50cm Tube Radar Reflector Ø50mm (Plastic Housing)

This tubular radar reflector is a modern solution for small and mid-sized boats looking to boost their radar visibility without installing bulky equipment. It consists of internal aluminum reflective elements arranged at specific angles inside an elongated plastic tube. When radar waves strike the reflector, the internal plates bend and return the signals towards the source, similar in principle to a traditional octahedral reflector but in a more streamlined form.

Size & Construction: The tube has a 50 mm diameter and a 500 mm length, providing enough internal geometry for effective reflection. In practice, this model offers a radar reflective performance comparable to larger passive reflectors – around 2 square meters of effective radar cross-section (according to the manufacturer), which substantially increases the likelihood that your boat will be picked up on radar. The plastic housing is smooth and cylindrical, in a light grey or white color. It’s made from durable ABS or similar polymer that won’t degrade from sun or salt exposure, and it protects the internal aluminum parts from corrosion and physical impact. The enclosed design means no flapping or clattering of plates in the wind, which is an advantage over some octahedral models.

Installation: The reflector comes with mounting clamps – typically two brackets that wrap around the tube’s body. These clamps can be affixed to a mast, rail, or any vertical structure. It’s recommended to mount the reflector as high and as vertical as possible since it works best when oriented upright. On a sailboat, an ideal spot is up the mast (e.g., just below the spreaders or at the masthead), and on a powerboat – on the wheelhouse roof or a tall arch/antenna mast. Some boaters install the tube on a removable pole so they can stow it when not needed – but this model is compact enough that many leave it in place permanently, as it doesn’t obstruct or interfere.

Advantages: The tube (cylindrical) reflector has several benefits:

• It’s aerodynamic and causes minimal wind resistance – no flat plates exposed to catch the breeze or rattle. This is important for fast motorboats and sailboats where any extra drag or noise is undesirable.
• Discreet appearance – it looks like an antenna or part of the rigging, not disrupting the boat’s profile. The white/gray housing blends with typical marine hardware.
• Protected – the plastic shell shields the reflective components from the elements, so the reflector maintains its performance over time with no special upkeep.

From a safety perspective, this reflector will improve your radar visibility similarly to an octahedral one of comparable size. For boats around 5–7 meters (16–23 feet), it can increase the range at which large ships can see you by radar to a few nautical miles (depending on mounting height and the ship’s radar power). In critical situations – a foggy morning at sea, evenings with limited visibility – every extra mile of detection range gives other vessels more time to adjust course and avoid incidents.

Applications: This tube reflector is ideal for motor yachts, cruisers, and sailing boats that frequently operate in busy waters or variable weather. Its installation requires no power (it’s passive) and thus has no moving parts to wear out – set it up and it’s continuously working. Of course, it’s best used in conjunction with properly displayed navigation lights and sound signals in restricted visibility, but its presence alone greatly improves your detectability on the radar horizon.

In summary, the 50cm tubular radar reflector offers a balance of effectiveness and convenience – giving you peace of mind that you’ve taken an extra step for the safety of your crew and vessel, without complexity or maintenance.