or even your bass boat.

Why Do You Need Radar on a Fishing Boat?

This is an often asked question, but the same people who ask it wouldn’t hesitate to have the latest, most technologically advanced fish finder on their boat. Fishfinders use a sister technology born of war to radar, sonar.

The cold, wet, icy sailors on the North Atlantic in World War II avoiding German U-boats would be amazed that this technology could now be placed on a tiny private fishing boat.

Radar has advantages for the angler, especially those that fish very popular lakes, bays, estuaries, and along coastal shipping routes.

Discovering an 800-foot-long tanker emerging from the fog trumps all that fun you just had to pull in halibut a couple of miles off the Oregon Coast. Even if it misses you, the ride in the wake of a big ship can be a life-altering (or ending) experience.

Some of the best fishing occurs on foggy days when a low-pressure system entices fish into feeding frenzies. Many prudent fishermen have long avoided those foggy days, fearing having their boat crushed by a larger vessel emerging from the fog.

With radar, that’s not a problem. The fog blocks your vision, but it does not affect the radar. You can spot all the surrounding ships, whether it’s foggy or in the blackest of night. Radar is another set of eyes working on a spectrum that our eyes cannot see.

What to Look For in a Marine Radar Unit

The first question is how are you going to use your radar? If you’re simply trying to avoid other boats in the fog, keep track of the shoreline, or help you back to the dock after dark, you’ll only need a very basic unit. This unit can do all the things described above. Moreover, many lower-priced radar sets can’t track multiple ships in real-time while generating distances from shore and avoiding collisions from both moving man-made objects and the natural barrier that nature has along the shoreline.

Along with what you plan to use your new radar for comes the question of how often are you going to use it. If it is for finding your way in foggy or dark, moonless conditions, you’re not going to put it to the test, you’re a basic user and not in need of advanced technologies. That should make your decision easier, and the strain on your bank account is easier.

The bank account connection leads to another consideration, how much money do you want to spend on a radar unit for your boat?

Prices have dropped a lot since personal radar was first introduced. You can purchase systems now with great functionality for just over a thousand dollars. With any technology, especially one designed to work in the trying conditions found on fresh and saltwater fishing adventures, the price goes up as the features increase. The old saying, “No bucks, no Buck Rogers” holds in almost every aspect of fishing but is especially pertinent to boat-mounted electronics like radar.

With price and functionality comes the question of where will you put this unit on your boat. Do you have enough room to carry a radar unit, is there a place for the antenna, the base, or a power source you can easily connect the unit to? These are considerations, that may not be as important if you have a 45-foot yacht, but are a factor on the 16 or 20-foot fishing boat, or 24-foot pontoon party barge.

The final question is a technological one. How many features do you need? Does the unit need to interface with the GPS on your fishfinder ? Do you require it to work with the mapping software also available on high-end fish finders? Is this a standalone device or a multi-function system?

Radar is advanced technology on a fishing boat, and it requires advanced technological questions to be answered before you ever connect the positive and negative leads and take them out on the water.

With all these considerations in mind, let’s take a look at what’s out there on the market.

Best Marine Radar Reviews

Raymarine quantum 2.

This is the top-of-the-line in marine radar, and it comes at a top-of-the-line price. If you’re after the most advanced number of proven, high-performance features, don’t look any further in this review, this is the radar for you.

General Options

Doppler’s radar images move targets, creating real-time situational awareness of surrounding boats and structures. In other words, it’s like the control tower at a major airport; you have 360-degree coverage of everything on the surrounding water.

This marine radar unit features fully automatic MARPA (mini automatic radar plotting aid), which can track targets automatically as they appear. Moreover, you can set a target, and the system will keep track of that set target for you, a handy aid in returning to the dock in pitch-black darkness.

The ability to record the motion history using Raymarine’s adjustable TrueTails software.

CHIRP (compressed high-intensity radar pulse) allows the detection of extremely close objects at distances of less than 20 feet. It does this by transforming long-duration frequencies into narrow pulses with much higher amplitude. It takes a narrow high peak power pulse from long-duration pulses at low power.

A true “horizon to horizon” radar system with a 24-mile range, identical to the distance an object first appears over the horizon on the water as it emerges from the earth’s curvature. The 24-mile range works with traffic on the water, buoys, and landfall and can detect strong approaching weather fronts.

It has an immediate awareness system, meaning it starts instantly and is ready to go. 

Inference protection eliminates noise and chatter from other radars in the area, allowing clear imaging on your device.

Setting up the radar can be done via a Wi-Fi connection on a phone, laptop, or tablet for easy installation.

The system can be easily upgraded both digitally and physically. All Raymarine scanners are built with the same bolt pattern so any new device can be placed in the location of an older model without drilling more holes in your boat.

It is a lightweight device at just under 12 pounds, with more features than competing models that can weigh twice as much.

The final attribute is a low power consumption rate, ensuring you’ll have clear imaging without draining your boat’s batteries in the process.

The diameter of the circular radar housing is 21 inches and only eight inches high. As stated earlier it weighs about 12 pounds and can work on either 12 or 24volt DC power, with a power minimum of 10.8 volts and maximum input of 31.2 volts.

In transmit mode it draws a maximum of 17 watts, in standby seven watts, and when in sleep mode it draws just two watts.

Designed to operate in temperatures from 14 to 131 degrees, and in storage conditions ranging from -13 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. The upper-temperature limits are important, since it’s easy to hit 131 degrees in direct sunlight in summer conditions, and many storage sheds get extremely hot during the summer months.

The transmitter works from 9354 to 9446 MHz at a peak power output of 20 watts, with pulse widths of 40 ns to 14.7 us, and a chirp length of 400ns to 20us.

The antenna sweeps at 24 revolutions per minute with a 4.9-degree horizontal and 20-degree vertical sweep.

The Doppler radar is truly remarkable with the ability to track 25 objects simultaneously using either MARPA or ARPA targeting.

The final attribute is an important one to consider. The Quantum 2 is designed for sailboats, and smaller powerboats, but has the range, power, and features to operate on large charter boats and even larger yachts.

This is the Cadillac of personal, consumer marine radar.

Raymarine Color Radome

This simple plug and play technology, with a multi-level 256 color display offers top performance at a reasonable price.

Are you looking for a little more bang for the buck and interested in catching fish more than playing James Bond on the water to avoid fast-moving traffic? This might be the radar unit for you, especially if you’re on to the tricks that many experienced anglers already know when it comes to birds as guides to finding fish.

This unit has a range of 48 nautical miles, that’s double the horizon distance, but it makes sense if you’re targeting objects above the water as well as surface vessels and features near you.

This simple plug-and-play technology, with a multi-level 256 color display offers top performance at a reasonable price.

Weighing 21 pounds, it’s still light enough for almost every fishing or sailboat and operates on 4 kW of power.

The adaptive digital receiver delivers a clear picture of your surroundings regardless of the weather conditions.

The magic of this device for anglers is bird mode. In bird mode, it can detect a flock of birds at a long distance. That swarming cloud of seagulls or a flock of diving pelicans isn’t doing that for their own good or for exercise. These birds have located a school of fish and are feeding on them.

While seabirds prey on small baitfish, so do the larger fish beneath that you’re after. Big fish eat little fish, and we catch and eat the big ones, the apex predators. The predators above unmask the ones below and if you have a bird mode radar, you can join the fun.

Furuno Defender – Best Small Boat Radar

On the low end of the price scale, the Defender is a modestly priced unit that still delivers the basic features you’ll need in a marine radar.

The Defender is a modestly priced unit that still delivers the basic features you’ll need in a marine radar on the low end of the price scale. This is my top pick for the best radar for small boats because it is wireless, compact, and priced fairly.

Operating at 4kW it has a range of 24 nautical miles, once again scanning the horizon across a full 360 degrees.

The Defender utilizes DRS4W radar a technology that allows you to access the information generated from the radar dome on a personal iOS device. That means your cell phone or tablet is the viewing interface.

This innovative, wireless technology cuts down on costs by eliminating the need for a standalone display device.

Download the app, connect it to the Defender, and start receiving imaging data.

The waterproof unit is designed to withstand near hurricane-force winds up to 70 knots, not something you’d want to experience in your light watercraft or fishing boat. Moreover, as you are tossed like a cork on the surface of a raging sea, you can still get radar images, hopefully, of the Coast Guard rescue team approaching you.

The unit is designed to work from below-freezing to the hottest temperatures you can get in direct sunlight on the water.

This is a great device, at a great price for small boats, and sailboats, and in a budget-conscious setting where you can get solid performance at a reasonable price.

The Garmin GMR

The Garmin GMR 18HD+ is reasonably priced, and while it doesn’t have the features and functionality of a Quantum 2, it doesn’t have a huge price tag either.

Here is a name that is synonymous with finding out where you are. Garmin has established the best reputation in the GPS industry with its wide variety of devices, and they’ve also moved to the world of radar. Garmin makes outstanding fish finders using various sonar bands, and they’ve now moved above the water to help with radar imaging.

The Garmin GMR 18HD+ is reasonably priced, and while it doesn’t have the features and functionality of a Quantum 2, it doesn’t have a huge price tag.

The Garmin GMR delivers quality images by detecting objects on the water and a few degrees above 36 miles, or ones as close as 20 meters rolling in out of the fog.

A multifunction display with a MARPA track offers the chance to keep track of surrounding vessels even in the heaviest fog or the darkest moonless nights.

It’s compact, has a 4kW output, and works well day or night.

The Dynamic Sea Filter option adapts to changing conditions on the water, so you’ll always have a radar signal no matter what type of weather is rolling in.

Furuno 1815 Color LCD Marine Radar

Sometimes you just want the basic features of an electronic device devoid of all the bells and whistles generated by marketing groups that are trying to sell a product, rather than deliver a high quality one.

