Small boat radar is an essential tool for boaters who want to navigate safely in low visibility conditions. It is a type of marine radar designed for use on small boats, typically those under 40 feet in length. Small boat radar can help boaters avoid collisions, detect other vessels, and navigate in fog, rain, or darkness.
When purchasing small boat radar, there are several critical things to consider. For example, boaters should consider the type of antenna, the power output, and the display type. The antenna type determines the range and accuracy of the radar, while the power output determines the strength of the radar signal. The display type can affect the visibility of the radar image, especially in bright sunlight.
At our testing facility, we spent countless hours researching and testing various small boat radar models to identify the ones that offer the best performance and value. We evaluated each radar’s range, accuracy, power output, and ease of use to determine which models are worth your investment.
After extensive testing, we have identified the top small boat radar models that meet the needs of different types of boaters. Whether you’re a recreational boater or a professional fisherman, our recommendations can help you navigate with confidence and safety.
Small Boat Radar Buyer Guide
| Clear display | Ensure readability under various lighting conditions |
| Range | Choose radar with appropriate detection distance for your needs |
| Ease of use | User-friendly interface and intuitive operation |
| Power output | Consider strength of radar signal for accurate detection |
| Compatibility | Ensure compatibility with existing navigation systems or devices |
| Installation | Evaluate ease of installation, including mounting options and cable management |
| Price | Balance features with budget constraints |
| Reliability | Check for reliability based on user reviews or reputation of the brand |
| Weather overlays | Consider if the radar system offers weather overlays for monitoring weather conditions while on the water |
| Target tracking | Determine if the radar has target tracking capabilities for tracking the movements of other boats and objects |
Best Small Boat Radar
We have researched and tested a variety of small boat radars to bring you the best options available on Amazon. Whether you are a recreational boater or a professional fisherman, having a reliable radar system on board can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and success on the water. Our roundup includes a range of radar systems with different features and price points, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best small boat radar on Amazon.
Furuno Radar
If you’re looking for a high-quality radar for your small boat, the Furuno Radar is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 8.4′ color display is easy to read and provides clear images.
- With a range of 36 miles and a 4KW 19′ dome, this radar provides excellent coverage for small boats.
- The complete set up provides everything you need for installation.
Cons
- At 38.2 pounds, this radar is a bit heavy, so it may not be suitable for very small boats.
- The price is a bit high compared to some other small boat radars on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the radar’s software, although these seem to be relatively rare.
In our experience, the Furuno Radar is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality radar for their small boat. The 8.4′ color display is easy to read and provides clear images, and the radar’s 36-mile range and 4KW 19′ dome provide excellent coverage for small boats. Additionally, the complete set up provides everything you need for installation, making it easy to get up and running quickly.
Of course, there are a few downsides to consider as well. At 38.2 pounds, this radar is a bit heavy, so it may not be suitable for very small boats. Additionally, the price is a bit high compared to some other small boat radars on the market. Finally, some users have reported issues with the radar’s software, although these seem to be relatively rare.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Furuno Radar to anyone in the market for a high-quality small boat radar. With its excellent range and clear display, it’s a great choice for anyone who spends time on the water.
SI-TEX T-760 A
If you’re looking for a small boat radar, the SI-TEX T-760 A is a great option. It has a lot of features that make it a reliable and efficient radar for small boats.
Pros
- NEW product
- SI-TEX brand
- 7-inch touchscreen display
Cons
- Expensive
We recently had the chance to test out the SI-TEX T-760 A and were impressed with its performance. The 7-inch touchscreen display was easy to navigate and provided clear and detailed images of our surroundings. The radar also has a range of up to 24 nautical miles, making it a great choice for small boats.
One of the standout features of the SI-TEX T-760 A is its advanced signal processing technology. This allows for a clearer and more accurate image, even in adverse weather conditions. We were able to easily distinguish between different targets and track their movements with precision.
