Garmin 25kW xHD2 Marine Radar Pedestal

The Garmin 25kW xHD2 Marine Radar Pedestal (MPN 010-01333-10) is the xHD2-generation 25-kilowatt magnetron radar pedestal from Garmin, designed for serious offshore cruising and commercial-traffic operation on GPSMAP chartplotters. The pedestal is sold as the radar electronics unit alone, with the antenna sourced separately to match the install requirements (3.5-foot, 4-foot, or 6-foot Garmin xHD2 antennas pair with this pedestal).

What 25 kilowatts of magnetron delivers. Output power directly determines maximum detection range, signal-to-noise performance through heavy weather, and the ability to resolve small targets at distances where they matter for collision avoidance and weather routing. At 25kW the xHD2 reaches the practical detection ranges that smaller radars can't, sees through rain and weather that washes out lower-power systems, and resolves small targets at distances where they actually matter operationally. For commercial-vessel-class detection performance, 25kW magnetron is the right power class.

Selectable 24 or 48 RPM rotation. Most marine radars operate at fixed 24 RPM (2.5-second sweep). The xHD2 lets you select between 24 RPM for standard operation and 48 RPM for faster update on close-range collision-avoidance scenarios. At 48 RPM the sweep cycle is half the standard time, so moving targets are tracked with better temporal resolution and the radar picture feels more responsive. For helms operating in busy commercial-traffic waters where you need both long-range capability and fast close-range update, the selectable rotation is operationally meaningful.

Dual range with split-screen display. The xHD2 supports dual range mode, displaying two ranges simultaneously in split-screen on a single GPSMAP chartplotter. Watch distant weather and long-range traffic on one range setting while monitoring close-range collision-avoidance returns on the other range setting, both from the same antenna without manual range switching. For boats that need both situational pictures simultaneously, dual range eliminates the constant range-switching workflow that older radars required.

MARPA target tracking. Mini-automatic Radar Plotting Aid provides automatic target acquisition and tracking through the GPSMAP chartplotter, calculating course, speed, and Closest Point of Approach (CPA) for each tracked target. For commercial-traffic operations where you need to know which approaching vessels matter for collision avoidance, MARPA turns radar from passive return-watching into active threat assessment.

96 nautical mile maximum range. The xHD2 pedestal reaches 96-nautical-mile maximum detection range under ideal conditions, putting it in the long-range commercial-vessel detection class. Practical detection of comparable-size boats typically runs 30-50nm depending on target size, atmospheric conditions, sea state, and antenna height. Large vessels and land features are detectable to much longer ranges, and weather formations are detectable across most of the maximum range capability.

Broad voltage input. The xHD2 accepts 10V to 32V DC power input, which means it operates on 12V systems (recreational and most cruising), 24V systems (larger yachts and commercial), and any intermediate voltage. For installs on mixed-voltage boats or vessels with unusual electrical setups, the broad input range eliminates the need for voltage conversion that some radars require.

Waterproof construction. The xHD2 pedestal is waterproof rated for marine-grade exposure to salt spray, UV, temperature swings, and the rest of the marine environment. For installs where the pedestal lives exposed on a mast, hardtop, radar arch, or dedicated radar pedestal for years, the waterproof construction is what keeps the radar functional across that service life.

Antenna compatibility. The xHD2 pedestal pairs with Garmin xHD2 open-array antennas in 3.5-foot, 4-foot, and 6-foot sizes. The antenna choice determines beamwidth and target separation, with larger antennas delivering narrower beams and better resolution. For installs that already have a specific antenna preference based on mast clearance, target separation requirements, or aesthetic considerations, the pedestal-only configuration lets you pair the radar electronics with the right antenna without buying a bundled kit that might not match your needs.

Integration. The xHD2 pedestal connects via the Garmin Marine Network to GPSMAP chartplotters with full integration for radar overlay on chart, MARPA target tracking, guard zones, dual range display, and standard radar controls (range, gain, sea/rain clutter, EBL/VRM) all operating through the chartplotter interface. Compatible with GPSMAP 8400, 8600, 9000 series and other current Garmin chartplotter generations that support xHD2 radar.

Install considerations. The 25kW pedestal requires structural mounting on a mast, radar arch, or hardtop with adequate support for the assembly weight and the open-array antenna (sourced separately). Cable runs between the pedestal and the below-deck Garmin Marine Network connection need careful routing for signal integrity and weather protection. Power is 10-32V DC. Total install is a marine electronics installer day-plus for a clean job including pedestal mount, antenna install, cable runs, electrical integration, and chartplotter commissioning. Not casual DIY because the mast mount structural requirements, cable runs, and Garmin Marine Network commissioning all benefit from professional setup.

Why pay this much. Three reasons. First, 25kW magnetron power delivers the long-range detection and weather penetration that lower-power solid-state and magnetron alternatives can't match at this price tier. Second, the selectable 24/48 RPM rotation gives operational flexibility that fixed-RPM radars don't offer, particularly for boats that operate in both long-range and busy close-range scenarios. Third, the pedestal-only configuration lets you choose the right antenna size for your specific install rather than being locked into a bundled kit. For owners running serious offshore or commercial-grade Garmin helms, the xHD2 25kW pedestal is the radar electronics choice that earns its position.