Sometimes you just want the basic features of an electronic device devoid of all the bells and whistles generated by marketing groups that are trying to sell a product, rather than deliver a high-quality one.

The Furuno 1815 is a simple, easy-to-use device that delivers basic radar performance. The 8.4-inch color LCD is a nice fit for small fishing boats, sailboats, or even water-skiing boats. It offers the insurance of detecting surrounding watercraft in limited visual conditions and can get you home, and back to the dock in pitch-black conditions as well.

The fast target tracking feature allows you to monitor 10 targets simultaneously. Obviously, it’s not as many as the 25 objects the Quantum 2 can track, but you’re not paying the Quantum 2 price either.

A range of 36 miles is more than adequate, and it has an option to compile data over time so you can track where an object has been in the past and where it is now.

A small footprint on the radome makes this a good choice for very small watercraft.

The Simrad Halo 20+ Marine Radar

The Halo 20+ has a bird mode, harbor mode, tracks weather, and locates other boats as they move around you. What more could you ask for in a personal radar device?

Radar works on a couple of basic premises, the first being the maximum range you can get with the least amount of power consumed, and the second is the scanning rate as measured by how fast the antenna rotates.

The Halo 20+ has one of the fastest rotations on the market at 60 revolutions per minute at ranges below 1.5 miles. What that means to you is that you’ll have a radar image every second in a cluttered fishing environment or in an area full of jet skies and water skiers. Scanning 360 degrees a second produces an image you couldn’t reproduce visually if you tried to look completely around you.

The Halo 20+ includes MARPA target tracking and has a Velocity Track Doppler feature that works well in collision avoidance. Doppler allows your device to determine the distance of an object and whether it is closing in or moving away from you. That’s a great tool for avoiding other boats that may not even realize you are in their path.

The Halo 20+ has a bird mode, and harbor mode, tracks weather, and locates other boats as they move around you.

What more could you ask for in a personal radar device?

Radar offers many viewing and safety options that weren’t available to private fishing boats, sailboats, and pleasure craft just a generation ago.

Radar was only for the military, commercial shipping, and the yachts of the very wealthy. That is no longer true. Radar has become affordable for just about anyone who owns a boat.

Whether you’re fishing a crowded lake or reservoir, navigating a large, heavily traveled major river, or working in a bay, or offshore, radar delivers another level of security.

Getting lost on the water is a fear for many boaters, limiting them to line of sight from shore in their saltwater or even Great Lakes fishing adventures. Radar extends your vision and makes it possible to target moving objects on or above the water and stationary objects onshore.

A Doppler feature is a nice addition since it will let you know if another boat is on a collision course, moving at a tangent to you, or moving away.

The ability to scan the entire horizon is great for safety, but it’s even better if you’re a fisherman with a bird mode radar and want to find where the big fish are feeding by watching their hungry counterparts from the sky feed on the same baitfish.

You can spend upwards of $5000 or more on a high-end radar system or just a thousand or so on a basic unit that delivers radar’s most important features.

Using radar in conjunction with high-quality fish finders that utilize GPS, mapping software, and guided travel routes creates a high-tech situation that the greatest navies in history didn’t have until a few years ago.

You might not be the USS Enterprise, the Queen Mary, or some random yacht-owning millionaire. However, you can be safe on the water, locate others who aren’t that safe, avoid rocks, shoals, and buoys, and find your way home in the dark with quality marine radar.

For more guidance on choosing marine electronics, check out the pages below:

• Best Fish Finders By Category
• Best Marine Electronics By Category
• Open Array vs. Dome Radar

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4 Best Boat Radars – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2021)

Spending time on your boat away from densely populated areas is a great way to relax and recharge. However, you can’t expect the weather to be in sync with you and be beautiful and sunny every time you sail. For days when clouds accumulate quickly, and storms start to rage, you need a marine radar to help you navigate your way back.

The same goes for fishers who like to practice their hobby at night. Investing in the  best boat radar provides an extra layer of safety.

We have prepared some marine radar reviews  and a buying to lessen your burden of searching for a good product. There are some key points and features to consider before making a purchase, and you will find them here. Just keep reading.

Best Boat Radars Comparison Chart

Best boat radars reviews – (editors’ choice).

We have compiled our list with no particular order in mind. So without further ado, please take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the products we tested.

1. Raymarine Quantum Radom

Everything you need to install this system is included in the box. It comes with a power and a data cable, bolts and spring washers, plus the documentation.

• This unit has extended battery life.
• It loads in seconds, so you don’t have to wait long.
• You can use this radar wireless or with a cable.
• The radar can identify small targets with ease, even if they are near larger ones.
• No considerable disadvantages.

2. Furuno LCD Radar

The power consumption of this radar system is about 38W. That is more than other products on our list, but it’s still considered low power consumption. A 33-foot cable comes with the radar, but if you need it longer or shorter, you can contact the seller, and they’ll send you whichever you need. Thus, you will get the ideal setting for your radar installation.

• The monitor has swiveling brackets so you can adjust the angle.
• A feature called True Trail mode allows you to track the movements of other vessels.
• Storms and fogs do not disturb the signal, and it produces clear images.
• The display is waterproof as well as the antennae so you can install it externally.
• No disadvantages.

3. Garmin Radome

The unit comes with cables to connect it to the chart plotter and the battery. Plus, in the package, you’ll find all nuts, studs, and washers. However, depending on where you want to set it up, you may need to purchase mounting brackets.

• Dynamic auto gain and sea filters allow the system to adjust to the surrounding automatically.
• Harsh weather conditions do not disturb the radar’s work.
• You can track up to ten targets with this Garmin radar.
• None that we could find.

4. Lowrance 4G Radar Kit

Overall, this radar is easy to set up and integrate with a display and a GPS. It has a beam sharpening feature that makes target separation a breeze. Plus, the images this system produces are sharp and clear.

• You can follow up to ten targets with this radar.
• It can pick up non-typical targets.
• The radar is instantly on when you set it up, no need to wait for it to warm up and load.
• Low power consumption – only about 1 APM/hour.
• An Ethernet cable isn’t included in the package.

What Boat Radar Do You Need

Whether you need a simpler model or one with many features depends on the frequency and time of your sailing. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you sail at night time? Do you spend long hours or days on your boat? Do you go fishing in unfamiliar areas? Do you use your boat for whale watching? Do you sail in an area that is prone to fogs?

If you answered with “No” to these questions, then you need a radar with just the essential features. However, if you answered positive, then you need a multi-functioning unit for more security.

Using a radar provides an essential layer of safety when sailing. It gives you awareness about your surroundings and other moving objects near you.

Every sailor dreams and hopes for clear skies and excellent visibility, but that isn’t always the case. Good boat radar is your best chance at navigating through a thick fog, at night, or in another situation where your visibility has decreased.

What is Marine Radar? How Does it Work?

The word ‘radar’ is actually an acronym. It stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. Similar to the sound-wave principle, boat radars have a specific principle . Each has an antenna that spins and emits a signal and listens back for it. When the signal reaches an object, it bounces back and reaches the radar. That’s when the radar indicates to you where the object is but not what it is.

Every unit has a different range and target capacity. Some models can detect objects with as much as forty miles or more. Others are better at identifying what is around your boat. Also, some can show only about three or four targets, while others can detect ten or more.

What to Look for When Choosing Marine Radar

Here are the things to consider and features to look out for when deciding on marine radars:

• Size and weight are essential for the size of the boat. When you dedicate a place on your ship for radar and all its parts, make sure the product you buy fits those dimensions. Furthermore, some units can be quite heavy and should be installed on a surface that will support their weight.
• The power of marine radar is the distance you can use it on and how much it can focus on targets. With a powerful enough radar, you are able to see small things from further away. Furthermore, such a unit will not be affected by light weather changes such as rain, fog, drizzle, etc. The standard power consumption for boat radars is from 4 kW to 25 kW. You need to take your battery into account when choosing a radar. For more information about boat batteries, see  our guide on marine battery charges and some product reviews .
• Beamwidth is crucial to choosing the right radar for your boat. Most units have a broadcast range between 1 and 6 degrees. The width of the beam correlates to the minimum target width. That means that the narrower the beam is, the restricted the visibility in close quarters is. It also means better target differentiation and more precise bearings.
• Mounting and installing a radar is simple in most cases. You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and get all of the required hardware and cables before you begin. Finding the ideal place to do set up the unit depends on the size and weight of the model. The antenna should be installed as high as your boat allows. If you have any concerns about the process, you can hire a professional technician.
• Usage is crucial when buying a boat radar. You should think well about what you’re going to use the unit for before completing a purchase. Like we said at the beginning of our guide, you should determine whether you need stand-alone or multi-function radar. The former is suitable for small boats and if you sail in good weather and familiar areas. The latter is a good fit for larger vessels, long trips, or night fishing.
• New and old models use different technologies. The more traditional technology is using microwave signals, while the modern units use broadband radars. This new technology is more optimized and doesn’t emit radiation. Plus, it delivers high-resolution images and doesn’t require a warm-up period when turning on the radar.
• The waterproof rating is also essential, and naturally, all marine units must have it. That being said, they have different ratings. Some are ok to use with light splashes of water only, while others can withstand heavy rains.

Difference between a Radar and a Chartplotter

They can and should be used together because they serve different purposes. Radars detect what objects are around you – fixed and moving – and show you each of them. They also detect other vessels, fish, birds, etc.

A chart plotter, just like a GPS, shows you what should be around you at all times. It can indicate to you where buoys and land are. If you want to read more about GPS chart plotters, be sure to check our post on types and benefits of marine chart plotters and some product reviews.