Another great feature of the SI-TEX T-760 A is its compatibility with AIS and ARPA. This allows for the integration of additional data, such as vessel identification and speed, to be displayed on the radar screen. This is especially useful for small boats that may not have access to other navigation systems.
Overall, we would highly recommend the SI-TEX T-760 A for anyone in the market for a small boat radar. While it is on the expensive side, the advanced features and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for any boater.
Garmin GMR 18 xHD 010-00959-00 Radome
If you’re looking for a high-definition 18 inch dome radar that pairs ease of use with advanced open-array features, the Garmin GMR 18 xHD 010-00959-00 Radome is a great option.
Pros
- The GMR 18 xHD features 48 or 24 RPM rotation speeds for fast screen refreshes.
- Auto adjusts as needed based on range and a 48 mile max range setting.
- Advanced signal processing and dynamic gain/Sea filter for improved performance, dual range, and true color.
Cons
- The cables can be difficult to run, depending on the boat’s construction.
- The product is relatively expensive.
- The installation instructions could be clearer.
We recently used the Garmin GMR 18 xHD 010-00959-00 Radome and found it to be a reliable and high-performing radar system. The 48 or 24 RPM rotation speeds ensured that the screen refreshed quickly, and the auto-adjust feature based on range made it easy to use. Additionally, the advanced signal processing and dynamic gain/Sea filter provided improved performance, dual range, and true color.
Overall, we would recommend the Garmin GMR 18 xHD 010-00959-00 Radome to anyone looking for a high-definition radar system with advanced features.
However, the cables were difficult to run on our boat, which made installation more challenging than we would have liked. Additionally, the product is relatively expensive, which may be a barrier for some buyers. Finally, while the installation instructions were generally clear, there were some confusing elements that could have been improved.
Scanstrut APT-150-01 Aluminum Powertower for Radomes, Open Array, and Small SatCom/TV Antenna – 6″
If you are looking for a reliable and sturdy aluminum powertower for your small boat radar, the Scanstrut APT-150-01 is a great option.
Pros
- Easy installation with pre-drilled mounting holes
- Fits cables from all major radomes with included inserts
- Internally mounted scanstrut ds30 cable seal, so no marine sealant is required
Cons
- Wedge to get appropriate angle is limited to 4°
- Very expensive
- Not the most aesthetically pleasing design
We recently installed the Scanstrut APT-150-01 on our powerboat, and we were impressed with how easy it was to install. The pre-drilled mounting holes made it a breeze to attach to our cabin roof, and the included inserts allowed us to fit cables from all major radomes.
The internally mounted scanstrut ds30 cable seal was also a great feature, as we didn’t need to use any marine sealant during installation. This saved us time and hassle, and gave us peace of mind that our antenna was securely mounted.
One downside to the Scanstrut APT-150-01 is that the wedge to get the appropriate angle is limited to 4°, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the price point is quite high, which may be a barrier for some boat owners.
Overall, we would recommend the Scanstrut APT-150-01 to anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy aluminum powertower for their small boat radar. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option on the market, it gets the job done and is built to last.
Furuno Defender DRS4W Wireless Radar Antenna
We recommend the Furuno Defender DRS4W Wireless Radar Antenna for those looking for an affordable and compact radar system that can be accessed from iOS devices.
Pros
- The wireless LAN feature allows for easy and convenient access from iOS devices, without the need for extra wiring.
- The user-friendly and free iOS app makes setup and operation exceptionally simple and intuitive.
- The multi-color radar target presentation is vivid and easy to read.
Cons
- The product does not come with a power cable, which may cause inconvenience for some users.
- The radar system is pretty basic, with limited parameters that can be adjusted.
- The warranty period is only 30 days, which may not be enough for some users.
The Furuno Defender DRS4W Wireless Radar Antenna is a powerful and compact radar system that can be accessed wirelessly from iOS devices. The setup process is fast and easy, with only a single power cable needed for installation. The touch interface is simple and intuitive, with familiar gestures that make operation a breeze. The multi-color radar target presentation is easy to read and provides a clear view of the surroundings.
