Overview

The Garmin GMR xHD3 is an open-array magnetron radar and pedestal package that networks to compatible Garmin chartplotters for radar control at the helm. It supports 11 to 32 Vdc input for typical 12 V and 24 V systems and is offered with 4 ft or 6 ft antennas and 4 kW, 12 kW, or 25 kW output power.

Maximum range depends on the configuration: up to 72 nautical miles on the 4 kW and 12 kW models, and up to 96 nautical miles on the 25 kW models. The antenna can run at 24 or 48 RPM, and features such as scan averaging and target-size processing help keep returns readable when sea conditions and nearby traffic make the screen busy.

With an IPX6 water rating and long supplied cables, this setup fits common hardtop, mast, and radar-arch installs where you need reliable detection on coastal runs, offshore trips, and night approaches.

Key features

• Power input: 11 to 32 V DC for 12 V and 24 V boats
• Open-array options: 4 ft or 6 ft antenna with 4 kW, 12 kW, or 25 kW output power (by configuration)
• Maximum range varies by power: up to 72 nm on 4 kW and 12 kW models, up to 96 nm on 25 kW models
• Selectable 24 or 48 RPM rotation speeds for balancing redraw rate and target detail
• Beam width varies with antenna length: 1.8° (4 ft) or 1.1° (6 ft) horizontal, with 23° vertical
• IPX6 water rating for exposed installations
• 15 m power cable and 15 m network cable to cover typical radar-to-helm runs
• Radar functions are controlled from the connected Garmin chartplotter, including antenna-size selection and installation offsets

Variants

This radar is offered in multiple configurations that vary by antenna length (4 ft or 6 ft) and output power (4 kW, 12 kW, or 25 kW).

Antenna length changes the horizontal beam width and the physical footprint on the mounting surface. Output power mainly affects maximum range, with higher-power versions reaching farther in open water while keeping the same open-array operating style.

Installation and setup

Plan for a rigid mounting location with a clear sweep for the rotating antenna and a cable path that stays protected from chafe and standing water. The pedestal footprint is 520 x 328 x 314 mm (20.5 in x 12.9 in x 12.4 in). The antenna length is 48 in (4 ft models) or 72 in (6 ft models), so clearance around the array matters on T-tops, arches, and masts.

Some configurations use a voltage converter. When a converter is used, the radar power cable includes a 15 A in-line fuse that must stay in place, and the converter-to-battery run uses a 30 A fuse. Grounding to an appropriate water ground is part of a proper installation, especially on boats that see heavy rain, spray, or long hours offshore.

Electrical and network integration

The unit connects on a Garmin BlueNet network and is also compatible with Garmin Marine Network systems. If your boat mixes network types, the radar can be connected through the BlueNet side of the network when available. All radar operation is handled from the connected chartplotter, and initial setup includes selecting the installed antenna size and setting installation offsets so headings and overlays line up correctly.

Use cases on board

This radar is a good match for boats that run in low visibility, make frequent night arrivals, or spend time offshore where early target detection matters. The 4 ft antenna is commonly used where space is tighter, while the 6 ft antenna narrows the beam for better separation of targets at similar ranges.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the antenna and pedestal with fresh water after saltwater use and keep the mounting fasteners and cable seals checked as part of normal seasonal service. If you trailer, shrink-wrap, or store under a cover, verify the array has room to rotate freely and that nothing contacts the antenna during transport or storage.

What’s included

• Radar pedestal and open-array antenna (length per configuration)
• Power cable (15 m)
• Network cable (15 m)
• Mounting hardware and template
• Installation instructions