Raymarine teases new product reveal for October 26

The new product, teased in a short video announcing the reveal date, appears to show a new open-array radar system – a device that also can be used by serious fishers to find the flocks of birds attracted to the baitfish pushed to the water’s surface by feeding game fish.

The video shows what appears to be one end of the antenna, revealing a slimline form running back to a central hub.

If the new Raymarine device is a smaller open-array radar system it is likely to be low-powered compared with the electronics group’s current range, which ranges from 4kW to 12kW and can scan up to 72 nautical miles – assuming it is mounted high enough to see to the horizon.

Radar systems are useful for offshore anglers because they can reveal other vessels on the water in the dark or when visibility is low, even if the other vessel does not use an automatic identification system device to flag itself.

The radar systems can also be used to track weather systems such as heavy rainfall.

Open array antennas have an advantage over lower-cost radomes – where the antenna is covered under a dome – in that they rend to be able to pick out much finer detail and see further.

However, open array antennas need more room to mount, making radomes a better option for smaller vessels such as trailer boats, RIBs and pocket cruisers.

Marine radar has become much easier to use since the introduction of solid-state units that work the instant they’re turned on rather than having to wait several minutes for a magnetron to warm up.

The solid-state radar systems also emit far less radiation than older systems, making them much safer to use recreationally.

Of course, we could be completely wrong. We'll find out on October 26.