If you get a radar, you'd want one of the newer solid state units, the older technology will have a bang zone that makes it pretty useless for what you'd want on the lake (short distance detection).
The problem with radar is that you really need to be watching it a lot if you want to pick up nearby items. Too many factors that can cause poor, or spotty detection in most cases. This causes you to have to take your eyes off the water, and possibly spend too much time looking at a (relatively) bright screen at night. Even when in night mode, many modern MFDs kinda suck for retaining good night vision, IMO.
A thermal (FLIR) camera is another option, though much more costly, and still not guaranteed to see any/all hazards on the water.
If you boat with a reliable mate your best option might be to consider a decent handheld thermal monocular like the Raymarine Ocean Scout. it will be cheaper than a radar, able to pick up most hazards, and the portability of it makes it easy to potentially use for other random things. The downside is that as the captain you can't really use it by your self while underway, thus the need for a capable/competent mate.
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