Raymarine has released its new Pathfinder commercial radar, a solid-state X-band system developed for operators looking to move away from traditional magnetron-based radar without sacrificing performance or compliance.
Pathfinder is IMO compliant and designed for vessels up to 10,000 tonnes, covering applications across the commercial spectrum, including superyachts, large motor yachts, offshore support vessels, and deep-water operators.
The system builds on Raymarine’s established solid-state radar technology and is offered in CAT 2 and CAT 3 configurations. By removing the magnetron, Pathfinder avoids one of the most maintenance-heavy components found in conventional commercial radars, reducing long-term servicing requirements and associated costs.
The radar uses a fanless, low-profile six-foot open array antenna. CHIRP pulse compression and beam-sharpening technology are used to improve target separation and long-range clarity, particularly in busy or low-visibility environments. Raymarine says the solid-state transmitter delivers output comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, that of a 12kW magnetron system.
Display options are matched to vessel class. CAT 3 installations can be specified with 16- or 19-inch screens, while CAT 2 vessels can run 22- or 24-inch displays. The screens are treated with Raymarine’s HydroTough nano-coating, designed to resist water and oil contamination while maintaining visibility in bright conditions.
Installation has been approached with refits in mind. Pathfinder weighs roughly half as much as many comparable commercial radar systems and uses smaller-diameter interconnect cables, simplifying cable runs and reducing installation time. This is likely to be of particular interest to operators upgrading existing vessels rather than installing radar on new builds.
The system includes a broad range of input and output connections, allowing installations to be tailored to individual vessels and expanded over time as requirements change.
In New Zealand Raymarine Pathfinder is available through Lusty & Blundell.