Using both devices in combination provides you with a full image of your surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Radars

It is natural that you would have additional and more specific questions about these products. We have prepared answers to some of the most commonly asked ones. You can also  read about other marine supplies, equipment, and products by checking out our designated boat accessories page.

What Can Boat Radars Detect?

Marine radars can detect various static and moving objects, such as other boats or ships, buoys, fish, birds, and more. The range of the radar depends on the model that you’re using.

Are Radars Dangerous?

The answer is no. Some people have concerns over the radio signals which marine radars use, but they do not cause any health issues to humans or fish. It is just a common misconception.

Will Rain Affect the Radar?

It is possible for rain to interfere with the signal. Rain could also reflect the signal and mask some smaller or faraway objects. However, the bigger or the closer an object is, the rain shouldn’t be a problem. Also, the higher-quality the radar is, the less chance there is to be affected by rain.

How Should I Maintain My Boat Radar?

Radar maintenance is simple. Most if not all, models of marine radars are built from durable materials that are intended to use near water. They should be fine in various harsh weather conditions. You also don’t have to worry about corrosion because they are made from marine-grade materials.

What is more, some products even have displays which can be used outdoors. So, to keep your radar up and running, you should just include its maintenance in your boat cleaning routine. Rinsing it with fresh water and wiping down impurities or bird droppings should be enough to maintain its performance. However, if you notice the radar is acting strangely, you should contact the manufacturer and discuss that and maybe postpone your night fishing.

What Does the Radar Come With?

There is no one answer to this question as it depends on the manufacturer and the seller. Some radars have all mounting hardware included in the package. Others have different cables that come with the radar. You can also find kits that include the antenna, a display, or other accessories. Of course, you can also find stand-alone radar without the additional parts.

Now that you’ve reached our guide’s end, we are sure that you know what the  best boat radar  for you is. As you see, we try to provide you with relevant and helpful information so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing. After all, it is our job and we love helping people.

You can feel free to share your thoughts and feedback. Do you want to see more  boat radar reviews?  You can take a look at our other guides and marine product reviews. We promise to keep you updated, so come back soon for more information on boat-related accessories.

Thank you for choosing us!

See you soon.

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Small boat Radar – Do I need one?

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As a boat enthusiast, you know the importance of safe and efficient navigation on the open water. It is crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when sailing in difficult conditions such as fog, rain, or darkness. One tool that can help you navigate in these situations is radar. In this article, we will explore the importance of small boat radar at sea and how it can make your boating experience safer and more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

What is radar.

Radar stands for Radio Detection And Ranging. It is an electronic system that uses radio waves to detect the position, speed, and distance of objects. The radar system consists of a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna that sends and receives radio waves. When the radio waves hit an object, they bounce back to the antenna and are detected by the receiver. This information is then processed and displayed on a screen, allowing the user to identify objects and their location.

How Radar Works

The basic principle behind radar is the reflection of radio waves off an object. The radar transmitter sends out a pulse of radio waves, which travels through the air until it hits an object. When the radio waves hit the object, some of the waves are reflected back to the radar antenna. The radar receiver detects these reflected waves and uses the time it took for the wave to travel to and from the object to calculate the distance to the object.

By transmitting multiple pulses of radio waves and detecting the reflected waves, the radar system can determine the position, speed, and direction of movement of objects in its range. This information is displayed on a screen as a series of blips, allowing the user to identify objects and their location.

Types of Radar

There are several types of radar available for use on sailboats, including:

• Open array radar – This type of radar uses a large, open array antenna that is mounted on a pedestal. It provides a wide range of coverage and high-resolution images.
• Dome radar – This type of radar uses a small, dome-shaped antenna that is mounted on the mast. It is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for smaller sailboats.

Choosing a Radar for your small boat.

Choosing the correct radar for your boat depends on several factors, including the size of your boat, the type of sailing you plan to do, and your budget. Here are some considerations to help you make the right choice:

• Size : The size of your boat is an essential factor in determining the size of the radar you need. For example, if you have a smaller sailboat, a compact radar with a shorter range may be sufficient. However, if you have a larger boat, you may need a more powerful radar with a longer range to ensure that you can see potential hazards at a greater distance.
• Type of sailing : The type of sailing you plan to do is also a crucial factor. If you sail mostly in calm waters or fair weather conditions, you may not need a radar with a high range. However, if you sail in areas with a lot of fog, heavy rain, or rough seas, you will need a more powerful radar to help you navigate safely.
• Budget : Radar prices can vary significantly, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing the right radar for your sailboat. You can find basic radars for a few hundred dollars, while more advanced models can cost several thousand.
• Features : Different radars come with various features, such as automatic target tracking, pulse compression, and dual-range capability. Consider the features you need and those that would be nice to have before making your final decision.
• Brand : There are many radar brands on the market, and some are more reputable than others. Research the brands you are considering and read reviews from other sailors to determine which ones are the most reliable.

When choosing a radar, it’s also important to consider the features that come with it. Different radars have different features, such as automatic target tracking, pulse compression, and dual-range capability. These features can be helpful in different situations, so it’s worth considering what you need and what would be nice to have.

Lastly, it’s essential to research the brands you are considering and read reviews from other sailors to determine which ones are the most reliable. With all of these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and choose the right radar for your sailboat, one that fits your needs, your budget, and your sailing preferences.

Suggested Manufacturers

Garmin Radar

Installing radar on a sailboat.

Installing radar on a sailboat can be a complex process, requiring careful planning and installation. The first step is to choose the type of radar that best suits your needs and budget. Open array radar requires a pedestal mount, which can be installed on the deck or on a specialized mast. Dome radar can be installed on the mast or on a pole mount.

Once you have selected the radar type and mounting location, you will need to install the antenna and connect it to the radar display unit. This requires running cables from the antenna to the display unit, which can be a challenging task on a sailboat. You may need to run cables through the mast or through the deck and bulkheads.

It is important to ensure that the radar system is installed correctly and that all connections are secure. If you are unsure about the installation process, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional marine electronics installer.

Using Radar on a Sailboat

Using radar on a sailboat requires practice and experience. It is important to familiarize yourself with the display unit and learn how to interpret the information it provides. Radar can be used to identify the location and distance of other vessels, land masses, and navigational hazards such as rocks and buoys.

When using radar, it is important to adjust the settings to suit the conditions. This includes adjusting the range, gain, and sea clutter settings to optimize the performance of the system. It is also important to understand the limitations of radar, such as its inability to detect small objects, and to supplement it with visual and audible alerts.

Maintaining Radar

Maintaining your radar system is crucial to ensure its continued performance and reliability. This includes regular cleaning of the antenna and display unit, as well as checking and tightening all connections. It is also important to perform regular system checks, such as testing the operation of the transmitter and receiver, and checking for any signs of corrosion or damage.

It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and to have your radar system serviced by a professional marine electronics technician on a regular basis. This can help to identify and address any issues before they become more serious and costly.

Pro’s & Cons

Pro’s

• Modern units use less power.
• Integrate seamlessly with same brand Chartplotters.
• Often detects things you would be surprised at.
• Really useful at seeing bad weather ahead.
• Older Units can be power hungry
• Initial Cost
• Doesnt always integrate with ‘other’ brands
• Reading what you are seeing can be a steep learning curve.
• Can be awkward to install.

Can radar detect small objects such as buoys and floating debris?

Radar can detect objects of a certain size, but it may not be able to detect small objects such as buoys and floating debris. It is important to supplement radar with visual and audible alerts, and to maintain a vigilant watch while sailing.

Can radar be used in all weather conditions?

Radar can be used in most weather conditions, including fog, rain, and darkness. However, it may not be effective in heavy rain or snow, as the radar waves may be absorbed or scattered by the precipitation.

Do I need a license to operate radar on a sailboat?

In most countries, a license is not required to operate radar on a sailboat. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local regulations and requirements, and to ensure that your radar system meets any applicable safety standards.

Overall, radar is an invaluable tool for sailboat enthusiasts, providing increased safety, efficiency, and enjoyment while navigating. By investing in the right equipment and gaining the necessary knowledge and experience, sailors can enjoy the many benefits that radar technology has to offer.

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Ask Ken: Small Boat Radar Options

• By Ken Englert
• Updated: September 4, 2017

Q. Can you recommend an affordable radar for a small boat with limited space? A. Furuno has two entry-level radars, the 1623 ($1,595) 16-mile radar with a 6-inch screen and 15-inch-diameter antenna dome, and the 1715 ($1,995) 24-mile radar featuring a 7-inch screen and 24-mile radar with an 18-inch-diameter antenna dome. Both have monochrome displays and 2.2 kW output power.

The Si-Tex T-760 and JRC JMA-1030 have similar basic radars ($1,995 each) with 7-inch screens and narrow housings measuring only 8 3/4 inches high and 5 1/4 inches wide that can slip comfortably into limited helm spaces. Each has a color touchscreen, 18-inch antenna dome, 4 kW power output and 24-mile range.

The Raymarine Axiom 7 features a 7-inch color touchscreen multifunction display ($649) along with the Raymarine Quantum Q24C 18-inch 24-mile solid-state radar dome antenna ($1,350) to give you a complete navigation system with built-in GPS and marine coastal cartography for the entire U.S. For only an additional $20, you can have a built-in depth/fish finder.

Radar Plus Don’t overlook the option of a combination radar/GPS/chart plotter. With today’s automated production techniques, the added manufacturing cost for these valuable extra features isn’t all that great. Plus, you gain the ability to add other functions such as AIS, chirp sonar, side-scanning sonar, night vision, live satellite weather, sound-system control and more in the future. These added benefits are significant and should not be dismissed for budgetary reasons.

In many cases, the additional costs may only be a few hundred dollars. Yet these multifunction displays may occupy no more space than conventional radars.

