Radar reflectors

[Dave_Knowles]

Does anyone use radar reflectors and do they work?

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave
Southampton - uk

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk>The site for cleopatra boat owners</A>

 

[BarryH]

I've used the old dodecahedroidoctanginaltrapeziod (dunno what its called)one. Seemed to work. But that was on a yacht where it was mounted high. I would question the the effetiveness of one on a boat such as yours or mine though. They need to be mounted a bit higher than we can get them, without sticking masts all over the place.
What about one of those radar dectector things ICS do. They pick up th incoming beam and indicate it on a small box of electrickery. Gives a beep and tells you where the source is in relation to you. Just a thought.

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[Happy1]

You always use an extendable pole to give it a bit of extra height if required, I am sure there are a few of those on some of the boats here /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[BarryH]

Ok where did you buy that then. I've not seen one on your boat, seen everything else on it, but not one of them.
There are active reflecters on the market. MBM done a review last year some time (see Kim, do read it now and then) and gave the best buy thing. More money though, well it is for boating after all!

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[Dave_Knowles]

So probably the best thing is forget it and keep a good look out.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave
Southampton - uk

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk>The site for cleopatra boat owners</A>

 

[Happy1]

Mine is one of those fold away jobs that all slot in together. I have it stored away in my 'safety equipment' locker for use in situations that it may be required e.g. fog /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[Solitaire]

Under SOLAS regs - we're supposed to have one!

<hr width=100% size=1>Boating is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk>Serious</A> Fun

 

[BarryH]

Thats what I do.

Peter, your just a bloody gadget freak. Have you got one that translates wimmin's rantings and ravings into plain english per chance. Could do with it now!

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[Dave_Knowles]

Interesting then so few boats do. Do SOLAS say what the specification should be because most of the reports I have read about them indicate that the non powered ones are pretty useless?

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave
Southampton - uk

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk>The site for cleopatra boat owners</A>

 

[jimi]

I'd be careful making that assumption. Using radar I'd say that boats with radar reflectors are generally more visible than boats without them. Just my own empirical observation!

<hr width=100% size=1>.. when's that again, but ..

 

[Talbot]

I would question the reports that you have read. There is no doubt whatsoever that reflectors like the echomax and the blipper considerably enhance the radar echoing area of your boat. however it does have to be at a reasonable height as some merchant ships radar are sited such that they have a blind spot fwd because of the containers. You need to have a continuous sweep from their radar otherwise their autotracker system does not work, so small boat large waves becomes a problem.
The old raincatcher type reflectors are also reasonable. Some of the things that are sold as radar reflectors are absolute rubbish. I have one up my mast as a sop to Solas, but have a rain catcher available for poor visibility.
My philosophy with merchant ships is that it is my responsibility to make sure I stay out of their way, cause I dont believe half of them are paying sufficient attention to be able to see me.

If you have power to spare then the active systems are good, and also radar detectors designed for use with navigational radars can assist with warning of the presence of merchant ships. It may not warn you about the presence of warships as they may not even be using their radar.

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[Happy1]

The problem I have is storing the bloody clips that hold it all together, it is one fiddly thing. I have practiced with a blindfold on to ensure I can build it together in very thisck fog, you have to be careful or you can cut yourself. Tying it to the extendable pole blindfolded is a bit of a problem as I was tripping up on other gadgets and apparently nearly had SWMBO's eye out with the pointy bit of the pole, perhaps should not have been doing it in the cuddy /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif I have all my kit at home at the moment, I am ensuring it is all in tip top condition, and I am servicing it all ready for the new boat /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[jhr]

I'm sure that I am naive about this (after all, I'm naive about everything else) but doesn't the socking great lump of metal that is yer average mobo engine give off some sort of reflection on radar?

I'm constantly plagued by the knowledge that my 21 ft boat is supposed to be fitted with a reflector "if practicable" and, I think, that I'm supposed to carry one even if it's not fitted (huh?) but would it really do any good without a massive mast to run it up? I don't personally think so..........



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[Happy1]

Perhaps we could do a trial with one of those flat pack build jobs, with SWMBO waving it tied to the end of the extendable boat hook, just need some volunteers, a date and venue /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[jimi]

Sure it must .. I'm just talking from a purely empirical viewpoint haveing looked at radar echo and the craft that they relate to in good visibility to get some sort of idea of what it would be like in fog. In calm seas you can pick an echo off virtually anything its when its a bit choppy and gain's been adjusted for sea clutter, or heavy rain that you really want to be maximising your echo.

<hr width=100% size=1>.. when's that again, but ..

 

[Dave_Knowles]

Jimi,

I will have to come clean that I do have one of those plastic tube thingies on my mast but surely no one would see that. Also the top of the mast is only about 10 feet above the water level. Do you think you see these then?

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave
Southampton - uk

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk>The site for cleopatra boat owners</A>

 

[jimi]

Depends on the sea conditions really ... I 've spotted small pot marker buoys at night using radar ... I'd say its bound to improve your radar echo as it can't reduce it!

<hr width=100% size=1>.. when's that again, but ..

 

[qsiv]

An inflatable one might be easier, and less prone to inflicting injury.

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[Robin]

Dave

If you mean the Mobri thingies IMO they are worthless. As one who was severely frit by a sports cruiser in 20m vis at 20kts by N Head Buoy as we left the Solent (motoring at just 4kts with radar running), please please please fit a reflector! The guy we met had not got one and did not appear on our radar until just 0.75mls away, he was head on to us and like a 'stealth' aircraft to our radar (Furuno 1830 CRT 24ml range version), we had less than 2 minutes to decide how to miss him. He was using a cellphone as he swerved away though, so if I had his number I could have sent him a text message. The Firdell or Gillie Firth types or Cyclops ones all have accessory brackets that allow fitting on Mobos, even some RIBs have them.

Happy New Year to all

Robin

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[Dave_Knowles]

The problem is where do you fit one on a boat the size of mine without even a radar arch.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dave
Southampton - uk

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.MyCleopatra.co.uk>The site for cleopatra boat owners</A>