Radar reflector

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I think that's the question--is it? The vessels can be detected by radar w/o a radar reflector up-- so, do these things really "enhance" the target return? Sure, if you put 'em in a box and hit them with radar they'll bounce it back OK. BUT--do they significantly increase the return strength from a sailboat having a big aluminum mast and big spreaders already??

Uh- some of us have wooden masts. So yeah, they are a big help. And here on the Texas coast, with the massive amounts of commercial traffic, mine is up always.

 

[The Garbone]

We have two Plastimo RADAR relectors up at all times, attached to our middle diagonal shrouds. Its the same ones the Vendee RTW boats use. VERY small windage, and they never have to come down.

That is the one I have also. Only put one up on the starboard shroud. Of course the port spreader has a dedicated whip for the class b AIS, but that is another thread.

Compared to the other costs of replacing the rigging putting a reflector on there is a negligible expense.

 

[Squidd]

This article may be useful. A remarkably effective reflector for very little. So why not?

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/09/...adar/index.htm

Looks good in origami....try it in real sheet aluminum some time..

 

[justsomeguy]

Once you have done this with paper, you are ready to switch to aluminium.

"Aluminium". Language is fun.

It'd be nice to construct a small brake for this, huh?

 

[Charles Erwin]

Looks good in origami....try it in real sheet aluminum some time..

But please note the material is just aluminum roof flashing - which is .015" thick or just about the same as 5 layers of aluminum foil.

Obviously one would not use anything over about 28 ga.

Charles