The Simrad NSS7 evo2/3G ($1,999) and Lowrance HDS7 Gen3/3G ($2,248) both bundle a 7-inch display with touchscreen and manual controls, a high-resolution broadband radar dome antenna, built-in GPS, chirp sonar and StructureScan sonar, and the ability to add a forward-looking depth screen and other accessories (compatible transducers optional).

Zero-Space Solutions Space-starved consoles can benefit from Furuno’s DRS4W ($1,245) 4 kW, 24-mile-range radar antenna. This can be mounted out of the way on a cabin top, mounting pole or arch. It has no display and connects wirelessly to any iOS device (iPhone/iPad) with the use of a free downloadable app. Your phone can even alert you if another boat, rock, buoy, shoreline or other obstruction comes within a preset distance from your boat.

The MDS-BR navigation radar pack ($1,999) from Si-Tex bundles a Furuno 2 kW, 24-mile-range, 18-pound, 20-inch-diameter radar dome with Nobeltec’s acclaimed TimeZero Trident navigation software that operates on an onboard computer. This combination provides a powerful navigation tool and gives you detailed interactive marine cartography, creating a living map with your radar picture superimposed right on the chart being viewed.

RAM mounts from National Products have a reputation in being problem solvers to squeeze in GPS, chart-plotter, radar, fish-finder and computer displays in cluttered, space-scarce locations. The mounts offer a variety of adjustable mounting brackets, attachable swing-out arms and elevated extensions that require only a couple of square inches of helm or dash space at their bases.

Added Benefits Many newer MFDs feature local Wi-Fi, which means you can view and even operate the controls, change depth settings and radar range, and make other adjustments from a mobile device from anywhere on the boat. This can be handy should you step away from the helm to engage in fishing or other activities. Appropriate apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Android Google Play Store.

These multifunction navigation displays are designed to let you perform periodic software updates, which can enhance operation and add new functions, as well as fix known problems. This helps to extend your set’s operational life and keeps your investment fresh with the latest up-to-date features.

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• Small Boat Radar

Is A Small Boat Radar Setup Worth Having?

It was only a few years ago that I fitted a small boat radar system on my boat, Alacazam . A silly omission really, as I was at that time making regular trips across the English Channel, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

It wasn't just the cost - although that did come into it - but the thought of all the battery juice that the system would suck up.

But in the process of designing a new gantry for her stern, it seemed wise to build in the facility for one in the future, along with the stern light, solar panels, windcharger, wifi enhancer, GPS and NAVTEX antennas.

It wasn't long before the future caught up with me, and a radar scanner appeared in its allotted space.

R adio D etection A nd R anging (RADAR) is used at sea detect the presence of objects ('targets') at a distance, and to detect their speed if they are moving. It works by transmitting radio pulses, then detecting the echoes of these pulses from objects within the range of the pulse, and displaying them graphically as targets on the display.

Being a line-of-sight device, maximum range is limited by the curvature of the earth and depends on the height of the scanner and the height of the target, as shown here.

Functionality of a Typical Small Boat Radar System

Its primary function a small boat radar system is as an aid to avoiding collision, but here's what else the display can do....

• Zoom - A typical sailboat radar unit will have a maximum range of 24nm and will zoom down to 1/8nm. Larger, open array scanners will have a 48nm range. Short range scales are best suited as you approach coastlines and anchorages, providing greater detail of echoes close to your boat. Long range scales provide the best overview of your boat's position relative to land masses, large ships and squalls.
• Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (MARPA) - For this collision avoidance system to be effective, accurate data of your boat's heading, speed over the ground (SOG) and course over the ground (COG) must be inputted to the radar. MARPA will track up to 10 targets and will activate an alarm if any one of them is considered to represent a collision risk.

• Range Rings - Range rings are the concentric circles displayed on screen at pre-set distances, and centred at your boats position. They're used to estimate distance between points on the display. The distance between them changes with the zoom level, typically 1/16nm at 1/8nm range and 4nm at 24nm range.
• Electronic Bearing Lines (EBLs) - This is a line drawn from your boat to the edge of the display. When rotated to align with a target it will indicate the target's relative bearing from your position. 
• Variable Range Markers (VRMs) - Very much like an adjustable range ring, this will indicate the target's range. Used together with the EBL, range and bearing of a target will be confirmed. 
• Guard Zones - These are areas relative to your boats heading that can be set manually. If a target enters the zone an alarm rings. The areas set can be either a sector or a circle, as shown in the sketch.

Radar Scanners for Small Boat Radar Systems

There are  two types of scanners:~

• Radomes which are best suited for sailboats, RIBs and small power boats;
• Open Arrays which have a higher power consumption and are most frequently seen on larger power boats.

Typically, Radomes will be either 18" or 24" across, inside of which will be a 4kW transmitter giving the radar the capability to detect targets out to a maximum range of 48 nautical miles.

Coupled to a compatible multi-function display unit, the radar screen can be viewed independently or overlaid on the chart plotter screen.

On a sailboat, the scanner would normally be mounted either on the mast at a height of around 15 feet above the deck.

With the boat boat heeled, the range of the scanner - particularly on the leeward side - will be adversely affected.

However, a  self-leveling mast mount  like the one shown below will ensure that the unit's performance remains unaffected by the angle of heel.

An Unexpected Benefit of a Small Boat Radar System

As a result of fitting a radar set, midway across the heavily trafficked English Channel with visibility closing in weren't quite as buttock clenching as they had been previously.

But far offshore and away from shipping lanes, you could be forgiven for thinking that small boat radar is largely superfluous.

Not so. It was on an Atlantic crossing we discovered that during the hours of darkness, the radar will detect approaching squalls from long range (providing they have rain in them), often giving you time to adjust our course to avoid them completely - or, at worst, to just suffer a glancing blow.

Next: Small Boat Radar or AIS?

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Marine Radar Systems Explained

• By Ben Ellison
• Updated: September 15, 2009

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Navico Broadband Radar is arguably the most significant recent technological advance in marine radar electronics. But can it actually help you to, say, negotiate a daunting Downeast mix of chowder-thick fog, granite islets, and lobster boats that go every which way while tending a minefield of potentially prop-snagging trap buoys? I set out to answer that question and ended up feeling like the lone laughing man in the famous Charles Addams cartoon of an otherwise horrified horror movie audience (yes, kids, that’s the same sick wit behind the “Addams Family” TV show). The horror of 2009 was the wettest, foggiest Maine summer in most any cruiser’s memory, which in my case meant the best making-it-real radar-testing season in 38 years of exploring this gorgeous, if challenging, coast. Honestly, I tried to hide my glee!

And, boy, did I learn a lot. The BR24 radome-which I tested with both Lowrance HDS-10 and Simrad NX45 multifunction displays, and which also works with other Navico brands and models (www.navico.com) -truly did take a lot of stomach churn out of the situation sketched above. In fact, at one point I was ready to call it the best 18-inch radar I’d ever used. But that was before I tried it alongside Raymarine’s new Digital 18-inch radome( www.raymarine.com ), which, in some ways, is better still. While the RD418D still uses a traditional pulse magnetron, Raymarine has added so many signal processing advancements that the resulting target resolution is a world apart from the blotchy crudeness of older radomes. But even if the targeting performance of the two little domes was pleasingly similar in many situations, other aspects are notably different.

You’ll know a BR24 is unique a few seconds after you turn it on, because that’s all it takes for its silicon transceiver to start painting targets. The RD418D, by contrast, takes 70 seconds to warm up its magnetron . And that magnetron is a lot more power thirsty than the BR’s semiconductors, lapping up 20 watts in standby and 40 in use, while the BR claims 1.6 watts in standby and 17 in use. Those numbers are particularly important on a sailboat, of course, but sometimes powerboats are energy sensitive too, like when using radar to monitor anchor drag in a quiet harbor. Hot magnetrons are also known to fail sometimes, and BR may well turn out to be a more trouble-free technology.

Then there’s the matter of BR’s extraordinarily low RF emissions. Navico has called Broadband “a huggable radar” without any radiation hazard whatsoever, but the boast is somewhat controversial. While no one doubts BR’s innate safeness, some wonder if regular magnetron radomes aren’t equally benign. You can find some knowledgeable discussion about this at my blog, but you’ll also learn that the science is mighty murky. Personally, I’m comfortable with the fact that the FCC has certified Broadband as safe for humans at zero distance, and note that Raymarine and other manufacturers of magnetron radomes recommend above-head-level installs for marine radar. Thus, BR is particularly suitable for small boats like tenders, and also lends itself to lower-than-normal installations on larger boats, which is important because of its particular performance strengths.

In fact, I first mounted the BR24 on my 14-foot power catamaran, just five feet above the water, and the close-range performance was astonishing. The HDS-10 could clearly target kayaks, even water-skiers, a few hundred yards away and could hold onto low, round channel markers until I was nearly alongside them. While the horizontal resolution of all 18-inch radars is limited by a beamwidth of about five degrees, Broadband’s low-power CWFM targeting technique-that’s Continuous Wave Frequency Modulated-permits high nearby range resolution while also eliminating the problem of very close-in noise. That noise (sometimes alternately seen as a blank area around your own boat) is caused by the fact that magnetron radars simply can’t send a pulse and then receive its echo back fast enough. The BR24 actually has separate transmitting and receiving antennas-hence, the radome’s unusual height-and doesn’t pulse anyway. CWFM means that it transmits a continuous signal which changes frequency over a set time period, and then determines target range by measuring the echo return of a specific frequency rather than a pulse. It’s an entirely different way to do business, and it works especially well in tight quarters.

