3.9 vs 4.9 Radar Bandwidth

[Delos]

Are there real practical advantages to HD Digital Radar with a 3.9 degree bandwidth over 4.9 degree bandwidth?

[St. Elsewhere]

I think that you are asking about the radar beam width instead of bandwidth. The radar pulse spreads wider as it travels greater distance. The advantage to narrow beam width is that you can get better resolution.

If you are seeking a harbor entrance and the pulse is wider than the width of the opening the radar will paint it as a solid shoreline. If it is narrow you will see the opening and perhaps a return painting the shoreline inside the bay.

The same thing applies to being able to pick out multiple boats in a group vs. them being painted as one return.

More details are here: http://www.technicalmarine.com/pages/marine-radar

[Delos]

Thank you for the quick response, and yes I meant beam width rather than bandwidth. I understand the theoretical advantage of a narrower beam width, but the harder thing to determine is whether there is much of a practical advantage to just a one degree difference in width? I know it's a matter subjectivity, but that's what I'm looking for, opinions from people who have had experience with both beam widths.