Radar Reflectors?

[Little Rascal]

What sort of radar reflector should I be using on my trailer sailer?

I dont have much room at the masthead so I need the most compact solution possible but obviously I want to be seen. Should I fit something permanent or hoist it when needed?

I've heard a few negative comments about radar reflectors in general, so in a 19 footer with 25 foot mast, am I likely to show up on radar when night sailing or caught out in fog?

Our usual cruising base is Harwich so plenty of traffic to think about. Saying that its not the big ships that worry me, its smaller faster harbour traffic that keeps me awake at night!

 

[Tranona]

Use one of the folding metal types hoisted to the spreaders when needed. Make sure you hoist it in the correct orientation. as you say none of the ones suitable for small yachts is particularly effective, But SOLAS regulations require you to carry one.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

This makes interesting reading:

http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/archive/how-well-does-your-radar-reflector-work-2874

Its something I've been meaning to add to Triola...

 

[sailorman]

i have a alleged useless plastimo cylindrical one on the backstay, this make me "street legal", when its foggy i hoist a Firdell. i do have radar + ais on the lappy

 

[Little Rascal]

Excellent article, thanks.

Looks like we'll be getting a folding type, hoisted when concerned :/

 

[maxi]

Certainly NOT a cylindrical plastic jobbie, Not now or Ever. Forget those who talk about hoisting something for the purpose of being legal - absolute rubbish.

A radar reflector is solely to protect your vessel and by extension, the lives of you & your crew, so silly compromises are a no no. On a small boat such as yours the importance of a "good" reflector is ever more essential.

 

[sailorman]

Certainly NOT a cylindrical plastic jobbie, Not now or Ever. Forget those who talk about hoisting something for the purpose of being legal - absolute rubbish.

A radar reflector is solely to protect your vessel and by extension, the lives of you & your crew, so silly compromises are a no no. On a small boat such as yours the importance of a "good" reflector is ever more essential.

Mk1 eyeball is also good
Oh you forgot imho

 

[johnalison]

Mk1 eyeball is also good
Oh you forgot imho

So is throwing a bucket of water over the sails if really caught out.

 

[Cathy*]

Our mobo came with a tri lens fitted. During discussions about our cruising plans we decided that we wanted an active radar reflector. After looking at specs and prices we chose to opt for an AIS transponder which cost the same as the radar reflector but provides us with info about other ships around us in addition to telling other vessels we're there. We were really pleased with our decision when the fog came down suddenly in Wembury Bay while we were on our way back to Plymouth.

 

[JimC]

Use one of the folding metal types hoisted to the spreaders when needed. Make sure you hoist it in the correct orientation....

For my benefit and I'm sure lots of others: what is the correct orientation?

 

[sailorman]

For my benefit and I'm sure lots of others: what is the correct orientation?

so it acts as a "rain catcher"

see the halliard & downhaul holes

 

[JimC]

Thanks for that, but surely if suspended as shown it wouldn't catch any rain. One of the triangular cavities would have to be apex-down for that wouldn't it?

 

[padge]

For my benefit and I'm sure lots of others: what is the correct orientation?

not the obvious (easy) way

like this

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for that, but surely if suspended as shown it wouldn't catch any rain. One of the triangular cavities would have to be apex-down for that wouldn't it?

The upper most does the rain catching

 

[JimC]

not the obvious (easy) way

like this View attachment 51626

That way would catch rain, but which is the right way?

 

[VicS]

That way would catch rain, but which is the right way?

If you place the thing on a flat table top ........ it will be correctly orientated. Fix it or hoist it in that position and it will be correct!

 

[PabloPicasso]

Our mobo came with a tri lens fitted. During discussions about our cruising plans we decided that we wanted an active radar reflector. After looking at specs and prices we chose to opt for an AIS transponder which cost the same as the radar reflector but provides us with info about other ships around us in addition to telling other vessels we're there. We were really pleased with our decision when the fog came down suddenly in Wembury Bay while we were on our way back to Plymouth.

I fitted a tri-lens and an AIS receiver. It's all a cost compromise. I guess a dual band active reflector and AIS transponder (plus a tri lens passive as back up) is the belt and braces approach. But how much can you afford?

 

[JimC]

If you place the thing on a flat table top ........ it will be correctly orientated. Fix it or hoist it in that position and it will be correct!

Obviously a man of judgement realising an idiot-proof reply was needed.

 

[Lucky Duck]

Our mobo came with a tri lens fitted. During discussions about our cruising plans we decided that we wanted an active radar reflector. After looking at specs and prices we chose to opt for an AIS transponder which cost the same as the radar reflector but provides us with info about other ships around us in addition to telling other vessels we're there. We were really pleased with our decision when the fog came down suddenly in Wembury Bay while we were on our way back to Plymouth.

Don't forget that commercial (and some leisure) systems allow class B transponders to be filtered out.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

While a transponder will make sure that your presence will be marked... that doesn't mean that everyone will be watching out for your signal. The larger ships would probably have a properly run bridge and would be aware of your position but smaller leisure vessels might not even have a radar.

Whether you have the cheapest octahedral reflector or the most expensive transponder, one major fact remains: there is no substitute for the old Mk.1 eyeball, used in conjunction with a good pair of ears.