At any rate, when I mounted the BR on Gizmo’s mast, about 22 feet above the water, I immediately noticed a slight decrease in its extreme near-range abilities, a change I don’t think I’d notice on any other radar, even if it offered BR’s unheard of 300- and 200-foot range settings. I don’t want to overemphasize the value of this performance attribute, but it’s valuable in some situations and I’m expecting to find a sweet spot when I move the BR scanner to a lower position in front of my flying bridge. I’ll report on the results next month, along with a comparison to the Garmin 18HD radome ( www.garmin.com ) that will take the BR’s former position in marine radar technology.

I am not expecting the moved Broadband to lose any long-range abilities, because frankly it doesn’t seem to have the power to see as far as the higher line of sight permits. The 24 in BR24 denotes the scanner’s theoretical maximum range, but it seems more theoretical than most. While I have seen it bring in a bold headland at 10 miles and the broad side of a ship at five, the Raymarine RD418D-which pumps out a full 4 kilowatts, and claims 48-mile theoretical range-is quite noticeably better at these ranges.

But needed radar range is somewhat subjective, and the compelling factors have changed over the years. AIS, radar overlay, satellite weather radar overlay, and GPS chart plotters themselves have all conspired to make high-resolution, long-range marine radar less critically important. Not that I wouldn’t have one, especially offshore and especially fishing. If you have the space and wherewithal, big radars are better in most every way, and the newest ones better still. However, during my recent testing cruises I’ve only zoomed out above the four-mile range to see how well it worked, and both little radomes performed more than adequately in the much lower ranges we mostly used as we groped the coast.

The big surprise was how tightly and clearly the little Raymarine resolved closerange targets, even the mass of moored and moving vessels that can unnerve folks entering my harbor in restricted visibility. It’s not as good as the BR, but it’s close. A few of the RD418D’s specs-like its ability to switch through eight pulse lengths as you range in and out-suggest how it circumvents the traditional limitations of small magnetron radars, but I suspect that most of the magic lays under that vague term “digital.” Like “high definition” and its variants-SHD, UHD, xHD, etc.-the term is meaningless in terms of radar specifications, but it sure means something. Marine electronics engineers are definitely figuring out how to get microprocessors and software to distinguish real targets from noise and make the most of them. It’s worth noting, for instance, that the screen images shown here were taken with the radar settings on auto. I tried manual tuning both radars, but it’s darn hard to outsmart these new machines.

So what my testing has revealed so far is two remarkably good, if technically quite different, radomes. And given the high performance Raymarine has squeezed out of 18-inch magnetron technology, I’d guess that Furuno-widely acknowledged as king of the large radar hill-gets at least similar results out of its latest UHD 19-inch radome( www.furunousa.com ) based on what I’ve seen from the latest incarnations of their larger models, as may others like Garmin. In other words, if you have a radar that doesn’t easily and clearly show you all the boats, buoys, and shorelines you need to know about when the visibility gets dicey, it may be time to upgrade. The BR24, incidentally, lists for $1,849 to $2,099, depending on brand, while the RD418D goes for $1,480.

Of course, there’s more to a marine radar shopping decision than target performance. For instance, neither of the Navico MFDs I tried can use Broadband Radar to track moving targets (the MARPA function), though I suspect that BR resolution could make that useful feature work well. In fact, there are many subtleties to how an MFD presents and controls a radar scanner, some of which I’ll discuss next month. One thing I can tell you for sure: If you spend some time driving around in the fog with three or four different marine radar/ MFD systems, you see a lot.

Editor’s Note: Next month, the “Electronics” column about small radar continues with a discussion of features beyond performance and hands-on tests of units from Garmin and Furuno.

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Best Marine Radars of 2024

Though once only reserved for very large commercial or passenger vessels, radar is now compact and ubiquitous on smaller sailboats. Marine radar is 100% necessary to help you “see” through fog, darkness, and inclement weather. Even if you enjoy navigating by the stars, it’s nice to have radar available to let you know of incoming boat traffic and unseen obstacles in water, particularly if you’re boating closer to shore. Whether you’re more into multi-day cruising or just are looking to explore closer to home this upcoming season, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best marine radar for you and your vessel. Included in this guide is also some key vocabulary and information to help you make the most informed purchase possible. Check it out, and see you out there, sailor!

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Marine GPS Chartplotters .

Quick Answer - The Best Marine Radars

• Raymarine RD418HD Color Radome View at Amazon
• Raymarine Quantum 2 Q24D Doppler 18” View at Amazon
• Garmin Fantom 18” Pulse Compression Dome Radar View at Amazon
• Simrad Halo 20+, 20” View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Marine Radars

Reviews - best marine radars, raymarine rd418hd color radome.

• Beam : 4.9 degrees H
• Transmit Power : 4 Kilowatts
• Dimensions : 20 ½” Diameter x 9 11/16” Height
• Weight : 21 pounds
• Warranty : Three Years (with product registration)
• Maximum Range : 48 Nautical Miles
• Amperage : 3.3 Amps
• Offers A 256-Color Radar Display With Clear, Lifelike Presentation
• Includes A Bird Mode For Automatically Detecting Flocks Of Sea Birds Hovering Over Schools Of Fish
• Can Monitor Both Long And Short Range Distances Simultaneously With A Single Scanner

BEST FOR: SMALLER VESSELS

If you’ve got a smaller sailboat or a fishing boat around which you’re moving a lot to catch your fish, you’re going to want a compact radar system that won’t get in the way of your enjoyment and won’t look unsightly on board your boat. This Raymarine Radome is with its moving parts inside of its dome, so you don’t have to worry about long, swinging arms that need to constantly rotate. 

This device doesn’t, however, compromise on performance with its smaller size. Its automatic settings – like its adaptive digital receiver that automatically adjusts to changing environmental and sea conditions – makes this radar system efficient and easy to use. If you do like fishing, it also has an automatic Bird Mode that detects flocks of birds hovering over schools of fish out at sea. Follow the birds and you’ll find the fish!

Raymarine Quantum 2 Q24D Doppler 18”

• Beam : 4.9 degrees H x 20 degrees V
• Transmit Power : 20 watts
• Dimensions : 8.25” Height x 21.3” Diameter
• Weight : 12.3 pounds
• Maximum Range : 24 Nautical Miles
• Amperage : 0.58 Amps
• Doppler Moving Target Display Allows For Superior Sight And Awareness
• 24 Nautical Mile Range Helps You Prepare For Traffic, Obstacles, And Weather
• Lightweight And Easy To Install Design

BEST FOR: DAY CRUISING

When you are heading out on a day cruise, you’re most likely spending time traveling in and out of busier ports and traveling closer to shore. Increased traffic and obstacles like rocks in the water are much more likely in this scenario, and you’ll therefore want a radar system that can handle real-time updates and powerful transmission.

This device’s doppler moving target display updates as you move. It also color codes moving radar contacts (i.e., other boats or obstacles) for instant visual recognition, thereby reducing your risk of collision. It also features Pulse Compression technology, which ensures superior imaging at longer ranges allowing you to plan for upcoming traffic and obstacles in your pathway. Finally, this device is energy efficient and lightweight (about 50% less weight than other radar devices in its class), so it’s easy to install and mount.

Garmin Fantom 18” Pulse Compression Dome Radar

• Beam : 5.2 degrees H
• Transmit Power : 40 watts
• Dimensions : 9.8” Height x 20” Diameter
• Weight : 11.4 pounds
• Warranty : Two Years
• Amperage : 12 Watts
• Uses Doppler Technology To Identify And Display Moving Targets
• Produces Color-Coded, High Resolution Images For Easy Visual Recognition
• Compatible With Garmin Chartplotters For Clear, Concise Voyage Planning

BEST FOR: LONG RANGE DETECTION

This Garmin radar device packs a lot of power into a small, compact package. Its Doppler technology works really well to highlight moving targets to avoid potential collisions, find flocks of birds if you’re looking to drop your fishing line into the water, and track weather formations. This motion detection works from 20 feet from your vessel all the way out to 48 nautical miles; if you’re headed out on a multi-day cruise, you’ll truly be able to plan your route with all the information to stay safe out on the ocean. 

Finally, this radar system also color codes its moving targets and provides extremely high resolution so that you can see any objects or weather in your path with a quick glance at your screen and without coordinating a series of complicated nautical charts.

Simrad Halo 20+, 20”

• Beam : 4.9 degrees H x 25 degrees V
• Transmit Power : 25 watts
• Dimensions : 8.8” Height x 20” Diameter
• Weight : 13 pounds
• Maximum Range : 36 Nautical Miles
• Amperage : 0.17 amps
• Features Dual Range Mode That Allows You To See Both Short And Long Range Distances At The Same Time
• Provides Almost Real-Time View At Closer Ranges
• Ready Instantly From Stand-By Mode Without The Need For A Long Warm-Up Time

BEST FOR: COASTAL CRUISING

Though it may seem like cruising far out at sea would be more dangerous than closer to the coast, coastal cruising brings with it lots of hazards not found far from shore. From boat traffic to rocks and other obstacles in the water to variable weather systems, you’re going to want a robust radar system that can keep up with all of these quickly changing variables. 

This Simrad marine radar device offers an almost real-time view of moving objects so that you can plan your route around oncoming boat traffic and avoid collisions. The addition of its VelocityTrack technology will give you instant feedback on whether a target is moving toward or away from you and color codes obstacles for easy-to-read visuals, thereby further reducing your chance for a collision.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING MARINE RADAR

Electronic compatibility.

Before purchasing your radar system, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s compatible with your existing GPS or chartplotter system to be able to display your radar images as well as your electronic capacity on your boat. No need to overdo the size and capacity of your radar for the size of your vessel or how you enjoy using your vessel. Multi-day cruises require a different scope of radar technology.

For more information about choosing the right marine radar for your sound system , check out this article from West Marine.

DO YOU HAVE A SMALL OR LARGE VESSEL?

