Radar, worth it?

[muchy_]

I've been thinking lately of getting a radar set for my boat (only have to spend the money on wifey if I don't) but a few people, including my Yachtmasters instructor have told me that they have tried sets in the past and have had instances where they have visual on quite a large vessel but that it doesn't appear on the radar screen. Can this be put down to the settup of the radar?

I guess I just need someone to say that they are great and to go get one as up to now I've just heard negative reports about them.

Any thoughts would be welcomed (but don't tell me to spend the money on wifey for Gods sake, she may see this;-)

 

[johndf]

If there is any possibility of finding yourself in fog in an area with a fair bit of shipping then the answer is yes, very worth it!

 

[rich]

yes get one, but learn how to use it and set it up,

rich )

 

[hlb]

Theres no doubte about it. The first time I found my self in fog. I went out and bought radar. I would not go to sea without it again And I've had many times when the radar and sat nav with chart plotter have been the only things to got me home safely. Yes I know a Yacht can poodle about in the middle till it sees the enterance. but we cant,. We're running out of fuel. Fast. So need to get in and tied up fast. I could tell you stories of fog at sea. Look them up in the whatsit thingy!! But dont go to sea. Without it.

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn

 

[longjohnsilver]

Definitely!

First time you're caught in fog you'll realise it's worth every penny.

Also very useful for navigation, shows distance to shore, buoys, other boats etc etc.

 

[hlb]

Re: Definitely!

Yes fog rain or anything. Just go out and buy it before going to sea.

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn

 

[Guest]

RAC

Wot? Pootle about in a harbour entrance, in fog, with all you motor boat chappies rushing in so as not to run out of fuel? You jest sir! No, I've got my own radar, thank you, and will find my way in safely with you! If you can afford it, get it! Vis. can be just as bad in haze on a nice day as it can in mist/fog/rain on a bad one!

 

[Guest]

I guess we are talking pro-activity here!!
The best way to use radar is to learn how to use it in the daylight, when you can see everything, and can relate to the surroundings around you, sounds daft but it's true.
No words can describe the feeling of utter loss when the vis disappears in an instant and you are left to find your way home. Sea schools simulate the experience, by suddenly closing the curtains in the wheelhouse and telling you to 'take us into the Beaulieu' on a bright sunny day.
Yes, Radar is worth it without a shadow of a doubt, listen in to the port frequency and learn how to watch your screen, it's a tough call, but it will get you home, if you have practised beforehand.
Robert Avis is the top man at this game!!
Rgds, Peter.

 

[ccscott49]

Don't mess about, but one, get one with auto-tine. I agree with every word of this post, trying it out when you can see everything is a great way to learn, thats the way I did it, so when I was approaching a known harbour in fog I knew exactly what I was looking at! You don't listen to yachtmasters' do you?

 

[Piers]

Just in case you haven't yet been pursuaded by the posts so far, here's another one.

Yes, yes and yes. It becomes your eyes when you're blind at sea. And as with sight-impaired people, they tend to move slowly and cautiously rather than run around. The same needs to be done in a boat. Come back on the speed, know how to use the radar, and you'll find your way home - great fun.

There are some excellent radar courses around, using naval simulators. Then practice in daylight in different sea conditions.

Piers du Pré
MBM Cruising Club enthusiast
www.dupre.co.uk/fsPlaydeau.htm

 

[muchy_]

Re:OK, I\'m convinced

......and wifey loses out again, double bonus!!!!!

 

[JohnR]

If I had to choose a bit of kit other than a GPS it would be a radar.

 

[tcm]

Re:OK, I\'m convinced

The instructor is mistaken. Allposts here quite corect to suggest radar. BUT the setting up and testing it in daylight is vital, and re4gulart testing to make sure it workls and that you are slick with it.

1 there's a set-up procedure which can only be done at sea, which is the rotation of the picture. In other words, the thing on the top could be set up backwards or sideways or any old how, and you have to calibrate where "ahead" actually is on the screen.

2. Whilst planing, the boat sometimes can't see forwards cos it's tilting backwards. You have to use flaps to tilt the boat forwards to make sure you get that picture. Mebbe this was the prob for the instructor?

 

[hlb]

Re:OK, I\'m convinced

Think Matt must be pissed. Set up. radar.( UnPissed) And to look forward. Take no notice of twats wanting to look north. Its just same as Emerdale when tuned in. It's not Rocket Science. Yer only looking for a good picture.

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn