Aluminum Radar Reflector (Octahedral) – Compact Size

This aluminum radar reflector in an octahedral shape is designed to increase the radar signature of small vessels, which is crucial for avoiding collisions in low-visibility conditions. The octahedral design consists of a geometric arrangement of perpendicular aluminum plates forming multiple corner reflectors – this shape is proven to be one of the most effective for reflecting radar waves back towards the source from any angle. In practice, when ship radar signals hit the reflector, the array of corners bounces them back to the radar antenna, making your boat appear as a larger, more defined object on the radar screen than it would without the reflector.

Made entirely of marine-grade aluminum, the reflector will not rust and can withstand saltwater, rain, and UV exposure. The aluminum panels are smooth and rigid, resisting vibration and wind forces. The compact model we offer has dimensions of approximately 215 x 215 x 300 mm (as per spec) – roughly translating to a 12″ (30 cm) width/height. This size is sufficient to provide a meaningful radar cross-section for a small boat while keeping the unit lightweight (a few hundred grams). That’s important because it allows mounting high above the water (the higher, the better for performance) without affecting your vessel’s center of gravity or adding stress to your mast.

Installation of the reflector is versatile: it comes with universal brackets and mounting holes that give you multiple options. The most common method is to hang it vertically in the rigging – for instance, between two shrouds on a sailboat or under a spreader. It can also be fixed to a dedicated mount on a powerboat/yacht – often at the masthead or on a sufficiently tall pole. It’s important to orient the reflector correctly (usually with the diagonal axis vertical) to ensure maximum effectiveness. Once mounted, it requires no special maintenance beyond occasionally checking that the brackets are secure. In severe storms or when trailering the boat, you may choose to temporarily take it down if it’s in an exposed position, to prevent damage.

Safety & Usage: For small vessels (fishing boats, sailing yachts, motorboats) with a low radar profile, this reflector can be literally life-saving. In conditions of thick fog, heavy rain, or nighttime, when visual contact is difficult, you rely on being “seen” on the radars of other ships. Small fiberglass or wooden boats reflect radar signals weakly and can go unnoticed by large ships or coastal stations – posing a collision risk. With a radar reflector installed, your craft will display as a much clearer blip on their screens, alerting them to your presence.

This compact model is optimized for coastal sailing and inland waters, where boat size is small and space is at a premium. It can be used either permanently mounted or deployed as needed (for example, hoisted only in conditions of reduced visibility). For added safety, you can combine using the reflector with other measures – such as an active radar transponder or good visual signals (lights, flags). But even on its own, this simple, passive radar reflector greatly improves your chances of being detected.