You’re installing your subwoofer on your sailboat, and so you’re going to want to make sure that you have the proper infrastructure to handle your radar system. The devices can be compact and lightweight or quite heavy and wide. Make sure you measure before purchasing and attempting to install.

WHAT KIND OF RADAR RANGE WILL YOU NEED?

If you spend most of your time cruising around your local harbor and along your local shoreline, it’s unlikely that you’ll need seriously long range radar. After all, you’ll only really need something that can see as far out as your day-cruise can take you. If you’re headed out on a multi-day cruise, then you’re going to want marine radar that has quite a long range to look out for weather and boat traffic in unfamiliar waters.

WHY DO I NEED RADAR?

Even if you feel like you know your local waters really well, unexpected inclement weather or fog can really obscure what was once in plain sight. It’s very easy to get turned around or not recognize low tide coming in if your sight is obscured. Additionally, if you enjoy fishing, radar that comes with a Bird Mode to check for flocks of seabirds feeding on schools of fish can be really useful as you’re looking for a good place to drop your line.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

A system for detecting the presence, direction, distance, and speed of moving objects out of sight. Pulses of high-frequency electromagnetic waves are reflected off an object and sent back to the device.

NAUTICAL MILES

A unit that measures distance at sea, equal to approximately 2,025 yards (1,852 meters).

PULSE COMPRESSION

A technology used to increase the range resolution as well as signal of radar.

A dome or structure that protects the radar equipment. 

The strength of an electric current in amperes.

The distance that a radar device can detect. It typically has both a minimum and maximum range.

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Radar, an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging, is an indispensable tool when it comes to marine navigation and safety. As one of the most effective ways to detect other vessels and potential hazards, marine radar systems have become a vital component in the efficient operation of ships and boats of all sizes.

In this article, we shall explore the basics of marine radar systems, how they work, their components, different types of radar, and their applications in the marine industry.

How Marine Radar Works

Marine radar works by transmitting a series of high-frequency radio waves, which bounce off objects in their path and return to the radar antenna. The time it takes for the waves to travel to the object and back determines the distance to the object, while the direction of the antenna at the time of the echo determines the object’s bearing. This information is then displayed on a radar screen, allowing mariners to identify and monitor the movement of other vessels and potential hazards in their vicinity.

Components of a Marine Radar System

A marine radar system comprises several key components that work together to provide an accurate representation of the surrounding environment. These include:

The antenna is the most visible part of a radar system and is mounted on a mast or an arch on the vessel. It transmits and receives the radio waves used to detect objects and can rotate on a horizontal axis, providing a continuous 360-degree view of the surroundings. The size and type of antenna vary depending on the radar system’s range and intended use.

Transmitter

The transmitter is responsible for generating the high-frequency radio waves used by the radar. It converts the radar’s input power into radio frequency energy, which is then emitted by the antenna.

The receiver detects the radio waves that are reflected back to the antenna after bouncing off objects. These echoes are then processed and amplified to enable the radar display to present the information in a meaningful way.

The display is the user interface where mariners can view the radar data and analyze the surrounding environment. Traditional radar displays use a circular screen with a rotating sweep that “paints” the radar contacts as it receives signals from the antenna. Modern radar systems utilize high-resolution color screens that provide a more detailed and user-friendly representation of the radar data.

Types of Marine Radar

Marine radar systems are generally categorized into two main types:

Pulse Radar

Pulse radar is the most common type of marine radar and operates by transmitting a series of short duration, high-energy pulses. The time delay between transmitting and receiving the pulse is used to calculate the distance to the detected object. Pulse radar is suitable for both long-range detection and target resolution.

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar

FMCW radar, also known as “broadband radar” or “solid-state radar,” transmits a continuous wave with a steadily changing frequency. The difference in frequency between the transmitted and received signals corresponds to the distance of the detected object. FMCW radar is known for its low power consumption, fast target update rate, and excellent short-range performance. However, it may not be as effective as pulse radar in long-range detection due to its lower output power.

Applications of Marine Radar

Marine radar systems are essential in various maritime operations and for overall navigational safety. Some of the primary applications of marine radar include:

Collision Avoidance

One of the most crucial functions of marine radar is to facilitate collision avoidance by providing accurate information about the position, speed, and bearing of surrounding vessels. This information is vital in densely populated shipping areas and in low-visibility conditions.

Marine radar is used to detect navigational aids such as buoys, lighthouses, and coastline features. Radar can also identify potential hazards such as rocks, reefs, and submerged obstacles.

Weather Detection

Advanced radar systems offer weather detection capabilities, providing mariners with vital information about approaching storms, squalls, and other weather phenomena, allowing them to make informed decisions to ensure the safety of the vessel.

Search and Rescue

In a search and rescue operation, marine radar can detect lifeboats, persons in the water, and other small objects, aiding the rescue team in locating and retrieving those in distress.

Marine radar is an essential tool for mariners, providing vital information about the vessel’s surroundings and ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. Understanding the basics of marine radar systems and their various applications is crucial for anyone operating in the marine industry. These advances in radar technology have significantly improved marine navigation and safety, allowing mariners to navigate with confidence and providing a clearer view of the challenges they may face on the open seas.

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Yacht Radar: How to find your way in any weather

• Rachael Sprot
• May 9, 2022

YM instructor Rachael Sprot steps aboard to help. This month, Sophia Lagus and crew want to learn how to use their yacht radar for pilotage and navigation

If you can see a ship's waterline it's 3 miles away or less. At a modest 18 knots, it will reach you in 10 minutes. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

To the uninitiated, radar can seem like a dark art. The splurge of blobs would look more at home in the Tate Modern than the nav station. Recent advances in yacht radar technology make it more affordable and easier to use than ever before, however it’s easy to misinterpret the display.

Radar has several applications on board: navigation, collision avoidance and even squall dodging in the tropics. It is easiest to become familiar with the radar by practising navigation, because there is only one moving object in this equation – you!

There are three main nav applications for the radar: ‘eyeball’ pilotage where radar takes the place of visual cues; to avoid isolated hazards by use of clearing ranges; and position fixing.

Sophia Lagus has owned her Malo 46 Wimsey for just under a year. She has thousands of miles of cruising experience as crew, but she’s relatively new to skippering and is happiest 12 miles offshore where there’s nothing to hit!

She’s a farmer by profession and her practical skills are excellent, but she’s less confident when it comes to technology. The boat is fitted with a modern radar, but when I jumped on board she hadn’t yet turned it on!

I joined her and crew members Bennie and Wendy in Dartmouth to help get her started.

Sophia Lagus and crewmember Wendy Laynton wanted to gain radar skills

Moored up the River Dart at Noss on Dart, there are a couple of miles of busy channel to navigate before reaching open water. Collision avoidance is largely close-quarters, with plenty of boats to dodge, but this isn’t the best setting for learning how to use radar for collision avoidance.

It is, however, an excellent setting to learn the basics of what radar can do and how to use it for pilotage.

While a chartplotter will show you what should be there based on GPS, radar will show you what’s really there. Think of it as a second pair of eyes to help you see what the human eyeball can’t when in fog, darkness or hidden hazards.

How radar works

The practical application of a yacht’s radar as a navigational device is straightforward for anyone with traditional navigation skills – it’s interpreting the radar picture that’s challenging.

Radar sees the world very differently from us. It stands for RAdio Detecting And Ranging, which is a pretty good description of what it does: it tells you what’s out there and how far away it is.

If your radar is mounted 4m high, that means it can see 4.4miles However, if what you’re looking for has a height of its own, its detection range increases. A 4m high harbour wall has a visibility of 4.4 miles too, so we can add these together to get a detection range of 8.8 miles.

In a similar way to an echosounder, radar works by sending out a wave of energy and receiving reflections from objects that it hits. By timing how long it takes for the echo to return, it calculates the distance to the object. It is both a transmitter and receiver.

Like us, radar can’t talk and listen at the same time, so an internal valve opens and closes to protect the sensitive receiver, making sure it doesn’t yell into its own ears.

Yacht radars operate within the ‘X band’ range of frequencies, which is around 9GHz with a 3cm wavelength. This allows the antenna to be relatively small and gives good resolution on the display.

In practice this means that small, low-lying objects will only be detected at close range, whereas ships and high land can be visible from much further away. In my experience most yacht radars will see land and merchant shipping from 12 miles away, and other vessels from about 6 and small vessels like pleasure craft less than 3 miles away.

Merchant ships usually carry an ‘S-Band’ radar too, operating at 3GHz with a longer wavelength and lower frequency. This is more powerful, has a greater range and is less affected by environmental factors such as sea-state but the antennas are huge and impractical on yachts.

Most modern radars have a nominal range of 24 or 48 miles. However, owing to the curvature of the earth this range is limited by how high they’re mounted. The radar horizon is slightly better than line of sight, and can be calculated using this formula: 2.2 x √height(m) above sea level

Target material

It isn’t just size and distance that determines how easy it is to detect targets, however: the material of the target is equally important. Steel or aluminium make better targets than GRP and wood.

What isn’t so well known is that the shape of the target matters too. Rough and uneven surfaces have a higher chance of reflecting some of the energy back to the antenna as the echo scatters in different directions. Smooth, flat surfaces will send all the radar waves off in the same direction, and not necessarily back to you.

Stealth ships with their sleek, slanting hulls are designed to do just this.

This means that rugged cliffs make good targets, but low-lying, sloping beaches make poor ones. Water itself produces a very strong reflection, which is inconvenient given where we’re operating.

A radar repeater at the helm allows you to correlate the image to what you are seeing

Both waves and rain will return your radar pulse with the consistency of a well-trained Labrador; it’s just unfortunate that you didn’t want that particular stick back.

‘Sea- clutter’ and ‘rain-clutter’ mask the targets lying behind them. There are controls to reduce these effects, but they need to be used with care: they’re powerful but somewhat crude adjustments. Being too heavy handed with them can wipe out much of the detail on screen.

