The 8 Best Marine Radar Systems

This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Even the calmest waters can hold treacherous surprises, like well-disguised markers, easy-to-miss buoys and, of course, drunken college kids riding jet skis. These marine radar systems alert you to all the possible hazards on the horizon, with most being able to see dozens of nautical miles away. You'll still need to keep your eyes peeled, but they'll provide a decent warning in advance. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Even the calmest waters can hold treacherous surprises, like well-disguised markers, easy-to-miss buoys and, of course, drunken college kids riding jet skis. These marine radar systems alert you to all the possible hazards on the horizon, with most being able to see dozens of nautical miles away. You'll still need to keep your eyes peeled, but they'll provide a decent warning in advance. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Lowrance Broadband

You won't be surprised by anything coming over the horizon if you have the Lowrance Broadband (appx. $1899) installed. The images it produces are extremely sharp, so there won't be any questions about just how severe that approaching storm is going to be.

Easy to connect to a display
Great short-range performance
Turns on instantly

2. Garmin Fantom 18

The Garmin Fantom 18 (about $2000) boasts MotionScope technology that finds things moving towards you and alerts you of their presence. It's extremely helpful for avoiding other watercraft, spotting wildlife, or simply monitoring weather patterns.

Keeps objects well separated
40-watt output power
Can adjust target size

3. Furuno 1623

Skippers of smaller vessels should consider the Furuno 1623 (about $1295), as the lightweight antenna zooms in to an 1/8 of a nautical mile ahead without weighing you down. Its 4-tone display differentiates between strong and weak echoes, so you can tell real danger from a false alarm.

Easy-to-read lcd monitor
13 range scales to choose from
10-meter signal cable

4. Simrad GO7 XSR

The Simrad GO7 XSR (appx. $2559) has one of the most vivid displays you'll find on one of these devices, and the 7-inch widescreen LCD makes it look more like a sleek tablet than a garden-variety tracker. Just don't take your eyes off the horizon too long while staring at it.

Built-in bluetooth
Includes gps system
Sonar for finding fish

5. Garmin GMR 18HD+

The Garmin GMR 18HD+ (appx. $1129) can automatically adjust the gain to your environment to give you the best performance possible at that time. It can overlay images directly onto compatible chart plotters, so you can see where you're going even when you can't see where you're going.

8-bit true color resolution
Maximum range of 36 nautical miles
Not ideal for close objects

6. Raymarine RD418HD

You can see both the objects miles ahead and those in front of your face equally well with the Raymarine RD418HD (appx. $1600), as its dual-range mode supports simultaneous short- and long-range scanning. It's a great way to prevent nasty surprises at any distance.

256-color multi-level display
Small footprint
Requires adapter to track weather

7. Furuno FUR-DRS6A

The Furuno FUR-DRS6A (around $5000) is a top-end model that can practically see into the future. Well, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but with a range of 64 nautical miles, you can spot plenty of things coming long before they become issues, which is a talent that's almost as valuable.

Comes with 4-foot open-array antenna
Real-time digital signal processing
Extremely expensive

8. Lowrance 3G

The Lowrance 3G (around $1299) can provide a vivid picture of everything in the near vicinity without blasting you with radiation, as it emits less energy than a typical cell phone. It doesn't suck up much juice, either, making it ideal for ships that have limited power, like sailboats.

Handles fog well
Functions well at night
Other gear needed for chart overlays

Last updated by Quincy Miller

After getting his bachelor’s from the University of Texas, Quincy Miller moved out to Los Angeles, where he soon found work as a copywriter and researcher, specializing in health and wellness topics for a major online media brand. Quincy is also knowledgeable about home improvement, as he’s had extensive experience with everything from insulation to power tools to emergency room trips, sometimes in that order. Sharing a home with three dogs and a couple of cats has forced Quincy to learn as much as he can about pet supplies, animal nutrition and, most importantly, the best ways to tackle the mountains of fur that accumulate in every corner of your home.

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