Raymarine 4kW 18" (456mm) HD Colour Radome

Raymarine 4kW 18" (456mm) HD Colour Radome

Raymarine 4kW 18" (456mm) HD Colour Radome are suitable whether you’re navigating the busy waters of the Solent or heading offshore for a weekend cruise, clear visibility is your greatest asset. At Morgan Marine, we recommend the Raymarine 18" (456mm) HD Colour Radome for boaters who need professional-grade radar performance without the bulk of an open-array scanner.

This compact, 4kW powerhouse brings Raymarine’s high-definition digital technology to smaller vessels and those with restricted rigging space. By using advanced digital signal processing, it doesn't just show you "blobs" on a screen; it provides lifelike target presentation and superior separation, helping you distinguish between a channel marker and a small vessel in even the thickest fog or heaviest rain.

Raymarine 4kW 18" (456mm) HD Colour Radome Key Features

• Exceptional Target Clarity: HD Colour technology delivers a significantly clearer, more detailed picture than traditional analogue or standard digital radars. It excels at detecting small, weak targets that other radars might miss.
• Adaptive Performance: With its adaptive transmitter and receiver, the unit automatically adjusts to changing environmental and sea conditions, ensuring you get a clean, usable image without constant manual tweaking.
• Intelligent Auto Modes: Navigate with ease using dedicated automatic tuning modes for 'Harbour', 'Coastal', 'Offshore', and 'Bird Mode' (essential for finding fish by spotting distant birds).
• Space-Saving Design: At just 18 inches, it provides a perfect blend of power and compact sizing, making it the ideal choice for sailing yachts or motorboats where mounting space is at a premium.
• High-Speed Tracking: With a 48 RPM rotation speed (when used with compatible displays), it provides faster target updates, which is critical when navigating high-traffic areas or traveling at speed.
• Powerful 4kW Transmitter: Delivers a reliable 48nm maximum range.
• Multi-Level Colour Palette: Helps you clearly identify target intensities for better situational awareness.
• MARPA Target Tracking: Enhanced collision avoidance by tracking the speed and course of other vessels.
• Dual-Range Mode: Monitor both long-range weather and close-range navigation simultaneously (on compatible displays).
• SeaTalkhs (Ethernet) Connectivity: Quick and simple "plug and play" integration with Raymarine Axiom and other modern MFDs.
• Robust & Weatherproof: Rated to IPX6 standards to withstand the harshest marine environments.
• Extended Warranty: Comes with a standard 2-year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years for free by registering your purchase online with Raymarine within 90 days.

What’s in the Box?

• • 18” HD Colour Radome
  • 10m RayNet Radar Cable
  • VCM100 Voltage Converter (essential for regulating power to the scanner)
  • Mounting hardware (M8 bolts, washers, and Denso paste)
  • Installation template and documentation

Morgan Marine Expert Tip:

If you are looking to improve your safety at sea, this radome is a fantastic upgrade. Its ability to cut through "clutter" and show you exactly what is around you is second to none in this price bracket. If you have any questions about compatibility with your current chartplotter, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Raymarine 4kW 18" (456mm) HD Colour Radome FAQs

What makes the "HD Colour" version better than a standard digital radar?

The HD Colour technology is a significant step up. It uses superior digital signal processing to provide much clearer, lifelike images. While standard radar might show a "blob," HD Colour provides 256-colour target levels, allowing you to distinguish between a solid quay wall, a small buoy, or even weather cells. It essentially brings the power of a large open-array radar into a compact 18-inch dome.

Will this radar work with my existing Raymarine display?

This radome is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Raymarine SeaTalkhs (Ethernet) network. It is fully compatible with:

• • Axiom Series: Axiom, Axiom+, Axiom Pro, and Axiom XL.
  • Legacy MFDs: eS Series, gS Series, and the older c-Series and e-Series Widescreen displays.

Please note: It is not compatible with the Element series. If you're unsure about your specific setup, feel free to give us a ring at the shop.

I enjoy fishing—what is "Bird Mode" and how does it work?

Bird Mode is a fantastic feature for our local anglers. It automatically optimises the radar’s gain and clutter settings to detect sea birds congregating above schools of baitfish. Because birds are often visible on radar long before you can see them with the naked eye, this helps you find the most productive fishing spots much faster.

Can I monitor two different ranges at the same time?

Yes. One of the standout features of the HD Colour Radome is Dual-Range mode. This allows the scanner to act like two radars in one. You can keep an eye on distant weather or shipping lanes up to 48nm away on one side of your screen, while simultaneously monitoring close-range hazards like buoys or rocky outcrops on the other.

Is it difficult to install on a sailboat or RIB?

Not at all. At just 18 inches in diameter and weighing approximately 9.5kg, it is specifically designed for vessels where space is at a premium or where rigging might cause obstructions. It uses a single, thin interconnect cable for both power and data, making it much easier to route through a mast or T-top than older, bulkier cables.

How does it handle heavy rain or "sea clutter" on a choppy day?

Raymarine’s Auto GST™ (Grade, Size, and Type) technology is built-in. It intelligently and automatically adjusts the gain and clutter settings as the sea state or weather changes. This means you spend less time "fiddling" with the buttons and more time navigating safely, as the radar filters out the noise from waves and rain while keeping the important targets clear.

What is the maximum range, and is it effective at night?

The unit has a 4kW power output, giving it a maximum range of 48 nautical miles. Radar is your "eyes" at night and in fog; it allows you to see other vessels, coastline, and navigation marks with total confidence, regardless of visibility.

Does the radar come with a cable?

This depends on the specific package selected. We stock both the "head-only" unit (ideal if you are replacing an existing digital dome) and packages that include a 10m RayNet cable. Check the "What's in the Box" section of our product listing to ensure you have everything you need for your installation.

What are the power requirements?

The radome is "dual-voltage," meaning it will run on both 12V and 24V DC systems. It is also very efficient, consuming about 40W while transmitting and dropping to 20W in standby—essential for those of us trying to manage power consumption during longer passages.