Obstructions

Any obstructions close to the radar create a blind spot. A mast-mounted radar such as Wimsey ’s will have a blind spot astern. The beam will bend around the mast, slightly reducing this effect.

Practically speaking, this is the best place to have a blind spot as the closing speed of things approaching from astern will be less than that of those approaching from ahead.

A narrow blind spot of less than 5° isn’t a huge concern on a sailing yacht as the course often fluctuates enough to pick things up in the wobble.

Below the normal data panel for COG, SOG etc, the key information to note includes: Range, Mode, Orientation (North Up) Motion (Rel/True), and Range rings

Reading radar displays

Now that we know how radar works, we need to understand how it displays the information it’s gathered. A radar display is a circular one and we are at the centre. The antenna rotates once every 2-3 seconds and the picture refreshes. It displays a set range which we need to select.

On older radars, the range could only be set to multiples (or fractions) of three (3/4, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 miles and so on). Modern displays have been unshackled from these metrics and it’s common to be offered 1, 2, 4 and 8-mile ranges too, but it might slightly distort the picture.

The biggest full ring is the overall range that you’ve set, which is shown at the top of the screen. Since most displays are rectangular you’ll see a bit further out to the sides. There will also be a series of smaller rings at regular intervals, giving a quick ready reckoner of a target’s range.

To complete the set-up the antenna needs tuning. On most modern radar sets this is done automatically but can be overridden in the settings. Another adjustment which is now mostly automatic is the gain, or sensitivity. If it is too low the picture will be incomplete. Turn it up too high and the whole display will be filled with ‘noise’.

As the antenna sweeps around it builds up a picture of its surroundings. This picture is colour-coded to help differentiate between weak targets and strong targets. The more intense the colour, the stronger the returning signal and the more confident you can be that something is out there.

On Wimsey ’s set red indicates a strong target, yellow is a weaker one and blue is weaker still. A rock awash would be an example of something that might only come up as blue or yellow initially so it’s important not to dismiss these minor targets but to keep an eye on them.

Heading into Dartmouth Harbour. Note the red lateral mark in front of the castle

Display setup

The display can be oriented three different ways: Head-Up, Course-Up and North-Up. Head-Up shows the picture as it appears looking forwards. This is an un-stabilised picture, meaning that if the direction you’re facing changes, so too does the picture on screen.

The helm fluctuations which are inevitable on a sailing yacht mean that the picture constantly shifts, which is very confusing. Course-Up sets the picture to the direction you’re heading in at that moment, but you must remember to re-set it if you change course.

North-Up is the gold standard: it’s compass-stabilised and means that whatever happens on the helm, targets will still be shown in the same place.

Radar displays have two modes: relative motion or true motion. Relative motion takes the raw data of the echoes received and displays them in a very pure way.

The same view on the radar as the image above. The rocky cliffs give a very clear radar picture. Switching to harbour mode will optimise the setting for close quarter pilotage

In relative motion we are the centre of the universe still and everything revolves around us. The radar doesn’t see the fact that we’re moving, it just sees the end result of our motion as their motion.

If we’re sailing past a stationary object like an island, the island will appear to move.

True motion is the radar’s attempt to show what is actually happening instead. The island isn’t really moving, we are. It processes the raw data, takes into account our own speed and heading, and shows us the world objectively.

The problem with true motion is that it relies on our instruments to deliver an accurate report of what we’re doing, so that the radar can calculate what everyone else is doing. If our instruments aren’t accurate, or our speed and heading fluctuate, then the radar will struggle.

I’ve never had much success getting true motion to work on a small yacht’s radar. It’s also the wrong mode to use for collision avoidance, but we’ll cover that in a future article. Unless you’re very proficient in the use of radar, set it to Relative Motion and North-Up. This is the best way to get meaningful information from it.

Noss Marina, as seen by eye and by radar (below)

Familiarise yourself

We set off from Noss Marina a mile up the River Dart. We were using a standard Raymarine Radome which allows the user to choose from Harbour, Coastal and Offshore modes. These are preset for optimum performance within those environments.

We chose Harbour Mode. This reduces the effects of certain echoes so that strong targets close-by don’t overwhelm the picture. You can learn a huge amount about how radar works just by closely observing a single scenario.

Stemming the tide in the river we scrutinised the display. It clearly showed the finger pontoons of Noss Marina and the empty space of Lower Noss creek behind.

Noss harbour by Radar

The steep edge of the western shore with its wooded slopes made a very distinct target, but the low-lying mud flats which were exposed at low water were invisible, probably because the radar wave struck them with a glancing blow and bounced away from the antenna.

A low-profile barge made a much better target than a fleet of small motorboats, probably due to the fact that it was steel and the motorboats were GRP.

The mooring buoys showed up surprisingly well given how small they are, probably due to their shape rather than their material: they’re round so they have a better chance of returning at least some of the pulse in the right direction.

Harbour mode also helped to prioritise these small features, so they showed up very well compared to the pontoons which were probably de-prioritised because they were much closer to our position.

While the ferry made a very good radar target, using radar for collision avoidance (see radar image below) is difficult at short range as things happen quickly

Eyeball pilotage

Once everyone understood the radar picture, it was time to head down-river using the radar to stand in for the naked eye.

Bennie stayed below monitoring the radar, telling us what she could see on the radar. She soon identified the chain ferry departing the eastern bank. She was able to say that we should hold station and let it through.

What made this exercise difficult was the speed with which we were moving. With an ebb tide beneath us we couldn’t do less than 3 knots over the ground.

The radar clealy shows the concrete slipway and the ferry in mid river

In confined areas it’s necessary to zoom in, resulting in highly reduced visibility ahead. Travelling at 3 knots and using the quarter-mile range setting Bennie only had five minutes to interpret what was appearing at the periphery before we reached it, and that assumes the target is stationary or crossing.

Another vessel coming towards us would reduce the time even more. The channel was also only 120m wide so it would have taken less than a minute from being central to bumping into the trots.

For this kind of pilotage intense focus is required and in a true pea-souper it would have been foolhardy to attempt. Timing the pilotage for slack water would make it easier.

When choosing an area to practise radar pilotage, try to find somewhere that has plenty of interesting land features, but not too many vessels.

3-point fixes

Once outside the River Dart we moved onto 3-point fixes. The same rules apply for a radar fix as they do for a compass fix: make sure the landmarks you’re using are obvious on both the chart and the screen; take your readings in quick succession to minimise the distance travelled between them, and try to achieve a good angle of cut.

The difference though is that we use distance, rather than bearing, as our measure. This is because radar is an excellent judge of distance, but a poor judge of angle.

The radar beam is usually 5-6º wide on a leisure set. As the antenna sweeps around it picks things up on the leading edge of the beam and keeps registering them right through to the trailing edge of the beam.

You can produce a more focused beam with a longer antenna, but they’re far too cumbersome for the average cruising yacht. This means bearings can be several degrees out.

VRM and EBL

You can take a position fix on a single object using range and bearing, but you’ll get a more accurate fix with range measurements to three separate targets instead.

Distances on screen can be measured by setting up the Variable Range Marker (VRM) and Electronic Bearing Line (EBL). These are usually within the ‘Target Tracking’ part of the menu, and intended mainly for collision avoidance, but they work just as well on land features.

Having consulted the radar picture and the chart, Wendy chose Western Blackstone, Dartmouth Castle and Wash Point as three prominent features.

She then measured their ranges with the VRM:

• Western Blackstone 0.24 miles
• Dartmouth Castle (Battery Pt) 0.3 miles
• Wash Point 0.25 miles

Next, set a pair of compasses or dividers to the right range and draw an arc around the object on the chart. Your position is where the three arcs intersect.

As with any other three-point fix, the bigger the area of intersection, the less accurate it is and the more suspicious you should be of the results. Once plotted, they gave a position accurate to about 50m.

Clearing range

The final tool for the toolbox is clearing ranges. These work just like a clearing bearing by delineating a danger zone. Dartmouth Harbour is well marked and steep-to, so there are few isolated hazards, but we can pretend that Western Blackstone is hard to identify on radar.

If it was invisible to radar we would need to create a relationship between it and something that will be visible, like the cliffs. We measure the distance between them and find that it is just less than a cable.

Western Blackstone and Meg Rocks. Measure your range off the coastline behind unseen hazards to ensure a safe distance off

If we stay 2 cables off the cliff we will remain in safe water. We can monitor this by setting up a 0.2nM VRM on the radar display. If we keep Blackstone Point outside the 0.2nM circle, we avoid Western Blackstone.

Using a safe distance off an identifiable feature allows you to avoid hazards. Like a clearing bearing, this is a really simple, powerful tool for pilotage.

One nice feature of Wimsey’s setup was the Raymarine display. It allowed those outside to instantly match what was in front of them with the radar picture. As we piloted down the river the channel was well-defined on the radar, and the image on screen started to make sense.

Prescription:

As we were heading back up the river Sophia said that the day had been a good introduction to radar, but that she still didn’t feel completely confident with it.

Sophia is a naturally cautious skipper and her instinct to be wary of using technology which she isn’t completely comfortable with is the correct approach.

Heading out to test radar skills on Wimsey

As she identified, it takes practice to develop good radar skills. But the nice thing about Wimsey ’s set-up is that on a quiet day with good visibility she can watch the radar from the helm.

This will allow her to build up a bank of experience, getting a feel for what it can do, and also what it can’t, before she needs it in earnest. She will also need to learn how to use the radar for collision avoidance, to complete her skillset.

The radar is often overlooked in a skipper’s skillset, but it has become an important element in Yachtmaster Offshore exams, and is an essential skill if the visibility closes in.  It will be very tempting to turn it on if the fog rolls in, but by that point it is too late to learn.

