Thinking About Adding Radar

[Marque]

I've done a little research and it seems I can add a radar antenna to my existing marine network for a reasonable price. I'm thinking it would be nice to have running at night which I do a lot. My question is, what will an 18" radar antenna be able to see that I can't? Will it see a log in the water? Will it see a piling sticking Up 3' above the waterline? I realize a lot has to do with how far out its aimed but how much can it tell me that I can't see for myself. I have operated enough at night to know that you can see most things in your path with a little moon light if your operating at a decent speed. Anyone have any experience using a smaller radar unit?