Radom or Open array, which is right for me?

Raymarine offers a wide range of marine radar solutions for boats of all types and sizes. Whether it's for fishing, sailing, or cruising, Raymarine's radar systems keep you aware of surrounding traffic, hazards and obstacles, approaching weather, and much more. To deliver maximum performance regardless of your vessel type, we offer radar in both radome configurations and open array configurations.

Radome Scanners for When Space is Limited

Radome radar is perfect for sailboats, RIBs, and smaller motorboats. They pack big radar features into a small enclosure, making them ideal for vessels with limited space. And unlike open array, there are no exposed rotating parts that can get tangled in ropes, rigging, or sails.

Raymarine offers three types of radome radar.

Quantum radar uses CHIRP pulse compression technology that is highly detailed at both long and short ranges. Quantum radar has very low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-conscious sailing and electric boats. Its lightweight and wireless data capability also make it ideal for mounting up in sailboat masts, towers, and other complex and weight-sensitive locations. Quantum is an excellent choice for coastal navigation and collision avoidance.

The Quantum 2 version adds advanced Doppler tracking of radar targets. Doppler tracking colors moving radar contacts and distinguishes them from stationary objects. Incoming radar contacts are colored red, while those moving away are colored green. This makes it easy for the captain to quickly assess the radar situation and maneuver in crowded harbors.

Raymarine's 18- and 24-inch marine HD radome in HD color are traditional high-power magnetron units with 4 kW output and advanced digital signal processing. HD Color models are very popular for smaller fishing boats that don't have space for an open array because they have automatic bird mode as a standard feature. These radar units also have open array features, including dual-range scanning, high-speed mode, and much more.

Open Array Scanners for Maximum Performance

Open array radar antennas consist of 2 parts. The base unit or pedestal contains the radar's transmitting and receiving electronics. Bolted on top of the pedestal is a rotating antenna that is 3, 4, or 6 feet long. Open arrays are significantly heavier than radome antennas, and with their larger diameter antennas, they require much more space on top. However, the advantages of the open radar are a huge increase in radar range, performance, and capability.

The increased length of the open array antenna unit gives the radar increased sensitivity so it can detect weak echoes returning from longer areas more effectively. The larger size of the open array also allows the radar to focus its microwave energy beam better. By concentrating the energy on the target, this allows the open array to have a longer effective range than a radome-like system. The concentrated energy is also subject to less distortion resulting in a sharper, cleaner radar image when looking at small contacts close together, or a detailed coastline.

In addition to having a choice of antenna size, the modular configuration of the open array also gives you a choice of transmitter power. This allows you to customize the radar to your boat style and needs.

Cyclone Radar is the ultimate tool for navigation, collision avoidance, and bird finding. Cyclone radar is available with an output power of 55 or 110 watts and antenna lengths of 3, 4, or 6 feet and is our most advanced range ever.

Cyclone uses CHIRP pulse compression technology for superior target separation and short-range imaging, while its powerful transmitter and super-sensitive antenna design give it enormous range and sensitivity. Cyclone supports traditional and Doppler radar modes simultaneously. The bold design also allows it to operate at relative wind speeds of over 100 knots, a must for today's high-performance motorboats.

Magnum Radar offers a high-performance open array radar solution for boat owners who prefer a traditional magnetron-based system. Magnum radar comes with transmitters of 4 kW or 12 kW and you can choose an antenna of 4 or 6 feet.

Both of these open array options are ideal for motorboats, fishing boats, motor yachts, commercial and police vessels.

Learn More

Looking for more radar tips? Check out these Raymarine Live videos for more in-depth knowledge.