However, the product does not come with a power cable, which may cause inconvenience for some users. The radar system is pretty basic, with limited parameters that can be adjusted. The warranty period is only 30 days, which may not be enough for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the Furuno Defender DRS4W Wireless Radar Antenna is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and compact radar system that can be accessed from iOS devices.
Acouto Radar Reflectors Aluminum 10pcs Octahedral Type Aluminium Radar Reflectors 12×12 Inches for Sailboats Motorboat Octahedral Type Radar Reflector
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use radar reflector for your small boat, the Acouto Radar Reflectors Aluminum 10pcs Octahedral Type Aluminium Radar Reflectors 12×12 Inches for Sailboats Motorboat Octahedral Type Radar Reflector is a great option.
Pros
- High-quality aluminum construction ensures exceptional strength, rustproof properties, and durability even in saltwater environments.
- Enhances safety on the water by reflecting radar in all directions to alert nearby vessels of your presence, particularly during reduced visibility in bad weather or at night.
- Stable performance ensures that your boat remains detectable in challenging conditions, minimizing the risk of collisions.
Cons
- Some users may find the product difficult to assemble or disassemble.
- The 10-piece kit may not be necessary for all small boats, leading to wasted materials and money.
- The octahedral design may not be suitable for all types of boats or applications.
We found that the Acouto Radar Reflectors Aluminum 10pcs Octahedral Type Aluminium Radar Reflectors 12×12 Inches for Sailboats Motorboat Octahedral Type Radar Reflector is a practical and easy-to-use product that can significantly enhance your safety on the water. Its high-quality aluminum construction ensures long-lasting durability and rustproof properties, making it an ideal choice for saltwater environments.
The radar reflector is particularly useful in misty or rainy weather, when visibility is significantly reduced. Its ability to reflect radar signals ensures that your boat remains detectable in challenging conditions, minimizing the risk of collisions.
While some users may find the product difficult to assemble or disassemble, we found that it was generally user-friendly and easy to install. However, the 10-piece kit may not be necessary for all small boats, leading to wasted materials and money.
Overall, we recommend the Acouto Radar Reflectors Aluminum 10pcs Octahedral Type Aluminium Radar Reflectors 12×12 Inches for Sailboats Motorboat Octahedral Type Radar Reflector for small boat owners looking for a reliable and practical radar reflector that can enhance their safety on the water.
Scanstrut APT-F-150-01 Forward-Leaning Aluminum Power Tower for 2kW/4kW Raymarine, Garmin, Navico BR24/3G/4G Radomes – 150mm
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy to install radar mount for your small boat, the Scanstrut APT-F-150-01 Forward-Leaning Aluminum Power Tower is a great choice.
Pros
- The mount is expertly designed to provide a clear view of the horizon for maximum antenna performance.
- The internally mounted Scanstrut DS30 cable seal ensures that your cables are protected from the elements.
- The mount comes with inserts to fit cables from all major radomes, making installation a breeze.
Cons
- The mount is a bit on the pricey side.
- The mount is only compatible with certain brands of radomes.
- The mount may not be suitable for larger boats.
We recently installed the Scanstrut APT-F-150-01 on our powerboat and were impressed with how easy it was to install. The pre-drilled mounting holes made it easy to attach the antenna fasteners to the Power Tower top plate using its own mounting bolts. We also appreciated the internally mounted Scanstrut DS30 cable seal, which meant that we didn’t need to use marine sealant. The inserts included to fit cables from all major radomes also made installation a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the mount is a bit on the pricey side, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. Additionally, the mount is only compatible with certain brands of radomes, so be sure to check before purchasing. Lastly, the mount may not be suitable for larger boats, so keep that in mind if you have a larger vessel.
Overall, we’re happy with our purchase of the Scanstrut APT-F-150-01 Forward-Leaning Aluminum Power Tower and would recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and easy to install radar mount for their small boat.
