Tulsa, Okla. – Simrad Yachting, a recognized leader in marine navigation, autopilot, radar, communications and fishfinding systems, has introduced two compact radome radars designed for smaller sportfishing and cruising craft: the HALO20+ and the HALO20. These two models bring the advantages of HALO radar technology—exceptional short-range performance, clear target separation and modern safety features—to boats with limited antenna space.
The HALO20+ and HALO20 share the same compact form factor and advanced pulse compression technology, but they are tailored to different priorities. Both deliver excellent detection at short and mid ranges, making them ideal for collision avoidance in crowded channels, close-quarters maneuvering and monitoring nearby weather. The HALO20+ focuses on ultra-fast updates and advanced Doppler features, while the HALO20 provides a cost-efficient option that still offers high performance and reliable long-range detection.
HALO20+ stands out for its industry-leading rotation speed. With a 60 RPM rotation it completes a full 360-degree sweep every second at ranges up to 1.5 nautical miles, offering near real-time updates that are particularly valuable when tracking fast-moving vessels or avoiding sudden local hazards. That speed, combined with pulse compression and beam sharpening, improves target separation and clarity for both small and distant objects close to the boat.
One of HALO20+’s central advantages is Dual Range operation: users can monitor two distance scales simultaneously. This allows a skipper to keep an eye on distant weather or traffic while maintaining an up-to-the-second picture of close-range collision threats. HALO20+ also includes VelocityTrack Doppler processing, which color-codes moving targets to indicate whether they are approaching or receding. That instant visual feedback simplifies decision-making and enhances situational awareness without requiring manual target selection—every tracked return within range is assessed automatically.
The HALO20 model is aimed at boaters seeking a capable, lower-cost radar solution with a small footprint. HALO20 provides strong short- and mid-range detection and extends to long-range contacts out to 24 nautical miles, making it suitable for dayboats, smaller sportfishing boats and coastal cruisers that require dependable radar coverage without premium extras. HALO20 supports MARPA target tracking for monitoring selected collision hazards, enabling the radar to lock on and track up to 10 targets to help navigate crowded waterways and poor-visibility conditions.
Both HALO20+ and HALO20 include several of the HALO family’s user-focused features: MARPA tracking, InstantOn™ for quick power-up and immediate operation, and selectable modes—Harbor, Offshore, Weather and customizable settings—that optimize signal processing for different conditions. Pulse compression ensures no compromise when operating in Dual Range or when switching between short-, mid- and long-range views, while beam sharpening enhances separation between closely spaced returns so small targets do not get lost in clutter.
Beyond raw performance metrics, these radars are designed to improve safety and confidence on the water. Faster update rates and Doppler coloring help skippers identify and prioritize potential threats; Dual Range lets crews simultaneously watch both near-field collision risks and farther-off weather or traffic; and compact domes simplify installation on boats with limited mounting options. Together, these features make HALO20+ and HALO20 practical upgrades for skippers who want modern radar capabilities without a large antenna or complicated setup.
“We are excited to extend the reach of our revolutionary HALO Radar technology to smaller sportfishing and cruising boats,” said Knut Frostad, CEO, Navico Group. “At their core, HALO20+ and HALO20 Radars make navigation safer and easier, but have distinct feature sets that cater to both the boater that craves top-end features, and those looking for high-performance radar at a more affordable price.”
In summary, HALO20+ suits owners who prioritize the fastest update rates, velocity-based target assessment and Dual Range monitoring for simultaneous long- and short-range awareness. HALO20 is an efficient, budget-friendly choice that still delivers dependable long-range detection and essential tracking tools like MARPA. Both radars bring HALO’s proven signal processing and user-centric modes to smaller vessels, helping mariners navigate more safely and confidently in a wide range of coastal and near-shore environments.
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