Importance of horn?

I am perplexed by this conversation.
There is a legal requirement for vessels, irrespective of length, to carry sound generating equipment
33(b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signalling
appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with
some other means of making an efficient sound signal.
Not carrying something to make a noise, other perhaps than the first mate, on the basis that "I've never had to use one" is akin to saying that one should not bother to carry a liferaft for the same reason.
As an ex tug skipper, trawler skipper and now yottie, there have been any number of occasions where the judicious use of sound signalling equipment has avoided a potential accident.
And in the event that you have an accident, explaining to the authorities and your insurers that you were not able to sound a signal because you didn't feel the need to meet the requirements of the law would not be helpful to your claim.
 
I am perplexed by this conversation.
There is a legal requirement for vessels, irrespective of length, to carry sound generating equipment
33(b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signalling
appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with
some other means of making an efficient sound signal.
Not carrying something to make a noise, other perhaps than the first mate, on the basis that "I've never had to use one" is akin to saying that one should not bother to carry a liferaft for the same reason.
As an ex tug skipper, trawler skipper and now yottie, there have been any number of occasions where the judicious use of sound signalling equipment has avoided a potential accident.
And in the event that you have an accident, explaining to the authorities and your insurers that you were not able to sound a signal because you didn't feel the need to meet the requirements of the law would not be helpful to your claim.

Would agree with that - a few years ago I (close-hauled, on starboard tack) got broadsided by a French racing yacht (running downwind, also on starboard tack). He thought he had priority because I was on his port-side. In his own statement to the insurance he berated me for sounding my horn five times...

Needless to say he paid for the damage to my boat.

PS - I had to stand on because if I had taken avoiding action, I would have fouled another yacht and I would not have been stand-on yacht in the collision.
 
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I am perplexed by this conversation.
There is a legal requirement for vessels, irrespective of length, to carry sound generating equipment
33(b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signalling
appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with
some other means of making an efficient sound signal.
Not carrying something to make a noise, other perhaps than the first mate, on the basis that "I've never had to use one" is akin to saying that one should not bother to carry a liferaft for the same reason.
As an ex tug skipper, trawler skipper and now yottie, there have been any number of occasions where the judicious use of sound signalling equipment has avoided a potential accident.
And in the event that you have an accident, explaining to the authorities and your insurers that you were not able to sound a signal because you didn't feel the need to meet the requirements of the law would not be helpful to your claim.

I don't think anyone has said not to bother carrying sound generating equipment..... Rather the discussion has been about what equipment to carry. Some of use opt for hand held gear, other favour a fixed electric horn.
 
I don't think anyone has said not to bother carrying sound generating equipment..... Rather the discussion has been about what equipment to carry. Some of use opt for hand held gear, other favour a fixed electric horn.

I've just bought one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00SHVREIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It seems to be pretty well made, requires little effort to use, and makes a VERY loud noise! And at the price, if it only lasts a season or two before succumbing to damp and/or rust, I don't really care.
 
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