Marine radar is an essential tool for boaters who prioritize safety, navigation, and situational awareness in all weather conditions. Whether you're navigating through dense fog, heavy rain, or complete darkness, having a reliable radar system can mean the difference between a smooth voyage and a potential collision.
Two of the most well-respected brands in marine radar technology are Raymarine and Simrad—each offering a range of high-performance radars tailored for different boating needs. But which one is better for you?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Raymarine and Simrad radar systems, covering:
✔️ Technology and features
✔️ Performance and range
✔️ Integration with marine electronics
✔️ Ease of use and installation
✔️ Price and overall value
And of course, if you're looking to purchase a Raymarine or Simrad radar, you can find the best deals at BLDMarine.com, where your purchase supports Rifle to Rods, a nonprofit helping veterans transition from service to civilian life through fishing. Customers also have the option to donate at checkout, making your purchase an investment in both your boating experience and a great cause!
Understanding Marine Radar Technology
Before diving into the differences between Raymarine and Simrad, it's important to understand the two main types of marine radar systems used today:
1. Pulse Radar (Magnetron-Based Radar)
- Transmits high-powered pulses of energy and detects returning echoes.
- Can reach long distances (up to 96 nm) but requires a warm-up period.
- Best for offshore, commercial, and long-range navigation.
2. Broadband Radar (Solid-State Pulse Compression Radar)
- Uses continuous-wave technology for clearer, high-resolution imaging.
- Operates at low power with instant-on functionality (no warm-up time).
- Best for short-to-medium range navigation, collision avoidance, and high-traffic areas.
Both Raymarine and Simrad offer solid-state and magnetron-based radars, but their technology and performance differ in key areas.
Raymarine Radar: Overview and Features
Raymarine is known for its intuitive marine electronics, specializing in radar systems that seamlessly integrate with Raymarine Axiom chartplotters. Their CHIRP pulse compression technology ensures clear imaging, making them a popular choice among recreational boaters and anglers.
Raymarine's Top Radar Models
1. Raymarine Quantum 2 Doppler Radar
✔️ Type: Solid-State CHIRP Pulse Compression
✔️ Range: Up to 24 nautical miles
✔️ Key Feature: Doppler processing for tracking moving targets and collision avoidance
✔️ Best For: Coastal boaters, inshore anglers, and small to mid-sized boats
2. Raymarine Magnum Open Array Radar
✔️ Type: Magnetron Pulse Radar
✔️ Range: Up to 72 nautical miles
✔️ Key Feature: Bird mode for locating seabirds (a key indicator for finding fish)
✔️ Best For: Offshore anglers, sportfishing, and commercial vessels
3. Raymarine Cyclone Solid-State Open Array Radar
✔️ Type: CHIRP Pulse Compression Solid-State Radar
✔️ Range: Up to 96 nautical miles
✔️ Key Feature: High-speed scanning for fast-moving vessels
✔️ Best For: High-performance boaters, offshore navigation, and tournament anglers
✅ Pros of Raymarine Radar:
✔️ Doppler tracking for real-time movement detection (Quantum 2)
✔️ Excellent integration with Raymarine Axiom MFDs
✔️ Long-range bird detection for offshore fishing (Magnum & Cyclone)
❌ Cons of Raymarine Radar:
❌ Limited compatibility with non-Raymarine systems
❌ Higher power consumption on older magnetron models
❌ Quantum 2 has a shorter range (24 nm) compared to Simrad HALO 24 (48 nm)
Simrad Radar: Overview and Features
Simrad is a leader in high-performance marine navigation, offering radar systems for sport fishing, offshore cruising, and commercial applications. Simrad radars are designed to work seamlessly with Simrad NSS, NSX, and GO Series chartplotters, and they excel in dual-range scanning and MARPA tracking.
Simrad’s Top Radar Models
1. Simrad HALO 20+ Radar
✔️ Type: Solid-State Pulse Compression
✔️ Range: Up to 36 nautical miles
✔️ Key Feature: Instant-on technology for quick operation
✔️ Best For: Small to mid-sized boats, inshore navigation
2. Simrad HALO 24 Radar
✔️ Type: Solid-State Pulse Compression
✔️ Range: Up to 48 nautical miles
✔️ Key Feature: Dual-range scanning for tracking near and distant targets at the same time
✔️ Best For: Mid-sized boats, offshore fishing, and coastal navigation
3. Simrad HALO 60 Radar
✔️ Type: Solid-State Pulse Compression
✔️ Range: Up to 72 nautical miles
✔️ Key Feature: Best-in-class target separation and long-range detection
✔️ Best For: Offshore cruisers, commercial boats, and bluewater anglers
✅ Pros of Simrad Radar:
✔️ Dual-range scanning – See both near and far targets simultaneously
✔️ Instant-on functionality – No warm-up time required
✔️ MARPA tracking – Track multiple targets with collision avoidance alerts
✔️ Seamless integration with third-party electronics (Lowrance, B&G)
❌ Cons of Simrad Radar:
❌ Slightly more expensive on long-range models compared to Raymarine
❌ Some models require additional modules for full features
Which Radar System Should You Choose?
Choose Raymarine if:
✅ You have a Raymarine Axiom display and want full system integration.
✅ You need Doppler technology for automatic collision avoidance.
✅ You’re focused on offshore fishing and need long-range bird tracking.
Choose Simrad if:
✅ You want dual-range scanning (Simrad HALO series excels here).
✅ You need instant-on technology (ideal for quick deployment).
✅ You prefer better third-party compatibility (Lowrance, B&G).
✅ You want an energy-efficient radar for long offshore trips.
🚤 Winner: Simrad HALO Radar
While both brands offer excellent radar solutions, Simrad HALO radar systems provide better dual-range scanning, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with a wide range of marine electronics. If you want a future-proof radar system with cutting-edge technology, Simrad is the better investment.
Buy Raymarine and Simrad Radar at BLDMarine.com & Support a Great Cause
At BLDMarine.com, we offer top-tier radar systems from Simrad and Raymarine at competitive prices. When you purchase from us, a portion of the proceeds supports Rifle to Rods, a nonprofit helping veterans heal through fishing.
🎣 Want to give back? You can also donate at checkout!
📢 Upgrade your boat’s radar system today at BLDMarine.com and navigate with confidence while supporting a great cause! 🚤📡