Radar Style Guide For Boats: Choosing The Best Fit

Marine radar is one of the greatest inventions in terms of boat safety. It helps boaters navigate through darkness, fog, and choppy weather conditions. When choosing a radar for your boat, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of boat you have, your budget, the range of detection needed, and the compatibility with your existing electronics. The radar's mounting position and height are also crucial for optimal performance and to avoid blind spots. Open array and dome radars are the two main types available, with open arrays offering wider antennas and longer ranges, while dome radars are more suitable for smaller boats with limited space. Solid-state and pulse radar technology are also available, with solid-state radars being newer and more power-efficient.

Compatibility with existing boat electronics

Compatibility is a key consideration when choosing a radar system for your boat. Most multifunction displays can operate a radar unit, while smaller or more basic combos—especially those intended for inland fishing applications—cannot. If you're thinking of adding radar to your current setup, you should consider compatibility first.

A few models that do not support radar include Garmin echoMAP, Lowrance Elite TI, Raymarine Dragonfly, and Simrad Cruise.

If you're considering a whole new suite of electronics for your boat, it's worth noting that some manufacturers, such as Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance, and B&G, offer radar units that are compatible with existing boat electronics.

When choosing a radar system, it's also important to consider the type of boat you have. For example, open arrays, which have the widest antennas and the longest ranges, are typically best suited for large powerboats with radar arches or pilothouses. On the other hand, radomes offer better mounting flexibility and are a good choice for smaller boats like walk-around fishing boats, RIBs, small cruisers, or sailboats.

In addition, the height at which the radar is mounted will affect its performance. Generally, the higher the radar is mounted, the greater its range. However, mounting the radar too high can reduce the boat's stability and increase windage. It's important to consider the weight and windage of the radar unit and how it will impact the boat's performance and handling.

Finally, when choosing a radar system, it's crucial to ensure that it meets the necessary safety standards and does not pose a health hazard to those on board. Radar emits electromagnetic energy at microwave frequencies, so it's important to mount the radar above head height and ensure that no one is in close proximity or in line with the horizontal axis of the scanner when it is transmitting.

By carefully considering compatibility, boat type, mounting height, and safety standards, you can choose a radar system that works seamlessly with your existing boat electronics and meets your specific needs and requirements.

Powerboat or sailboat

Marine radar is the best collision avoidance system for boaters. It can be used to navigate through darkness, fog, and bad weather. When choosing a radar system, it's important to consider your type of boat, whether it's a powerboat or a sailboat, as this will impact the type of radar and installation process.

For powerboats, the Garmin GMR xHD2 Open Array Radar is a good option. It is a high-powered pulse radar that easily networks with compatible Garmin displays. When installing radar on a powerboat, it's important to ensure the radome (the casing containing the radar antenna) is positioned correctly to avoid performance degradation. The radome should be installed at a sufficient height to keep the radar's beam clear of the superstructure. The further away from the front or side of the boat's roof or radar arch, the higher the mount needs to be. Additionally, mounting the radar forward on the superstructure will enable it to see targets closer to the bow. The higher the radar is mounted, the better the range, as radar works on line of sight.

For sailboats, radomes are generally recommended due to their better mounting flexibility. The Raymarine Quantum CHIRP Pulse Compression WiFi-Only Radome is a good option as it is easy to install and safe around halyards and sails due to the absence of external moving parts. When installing radar on a sailboat, it is typically mounted on the front of the mast, on a radar mast, or a backstay. Self-levelling mounts are recommended to ensure the dome stays level, regardless of the angle of heel. Sailboats often require higher mounts to avoid transmitting microwave radiation at head height, which can be a serious health hazard.

In terms of radar technology, solid-state broadband radar is the latest type available for leisure marine use. It offers reduced power consumption, improved target discrimination, and no warm-up time. Examples of solid-state broadband radar include Simrad's Halo series and Raymarine's Quantum series.

