Sept 11, 2023

On September 6th, Garmin announced the addition of two radars to the magnetron lineup, the GMR™ xHD3/HD3 dome radar series. These new radars provide high-definition imaging and the latest platform technology to give boaters, sailors and anglers extra peace of mind on the water.

Now available in an 18” or 24” model, the xHD3 dome radar series adds new premium features for maximum clarity and awareness on the water:

• Scan Averaging – a first for Garmin magnetron dome radar – to help filter sea clutter and interference, delivering a clearer display.
• Target Size optimizes on-screen object shapes at all range scales through pulse expansion and angular processing.
• True Echo Trails shows a historical “trail” of boats on the water, removing relative motion influence to help quickly identify moving targets and potential collision threats.
• Rotation Speed up to 60 rpm to improve the redraw rate for faster target updates on a multifunction display (MFD).

“We’re excited to offer our xHD3 dome radar series with these new enhancements, continuing our pursuit to provide mariners with the most innovative technology available on the water today. Garmin’s new magnetron radars deliver a high-definition picture of weather, obstacle and traffic detection, giving mariners superior clarity and detail for added peace of mind every time they leave the dock.” –Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales

Navigating the conditions

No matter the time of day or weather, mariners can travel with confidence thanks to the dual-range display of the xHD3 series. It allows for a single radar antenna to provide split-screen, side-by-side images on a compatible chartplotter, with independent settings for close and long range. A radar overlay can also be added on top of a chart view to confirm object location on both displays.

For anglers, the xHD3 series includes an enhanced auto bird gain and a bird mode preset feature to help locate flocks of birds at the water’s surface, often an indication of where the fish might be. With its low-noise and reliable operation, fishing enthusiasts can troll the water’s surface with less disturbance of their targets.

Faster on the redraw

Purpose-built for smaller vessels and sailboats, the robust xHD3 dome series offers a rotation speed of up to 60 rpm to improve the redraw rate for faster target updates and a clearer picture. Mariners can see more of their surroundings to deliver crisp, high-resolution picture quality with an up to 48-nautical mile detection range. Mini-automatic radar plotting aid (MARPA) technology also tracks selected targets, helping captains keep track of potential collision threats1. The xHD3 radars also incorporate improved auto gain, which automatically adjusts levels to optimum settings for harbors, near shore and in open waters.

Available now, the GMR 18 xHD3 dome radar has a retail price of $1,999.99 USD, while the GMR 24 xHD3 model is $2,799.99 USD.

For high-performance scanning at a lower price, the series also includes the GMR 18 HD3 dome radar, which retails for $1,799.99 USD. The robust HD3 also features improved target detection as well as dynamic auto gain, dual-radar support, and low-noise scanning. Radar detection range for the HD3 extends from 20 meters out to 36 nautical miles.

Learn more about Garmin’s full line of marine electronics by visiting garmin.com/marine.

1Requires a heading sensor, sold separately.