Radar
Radar is the electronic sensor on a yacht's bridge that transmits radio waves and reads the returning echoes to plot other vessels, landmasses, buoys, and rain squalls on screen. SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 mandates a 9 GHz X-band radar on every ship above 300 GT, with a second independent set above 3,000 GT.
What is yacht radar?
Radar, short for Radio Detection And Ranging, is the bridge sensor that fires a directional radio pulse from a rotating antenna and times the returning echo to fix the range and bearing of anything solid enough to reflect it. On a superyacht that means other vessels, coastline, navigation marks, rain cells, and sea-surface clutter.
Yacht radars split into two frequency bands. X-band runs at around 9 GHz with a 3 cm wavelength: short range, very high target resolution, the standard close-in collision-avoidance radar. S-band runs at around 3 GHz with a 10 cm wavelength: longer range, less affected by rain, fog, and sea clutter, used as the second independent radar on larger vessels. Modern superyacht ranges run from 0.25 to 72 nautical miles.
The other technology split is solid-state versus magnetron. Traditional radars use a magnetron tube that wears out and needs warm-up time. Solid-state sets (Furuno's NXT and DRS series, Raymarine Cyclone, Simrad Halo) generate the pulse electronically: instant start, lower emissions, longer service life.
Why it matters for yacht owners
For a buyer, the radar fit is a direct read on bridge condition. Above 300 GT, SOLAS V/19 makes the radar non-negotiable; above 3,000 GT, the rule requires a second radar functionally independent of the first.
Two cost questions land at purchase. Magnetrons are consumables: a tube typically needs replacement every 4-6 years. A pre-survey fitted with original magnetron sets in their final years should be priced accordingly. ARPA performance, the radar's ability to auto-track 20-plus targets with CPA/TCPA, is what makes the bridge workable at night and in traffic.
Key facts
- Yacht radar transmits radio pulses from a rotating antenna and reads returning echoes.
- SOLAS V/19 mandates a 9 GHz X-band radar on every ship of 300 GT and above; ships of 3,000 GT and above must carry a second radar functionally independent.
- X-band (9 GHz, 3 cm) gives high resolution at short range; S-band (3 GHz, 10 cm) reaches further and cuts through rain and fog.
- Solid-state radars (Furuno NXT, Raymarine Cyclone, Simrad Halo) replace the consumable magnetron with electronic pulse generation.
- ARPA tracks acquired targets and outputs course, speed, CPA and TCPA; SOLAS minimum 20 targets, high-end up to 100.
- Standard range scales: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24nm; superyacht installations commonly extend to 48 or 72nm.
- Principal manufacturers: Furuno, Raymarine, Simrad, Garmin; Furuno dominates the commercial end with FAR-2xx8-NXT and FAR-3xx0-NXT.
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View moreFAQ
What is the difference between X-band and S-band radar?
X-band runs at around 9 GHz with a 3 cm wavelength: short range, very high resolution, excellent for close-in collision avoidance. S-band runs at around 3 GHz with a 10 cm wavelength: longer effective range, far less attenuation in rain and fog. SOLAS-class vessels above 3,000 GT carry both.
What is ARPA on a yacht radar?
ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) converts radar returns into tracked targets. The system acquires vessels, plots course and speed, and continuously displays Closest Point of Approach (CPA) and Time to CPA (TCPA). SOLAS standards require ARPA to track at least 20 targets simultaneously.
Is solid-state radar better than magnetron radar?
For most superyacht use cases, yes. Solid-state radars generate the pulse electronically, so they start instantly, draw less power, emit a cleaner low-power signal, and avoid the 4-6 year magnetron replacement cycle. Furuno's FAR-2xx8-NXT and FAR-3xx0-NXT are fully magnetron-free IMO-compliant options.
Does a private superyacht need radar by law?
Under SOLAS V/19, every ship of 300 GT and above on international voyages must carry a 9 GHz X-band radar; ships of 3,000 GT and above must carry a second radar. Private superyachts above these thresholds and any commercially operating yacht fall under the rule. Smaller private yachts are not legally required but virtually always fit one.
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