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Post by Canuck on Jul 18, 2008 18:05:05 GMT
Whats your opinions, are they necessary? - or obligatory? what ones work best? I've not had one in the past but it has crossed my mind recently.
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Post by squideyebarnes on Jul 18, 2008 18:18:19 GMT
You want one for sure I have the tube type!
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Post by michael1923 on Jul 18, 2008 18:21:56 GMT
I have one of the diamond triangular ones. I only intend using it a night. Just sits there on the boat for when visibilty drops or night.
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Post by Crusader on Jul 18, 2008 21:23:33 GMT
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Post by squideyebarnes on Jul 18, 2008 22:48:49 GMT
Good pos! thats the one I have and checked with other boats on the vhf to see if they could see me on there radar. Andy |
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Post by snowy on Jul 19, 2008 5:41:46 GMT
I used to have the aluminium reflector type in the plastic tube but was told by the Portsmouth Harbourmaster that it was next to useless as it was not giving any real reflection and was indistinguishable from background radar clutter.
I now have one of the large Echomax ones which has something like 80x the reflective area of the other type. I now give off a radar signal something like to the Queen Mary!!!!
I suspect the tube type will give a signal in clear conditions to another vessel with its radar dome set in a low position. The radar sweep of larger boats will just pass over the top without a reflection.
Food for thought.
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Post by Lavy on Jul 19, 2008 6:33:07 GMT
If you are on a budget or just want something temporary, a net bag full of crumpled up pieces of foil works brilliantly because it presents so many reflective faces.
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Salar
crew member
Live to Fish
Posts: 98
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Post by Salar on Jul 19, 2008 8:23:31 GMT
I have the tube type but I have haerd more than one report that they are not as effective as you might think. Better than nothing I guess. However, ever a reflector assumes that the guy in a big ship notices and bothers to take action. So I fitted AIS (£150) to my chart plotter and now I can see who is coming, direction, speed and whether they are likely to run me down. Even better, you can see their MMSI number so you can dial up their bridge on DSC. There is even a warning buzzer on my chart plotter to alert of a potential danger. I have posted a review here: www.boat-angling.co.uk/Hints_and_Tips/NASAAISEngineReview.htm |
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Post by michael1923 on Jul 19, 2008 12:52:38 GMT
Salar that sounds brilliant.
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Post by michael1923 on Jul 19, 2008 13:09:39 GMT
Basingrich.
I don't know if you know how radar works, but to be honest with you, if you only have a small boat then there really is very minimal or no advantage at all.
It would be of advantage possibly in flat calm conditions otherwise it is very unlikely that vessels would see you until the last minute.
Some people would disagree, but ask yourself.
When do i fish? (daylight) you can see whats coming.
Bad visablity rough seas, why are you out there, do fish mean that much?
In my opinion common sense is the key, but if it makes you feel happier get one for back up purposes just incase your caught out.
I have one but i really don't think it would make any difference.
NOTE Large ships have radar for their safety, hitting rocks, other ships. Not to stop them hitting a little fishing boat. Harsh as it might sound
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Post by Canuck on Jul 19, 2008 17:06:24 GMT
Michael
Yes , thats the way I see it , we should be constantly on the lookout and our own safety is in our own hands. I dont think that large vessels are a problem - (although I am aware, as I refered to in another post) - as they should be keeping watch in the Solent approaches, however danger lies in the path of boats whose owners are sipping their pink gins not looking or caring where their going .
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Post by monkeynuts on Jul 20, 2008 21:34:48 GMT
Michael Yes , thats the way I see it , we should be constantly on the lookout and our own safety is in our own hands. I dont think that large vessels are a problem - (although I am aware, as I refered to in another post) - as they should be keeping watch in the Solent approaches, however danger lies in the path of boats whose owners are sipping their pink gins not looking or caring where their going . dont i know it , iv been hit twice @ anchor in day light by yachts not watching or caring iv got a old style cube which i think works ok as iv not been hit at night yet , but i would like to know how effective it is if any one knows. or should i invest in some think bit more reflective?  |
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Post by michael1923 on Jul 20, 2008 21:52:33 GMT
John i wouldn't bother mate. even some of the good ones only have a reflective area of 20m squared
Thats like having a 10m boat 2m high, is your in a bit of swell the radar won't see you.
I think RYA have an indepent radar reflector review as there nothing like there claimed to be.
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Remember - Its about progress not perfection!