Unlike berthing or changing a fuel filter where most mistakes are easily resolved, getting radar wrong can be disastrous. Make time for training and familiarisation with your equipment before you actually need it.

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Small Dome Radars Grow in Capabilities

• By Jim Hendricks
• Updated: February 22, 2020

Glare from the late-autumn sun hampered visibility on Chesapeake Bay as Capt. Greg Shute searched for flocks of gannets and gulls feeding on schools of bunker pushed to the surface by rampaging striped bass.

He switched his Furuno radar to bird mode, and within minutes on the screen of his TZtouch2 display, he spotted a dense flock 2 miles out. He immediately throttled up and slid into nonstop action—a striper on every cast.

For years, anglers have used fairly large open-array radar systems to find flocks of birds. But Shute was using a Furuno DRS4D-NXT featuring a compact 24-inch-diameter dome that fits on virtually any fishing boat.

Amazingly, this is not even the smallest dome radar equipped with bird mode today. Other models featuring bird modes include the new Halo20+ (from Lowrance and Simrad) with a 20-inch dome, and Garmin’s GMR Fantom 18 with an 18-inch dome.

Mighty Mites

For context, radars with small dome scanners are hardly new. For example, Furuno introduced its ever-popular 1620 series radar with a 15-inch dome in the mid-1990s. Some domes are even smaller. The MDS-1 radar system from Si-Tex sports a dome that’s just 12.4 inches in diameter. However, by today’s standards, these systems are fairly basic. What makes the new breed of small dome radars so remarkable is the number of advanced features.

Depending on the system, it might include Doppler technology for identifying targets moving toward your position, automatic target tracking, dual-range functionality for simultaneously tracking targets both near and far, and special preset modes for navigating in heavy weather, negotiating harbors and finding birds.

Pulse Compression

Key to this trend is the advent of solid-state, pulse-compression technology versus using a traditional magnetron radar. Unlike a magnetron system, pulse compression transmits over a wide range of frequencies, then the radar processes the strength of the returning frequencies to accurately gauge the size and distance of targets, as well as the gaps in between. While a magnetron radar might display two objects as one target, pulse compression will show these as two distinct targets, so you navigate more safely.

What’s more, solid-state radars require no preheating and turn on almost instantly versus magnetron radars, which require a warmup period before use. Solid-state technology also facilitates smaller, lighter-weight scanners. This enables fishing boats as small as 20 feet to access the navigation and fishing features traditionally associated with larger open-array systems.

Doppler Safety

One of the most significant aspects in solid-state pulse-compression technology is the opportunity to incorporate Doppler capabilities. This feature automatically changes the target color, depending on the threat level of collision. On the Furuno DRS4D-NXT, for instance, anything stationary or moving away from the boat is green. Targets moving toward your position at 3 knots or more become red.

Shute uses this function to navigate safely in limited-visibility situations. That includes fishing around other boats that are trolling for striped bass while he practices his run-and-gun style of fishing.

VelocityTrack on the Halo20+, MotionScope on the Fantom 18, and Doppler on the Raymarine Quantum 2 operate in much the same way as the DRS4D-NXT. The Quantum 2 also includes a Safety Sector function that highlights and color-codes potentially dangerous stationary targets within 650 feet in front of the vessel, for additional safety.

First, a caveat: While solid-state dome systems do find birds, magnetron systems with open arrays prove better at it. “We recommend that our customers consider an open-array magnetron radar, if finding birds is an important part of their regular fishing routine,” says Scott Heffernan, vice president of sales for the GPS Store, a North Carolina-based online electronics retailer. A magnetron-style open array acquires birds at distances of 4 to 5 miles.

That said, space for a radar scanner is often limited on the hardtop or T-top, especially on boats under 30 feet in length. That’s where using the bird mode function on the new breed of dome radars comes into play.

Based on testing in the Hauraki Gulf, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the new Halo20+ in bird mode detects flocks of diving gannets at 1½ miles, says Laurie Bates, radar product group owner for Navico (which includes the Lowrance and Simrad brands). “That’s about a mile beyond unaided visual range,” he points out.

Bird mode slows down the antenna rotation and changes the processing to concentrate on midrange targets, Bates explains. “To enhance the returns even further, you can tune down the sea clutter, turn on target trails and true motion, then switch the radar to north-up,” he adds. This not only shows bird flocks better, but it also paints target trails on them.

Shute gets a bit better range from his 24-inch Furuno dome radar. “The effective range for spotting birds with my Furuno DRS4D-NXT is about 2 miles,” he says.

Not only does Shute use bird mode to locate flocks of birds over migrating striped bass, he also counts on it to track them once his passengers hook up. “The bass are constantly moving,” Shute explains. “Bird mode helps me keep track of the fish, even when I’m not looking.”

The Glomeasy line from Glomex makes it easy to install, remove and replace antennas for VHF and AIS. A pre-wired FME waterproof connector allows the RG-8X coax connection to rotate freely, so there’s no twisting or shearing. It offers less signal attenuation than standard RG-58C/U cable for greater transmission and reception. Glomex antennas feature glossy white finishes that resist yellowing. Antennas start at $88; glomex.us

Garmin’s high-resolution relief shading in its BlueChart g3 Vision cartography is now available for the entire continental United States coastline. This feature combines color and shadow to paint the ocean floor in vivid detail. It is available in accessory cards and downloads. Existing customers with Blue Chart g3 Vision cards can use Garmin’s New Chart Guarantee to update charts. From $249.99 to $449.99; garmin.com/maps

Intellian’s Inmarsat Fleet One and FleetBroadband 250 satellite communications systems provide high-quality digital voice and SMS texting. Wi-Fi access points allow mobile devices to connect. Fleet One offers simple installation. The terminal also offers features related to safety at sea, including Inmarsat 505 Emergency Calling, the free voice distress safety service for small vessels. $6,900 (Fleet One), $9950 (FB 250); intelliantech.com

• More: Gear , Marine Electronics , radar

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• SAFETY TIPS
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Small Boat Radar

• By Glenn Law
• May 5, 2014

Anyone who has fitted out a boat for fishing knows well the timeworn adage about compromise. But more and more, the margin of compromise seems to be shrinking, and perhaps in no instance quite so dramatically as the sophisticated gear that can be slipped aboard the very smallest fishing boats. Of course, there is a case in point lurking here, and this time around, it’s radar.

Once a commercial and big-boat installation, radar has just about become a standard utility on everything from the big sport-fishermen on down to flats skiffs. A couple of characteristics make this possible. First is the small size of the radomes that can be shoehorned onto the tiniest arch or T-top, and second is the technologically advanced low-output radar, termed Broadband by manufacturer Navico, which sells it under both the Simrad and Lowrance brands.

The low power output of the Navico Broadband 4G radar eliminates the problem of needing to mount the radome in such way that people in the boat are not in the path of outgoing radiation. It simply puts out too little radiation to be a concern. As a result, mounting options are much more numerous, and competitive anglers especially have been quick to exploit that, reaping some immediate benefits.

Rich Tudor and partner Tom Rowland, who host and produce the Saltwater Experience, live and die in putting their TV show together by their ability to maximize their time on the water. Tudor, based in Islamorada, Florida, says they now rely on the power of a radar on their 24-foot Yellowfin bay boats.

“We don’t have a lot of fog here, like they do in other places, so that’s not a reason we installed the Lowrance Broadband radar,” says Tudor. “But we do leave the dock early in the morning, in the dark. When we are tarpon fishing, this is a constant, and there are other boats out there and other things that are not lit. It is a big advantage to see those things on the radar overlay right on our plotter screen.”

In the same arena of hazard avoidance, weather is a consideration. Fog may be moot, but thunderstorms in Tudor’s home waters in the Florida Keys spring up suddenly and violently, though they’re sometimes short-lived: The challenge is determining how big they are and where they are headed. “In the Florida Bay backcountry and the Marquesas, when we are out of cell-phone range, we can’t get the weather information we usually rely on,” says Tudor. “And even then, the weather updates are not immediate like they are with radar.”

The storms of concern, explains Tudor, are often not that big, usually only 2 by 5 miles, but they brew quickly. “It’s like a chess game,” he says. “We have to decide whether running through the storm is the easiest path to safety, or are we going to have to run around it. It is a gamble, and the kind of decision we have to make on a daily basis. With the radar, we can make an educated decision.” And along with that informed decision come comfort, safety and another way to maximize fishing time.

Simrad’s Broadband 4G radar ($1,899) has an 18-inch radome that weighs just over 16 pounds. As well as extremely low power output, it features advanced signal processing that provides highly accurate returns from right at boat-side out to 36 nautical miles, with dual-range capability from the 48 rpm scanner.

Another small-boat approach is to use a traditional radome in a 12-inch configuration. It must be installed high enough so that radiation output is above the passengers’ heads. An arch over a center console will raise the antenna for safe clearance, and so will the traditional solution, installation on a T-top.

The MDS-1 compact radome from Si-Tex ($1,299), a 12.4-inch radome weighing 9.9 pounds, is sized to go anywhere. With a range of one-eighth to 24 nautical miles, it displays a raw radar image or overlays on C-Map MAX or NT+ charts, for a complete overview of vessel traffic, weather and fixed-target data. Target intensity is shown in color shades to assist the operator in differentiating between large and small vessels and weather severities.

Humminbird’s 12-inch 2 kw AS-12RD2KW ($1,499.99) radome works with the five-port Humminbird Ethernet Switch, enabling plug-and-play configuration simple enough that the do-it-yourselfer should be able to install this radar in a couple of hours. The radar and Ethernet Switch system are compatible with all current Humminbird 800, 900 and 1100 models. Some models will require a free downloadable software upgrade.

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI); successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons(r), or your state boating agency’s Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org .

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