When choosing a radar system, it's important to consider factors such as compatibility with existing electronics, the range required, budget, and the intended use of the radar.

Range required

The range required for your boat radar depends on several factors. Firstly, consider the height of your boat's antenna and the height of the target you want to detect. The higher your radar is positioned, the further it can see, but this also increases the minimum range, or "blind spot", around your boat. If you need to detect close-in targets like pilings, moored boats, or rocks, a shorter range is preferable. On the other hand, if you want to detect flocks of birds or groups of vessels, you'll need a longer range.

The power of your radar is also a factor in determining range. Higher-powered radars can see further, but also consider the target's ability to reflect radar and the weather conditions, as fog, drizzle, and rain can absorb energy and reduce radar range. Traditional pulse-style recreational boating radars typically have outputs ranging from 4kW to 25kW.

The type of radar you choose also impacts the range. Open-array radars have the longest ranges and are suitable for large powerboats, while radomes are more flexible for smaller boats where space is limited. Broadband radar, a newer technology, offers superior close-range performance and can detect objects just a few feet away from your boat.

When deciding on the range required, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Basic radar systems are suitable for casual boaters who don't often venture out in low-visibility conditions, while more advanced systems with longer ranges and additional features are better for frequent night-time boating or navigating through heavily trafficked waters.

Open array or dome radar

Open array and dome radar are two of the most common types of radar for boats. Both have their own advantages and are suited to different types of vessels and use cases.

Open array radar antennas are composed of two pieces: the base or pedestal unit, and a rotating antenna array that is 3, 4, or 6 feet long. They are considerably heavier than dome radar, and their larger diameter antennas require more space. The benefits of open array radar include a huge increase in radar range, performance, and capability. The longer antenna unit gives the radar an increased level of sensitivity, allowing it to detect weak echoes returning from farther away. The larger size also allows the radar to better focus its microwave energy beam, resulting in a longer effective range.

Open arrays have a smaller horizontal beamwidth, which means that targets close together can be discriminated as separate contacts instead of appearing as one large blob. They offer better resolution and detail at longer distances and perform better in the rain and fog due to their larger antenna size and higher power. They are ideal for larger vessels and open-sea navigation, and for long-distance offshore trips where precision and range are critical.

Dome radar, also known as radome, packs big radar features into a small enclosure, making them perfect for vessels with limited space. They are fully enclosed and more protected from the elements, and they require less maintenance. They are easier to install, especially on smaller boats, as they do not require a mounting pole and have no exposed rotating parts that could get tangled in lines, rigging, or sails. Dome radar is best for small to medium-sized boats in nearshore or inland waters, and for those who prioritise compactness and affordability.

When choosing between open array and dome radar, consider factors such as the size of your boat, your intended use, your budget, and the compatibility with your current marine electronics.

Budget

Marine radar systems can be a significant investment, with prices ranging from around $1,000 to upwards of $5,000. The right radar for your boat will depend on your budget, as well as your specific needs and requirements.

For those on a tighter budget, there are more affordable options available. For instance, you can add radar capability to many multi-function displays (MFDs) for approximately $1,000. Standalone radars that offer more features and menu options typically start at around $1,200.

If you're looking for a basic radar system, you can find entry-level options that provide solid performance without breaking the bank. These systems are ideal for casual boaters or fishermen who don't frequently venture out in low-visibility conditions. They offer essential functionality, such as navigating through fog or finding your way home after dark.

When considering your budget, it's important to strike a balance between affordability and getting the features you need. While you don't want to overspend on features you may rarely use, it's also crucial to ensure you don't skimp on features that could be crucial for your safety and navigation.

Additionally, keep in mind that the cost of the radar system itself is not the only expense. You'll also need to factor in the cost of mounting brackets, which can range from around $350 for a basic mast mount to $1,600 for a self-levelling mast mount.

In summary, when determining your budget for a marine radar system, consider your specific needs, the features you require, and any additional costs associated with installation and mounting. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that fits within your financial constraints.

Frequently asked questions