The Best Marine Radar For Your Boat for 2021 and 2022

Question:  What is the best radar for my boat?  - Dale E.

Answer:  Radars are the greatest collision avoidance system made for recreational or commercial boaters. We know that there are so many options available that it can be confusing to understand which radar you need to provide safe navigation.

That's what we're here for. 

Marine radars allow you to navigate through darkness, fog and choppy weather conditions. Today, radars are compact units that draw minimal electricity and fit boats as small as 18' in length. Radar can be a real life saver when paired with the best electronics package. Consider the following questions when browsing for a radar:

1. What are you using your radar for and how often you will use it? 

If you are new to Radar and will be casually using radar, not leaving the dock before dawn or staying overnight, the basic radar system is perfect for you. If you are a fair weather boater and get yourself caught in fog or unknown storms, then the entry level radar syatem will help you navigate through or find your way home in the dark. If you are the type of boater than is often out at night and don't mind going out in sticky weather situation you will want more features and capabilities from your radar system including doppler, bird mode, Chirp etc. 

2. Are your electronics compatible with Radar? 

Compatibility is a key question when upgrading your chartplotter if you're also considering adding radar. Most multifunction displays can operate a radar system however there are combos, specifically for inland fishing, that cannot. A few models that do not support radar include Garmin echoMAP, Lowrance Elite TI, Raymarine Dragonfly, and Simrad Cruise.

3. How far do you need to see?

Installing your radar using a lift mount increases the maximum range for seeing surface targets, but also limits what you can see around your boat. If your primary use is looking for groups of vessels or birds, you will wants a lot of range. If your main use in adding radar is to see close in pilings or rocks in fog you will want better short range performance. Radar range can vary from 36nm to Alot of people ask, "Why do I need a radar with a range of 48nm?", the reason for the longer range is to see weather in the approaching distance.

4. Open Array vs. Dome Radar

Unlike display resolution, which measures the pixels in an LCD display, radar resolution is the ability to display radar targets which are close together. There are two contributing factors to understand radar resolution, bearing and range. Bearing resolution is the radar's ability to separate targets at the same range, close together, measured by the horizontal beamwidth. The wider the array, the narrower the horizontal beamwidth, the better the resolution. The horizontal beamwidth ranges from .75 to 5 degrees and the vertical beamwidth from 20-25 degrees. An open array has a much wider antenna than a dome which will make it always have a better radar image than a dome, no matter what technology it is. 

The second factor, range, measures the pulse length of the radar. A short pulse length gives better resolution than a long pulse length. You want to use short pulse length on short ranges and a longer pulse length for longer range detection.

5. Traditional Radar with Magnatron vs Solid State vs Doppler 

Traditional Marine Radar uses a magnetron vacuum tube to generate and transmit short high power pulses. A solid state radar can't generate high power pulses so it makes the pulse longer to ratain comparable energy per pulse. This introduces pulse compression which deliveres a chirp-like pulse to the radar receiver, creating a short, strong echo on the screen. This leads you to doppler technology. Doppler technology measures the shift on returning echoes. These radars will tell you whether a target is approaching you (in red) or moving away from you (in green). An example of use would be picking out a boat under a fixed bridge, normally you cannot see a boat masked by a fixed object, with Doppler technology, you can. 

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6. What is your budget?

 

For many, radar is a huge investment and the final determination of whether you will add radar or not. Adding a standard radar to a compatible multifunction display can be done for around $1,200. Without overpaying for features you will rarely use, you also want to make sure you aren't underspending on features that you would soon wish you had.

