Garmin GMR Fantom 24 Radome

Garmin GMR Fantom 24 Radome

Garmin GMR Fantom 24 Radome is a 24-inch, 40W solid-state dome radar that redefines what you should expect from your electronics. Using industry-leading MotionScope™ technology, this radome doesn't just show you targets; it interprets them, using the Doppler effect to highlight moving objects in contrasting colours so you can instantly identify potential collision threats.

Whether you are navigating a busy estuary or tracking weather cells miles offshore, the Fantom 24 offers a crisp, high-resolution image with target detection ranging from as close as 6 metres to a massive 48 nautical miles. Its solid-state design means there is no warm-up time—giving you instant peace of mind the moment you leave the marina.

Garmin GMR Fantom 24 Radome Key Features

• MotionScope™ Doppler Technology: Instantly detect and highlight moving targets. Objects moving towards you are shown in red (potential threats), while those moving away are shown in green, allowing for effortless navigation through busy shipping lanes.
• Powerful Solid-State Performance: With 40W of pulse compression power, you get the target separation and resolution of a much larger magnetron radar, but with significantly lower power consumption and instant-on capability.
• Dual Range Support: No need to choose between close-in navigation and long-range tracking. The Fantom 24 can display split-screen images on your Garmin chartplotter with independent range settings for both.
• Auto Bird Gain: A favourite for our local anglers; this feature helps you locate flocks of birds at the water’s surface, a surefire indicator of baitfish and the larger predators beneath them.
• Dynamic Auto Gain & Sea Filter: The radar constantly adjusts to your surroundings. Whether you’re in a calm harbour or facing rough coastal chop, the system automatically filters out clutter to keep your display clear.
• Target Size Adjustment: Customise how objects appear on your screen. You can increase the size of targets to help differentiate them from noise, ensuring you never miss a buoy or a small vessel.
• MARPA Target Tracking: Track up to 10 targets simultaneously to help you keep a close eye on other vessels and avoid collisions (requires an optional heading sensor).
• Seamless Integration: Designed to work perfectly with the Garmin Marine Network, providing a "plug-and-play" experience with your compatible Garmin chartplotters.

Technical Specifications:

• • Dimensions: 64.5 cm diameter, 24.9 cm high
  • Weight: 9.5 kg
  • Water Rating: IPX7 (built for the harshest marine environments)
  • Rotation Speed: 24/48 RPM
  • Beam Width: 3.7° horizontal, 25° vertical
  • Max Range: 48 Nautical Miles

The Fantom 24 is the ultimate choice for the serious coastal cruiser or offshore fisherman. The Doppler 'MotionScope' feature is a genuine game-changer—it takes the guesswork out of radar interpretation, making your time on the water safer and far less stressful. If you want the best-in-class dome radar for your boat, this is it.

What's In the Box:

• • GMR Fantom 24 Radome
  • Power cable (15 m)
  • Network cable (15 m)
  • Mounting hardware kit & template
  • Installation instructions

Garmin GMR Fantom 24 Radome FAQs

What makes the "Fantom" series different from standard radar?

The GMR Fantom 24 uses Solid-State technology with MotionScope™. Unlike traditional magnetron radars, it uses the Doppler effect to detect moving targets instantly. It highlights them in different colours (e.g., targets moving towards you are shown in red) so you can immediately see what’s a threat and what isn't, without having to wait for multiple sweeps.

Does it have enough power for long-distance cruising?

Absolutely. Despite being a compact radome, it packs 50 watts of output power. This gives you an impressive range from as close as 6 metres all the way out to 48 nautical miles. Whether you're navigating a tight marina in the fog or tracking weather systems far offshore, the Fantom 24 has you covered.

Will it drain my batteries if I leave it on?

Garmin has designed this with efficiency in mind. It features a Power Save Mode and a unique Timed Transmit Mode. This allows you to specify active and inactive times down to the second—perfect for long-distance sailing where every amp-hour counts.

Can I see birds on the water to find fish?

Yes, one of our favourite features is the Auto Bird Gain. It’s specifically tuned to help you locate flocks of birds at the water’s surface, which is a tell-tale sign of baitfish and, more importantly, the bigger fish beneath them.

How does it perform in heavy rain or rough seas?

It’s built for the British weather! It features Dynamic Auto Gain and Dynamic Sea Filter, which automatically adjust to your surroundings. This ensures optimal performance and a clear screen even when the North Sea is looking particularly "lively."

What is MARPA and do I need extra sensors for it?

MARPA (Mini-Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) allows you to track up to 30 targets simultaneously to avoid collisions. To use this feature (and the Radar Overlay on your charts), you will need a heading sensor (sold separately), which we can also assist you with here at Morgan Marine.

Is it easy to install on my current boat? 

The Fantom 24 is a 24-inch dome designed for easy integration. In the box, we provide a 15-metre power cable and a 15-metre network cable, along with the mounting hardware. It’s "plug-and-play" with compatible Garmin Marine Network chartplotters. If you're unsure about compatibility with your specific MFD, just give us a shout!

What's the difference between the 18x and the 24x models?

While both share the same 50W solid-state technology, the 24-inch model offers a narrower beam width (3.7° horizontal). This results in better "target separation," meaning you can more easily distinguish between two objects close together, such as two boats or a buoy near a jetty.

Can I see two different ranges at once?

Yes! With Dual Range support, a single radar antenna can provide split-screen images on your chartplotter side-by-side. You can keep an eye on a close-in hazard while simultaneously monitoring weather or vessels up to 48 miles away.

Have more questions?

We’ve been supplying the marine community since 1972 and are always happy to talk tech. You can visit us at our showroom in Brightlingsea, or simply drop us a message through the store—we’re here to ensure you get the best setup for your boat.