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Simrad	Dome or Array	Power Output	Doppler	Dual Range	Rotation Speed (RPM)	Range (nm)	Horizontal Beamwidth	Price
Halo 3006	Array | 6ft	130W	Yes with add on	Yes	16 to 48 depending on operating mode	96	1.2 degrees	$8,999.00
Halo 3004	Array | 4ft	130W	Yes with add on	Yes	16 to 48 depending on operating mode	96	1.8 degrees	$8,499.00
Halo 2006	Array | 6ft	50W	Yes with add on	Yes	16 to 48 depending on operating mode	72	1.2 degrees	$7,499.00
Halo 2004	Array | 4ft	50W	Yes with add on	Yes	16 to 48 depending on operating mode	72	1.8 degrees	$6,899.00
Halo 2003	Array | 3 ft	50W	Yes with add on	Yes	16 to 48 rpm depending on operating mode	72	2.4 degrees	$6,399.00
Halo 24	Dome | 24 inch	25W Pulse Compression	Yes	Yes	20-60	48	3.9 degrees	$3,099.00
Halo 20+	Dome | 20 inch	25W Pulse Compression	Yes	Yes	20-60	36	4.9 degrees	$2,299.00
Halo 20	Dome | 20 inch	6W Pulse Compression	No	No	24	24	4.9 degrees	$1,899.00

Why Radomes Are Ideal for Smaller Boats and Sailboats

Choosing the right radar equipment for smaller boats or sailboats often boils down to practical considerations like space, energy consumption, and safety. Here’s why radomes might be the best fit:

Space Efficiency: Radomes are compact, typically encased within 18-inch (45.72 cm) to 24-inch (60.96 cm) domes. This makes them perfect for mounting in areas with limited space, where larger radar systems might not fit.

Safety Around Rigging: For sailboats, radomes offer an advantage as they have no external moving parts. This design reduces the risk of snagging on halyards or sails, ensuring smooth sailing without unexpected tangles.

Energy Conscious: Radomes consume less power than open array radar systems, which is crucial for smaller vessels that might have restricted electrical resources. Sailors often appreciate this as it minimizes the need to rely on a generator, aiding in quieter, more fuel-efficient voyages.

Lower Radiation Levels: Safety is always a priority at sea. Radomes emit less radiation compared to other radar systems, ensuring a safer environment for the crew onboard.

Why Practicing Radar Use is Essential Before Critical Situations Arise

Understanding how to operate radar effectively before encountering a critical situation is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, if the radar remains unused or you are unfamiliar with its readings, it becomes useless in emergencies.

Familiarization: Regular use of radar in clear weather and conditions helps you become familiar with its controls and displays. This practice allows you to interpret the data quickly and accurately when the pressure is on.

Operational Confidence: By integrating radar use into routine operations, you build confidence and operational comfort. This ensures you can make split-second decisions based on radar information when it truly matters.

Enhanced Reaction Time: With practice, interpreting radar images becomes intuitive, allowing for faster response times during unforeseen events, such as low visibility or sudden changes in weather conditions.

Crew Assurance: When you're proficient with radar equipment, it provides reassurance to your crew. They can trust that your navigation decisions are well-informed and based on solid data.

Understanding Power Output and Radar Performance in Varied Weather Conditions

The efficacy of radar systems is partially governed by their power output, especially when operating under challenging weather conditions. Higher power output is crucial for achieving better radar reception during inclement weather such as fog, drizzle, or rain.

Power Output Range and Its Effect

High Power Models: A radar system with a 4 kW power output can extend its range up to 48 miles (77.25 km), assuming the antenna is optimally positioned. This capability is particularly beneficial for offshore use where detecting distant objects is essential.

Lower Power Models: Conversely, a 2 kW radar generally caps its range at about 24 miles (38.62 km). This may suffice for inshore or inland navigations where long distances aren’t a priority.

Advantages of Higher Power

While you may not always utilize a radar's maximum range—since the primary focus is often on nearby vessels—the higher power output offers several advantages:

Enhanced Clarity: Increased power results in brighter and sharper echoes from smaller targets, which is crucial in differentiating between nearby obstacles.

Improved Detection: During adverse weather conditions, the additional power helps penetrate rain and fog more effectively, ensuring that the radar maintains reliable performance.