I have a 36' Catalina which I sail primarily in the San Francisco Bay and plan to also sail along the California coast some. I have been planning to install a radar system. Today I was talking with a guy who is quite experienced who said that it's the law that if a boat has radar it must be turned on when the boat is being operated. Although the law may not be enforced in a blanket way, if there is a collision with another boat, that boat can blame you if you have a radar system and they discovered it wasn't turned on, this guy says. It's for this reason that he is not installing radar. I don't want to keep a radar system turned on at all times for a number of reasons, including the issue of draining the battery. The great bulk of my sailing is done during daylight hours, usually when visibility is not restricted very much by fog. But you never know... I suppose an alternative would be to get one of those systems (I forget what it's called) that identifies radar coming from other boats. I'm interested in what others have to say about this. Thanks. John
- Status
Bad justification
for not installing a radar. This device could save your life. As for seeing other boats with radar, they all don't have radar, just like your boat. Get it, learn it and use it when you need it. Look at it this way. The only time you use radar is when you need it right(and of course to learn it)? If you don't turn it on then I would assume the visibility is good right? Do you get in many collisions when you have good visibility? What are the chances you have a collision and they say "hey, is your radar on?"? If you have an enclosed radome they cannot tell. Mine is integrated with my chartplotter display and can be activated in about 1 second. Hmmm, don't get radar because someone may use it against you??? The "experienced guy" is giving you bad advice John. Tim R.
for not installing a radar. This device could save your life. As for seeing other boats with radar, they all don't have radar, just like your boat. Get it, learn it and use it when you need it. Look at it this way. The only time you use radar is when you need it right(and of course to learn it)? If you don't turn it on then I would assume the visibility is good right? Do you get in many collisions when you have good visibility? What are the chances you have a collision and they say "hey, is your radar on?"? If you have an enclosed radome they cannot tell. Mine is integrated with my chartplotter display and can be activated in about 1 second. Hmmm, don't get radar because someone may use it against you??? The "experienced guy" is giving you bad advice John. Tim R.
Radar legalities - hmm!
I did a search of the California Boating laws and there is nothing there saying that you have to operate radar at any time. There is one reference to radar and it says that "Upon hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam, the operator should reduce speed to the minimum at which the boat can be kept on course, unless it has been determined by radar or other means that the risk of collision does not exist." Only thing that I could find. You may want to talk to your insurance carrier also.
I did a search of the California Boating laws and there is nothing there saying that you have to operate radar at any time. There is one reference to radar and it says that "Upon hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam, the operator should reduce speed to the minimum at which the boat can be kept on course, unless it has been determined by radar or other means that the risk of collision does not exist." Only thing that I could find. You may want to talk to your insurance carrier also.
Not sure about Radar, but there is a law..
that requires you to have your VHF on if you have one on the boat. Reason for this is so you can help in the net to monitor the emergency channel. I've not heard that about radar though, maybe he had them confused.
that requires you to have your VHF on if you have one on the boat. Reason for this is so you can help in the net to monitor the emergency channel. I've not heard that about radar though, maybe he had them confused.
I agree with Tim
A potential liability for not using should not be the determining factor. Radar can be invaluable when operating in restricted visibility. Check USCG regulations and/or COLREGs, not California regs. FAQ: Am I required to have Radar? Radar is not required on vessels under 1600 GT (Title 33 CFR part 164.35), however, Rule 7 states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. In other words, whoever has one must use it. The Navigation Rules are not meant to discourage the use of any device, rather they expect prudent mariners to avail themselves of all available means appropriate...as to make full appraisal of the situation (Rule 5), e.g. the use of radar. At issue is whether the use of radar is appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and that is a determination made by the Master; and, ultimately decided by a trier of fact. Should you be in a collision how would a judge/jury rule on your contention that the use of radar was impracticable (due to electrical drain, crew shortages, etc.)? Also, if a collision does occur, then there was obviously a risk of collision beforehand. Could the determination of that risk have been made sooner with the use of radar? It is difficult to answer such questions because the circumstances of each case are different. More importantly, remember that Rule 7 specifies that assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.
A potential liability for not using should not be the determining factor. Radar can be invaluable when operating in restricted visibility. Check USCG regulations and/or COLREGs, not California regs. FAQ: Am I required to have Radar? Radar is not required on vessels under 1600 GT (Title 33 CFR part 164.35), however, Rule 7 states that proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational. In other words, whoever has one must use it. The Navigation Rules are not meant to discourage the use of any device, rather they expect prudent mariners to avail themselves of all available means appropriate...as to make full appraisal of the situation (Rule 5), e.g. the use of radar. At issue is whether the use of radar is appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and that is a determination made by the Master; and, ultimately decided by a trier of fact. Should you be in a collision how would a judge/jury rule on your contention that the use of radar was impracticable (due to electrical drain, crew shortages, etc.)? Also, if a collision does occur, then there was obviously a risk of collision beforehand. Could the determination of that risk have been made sooner with the use of radar? It is difficult to answer such questions because the circumstances of each case are different. More importantly, remember that Rule 7 specifies that assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.
You could be held partly responsible
I distinctly remember an article, quite a few years back, that appeared in either Sail or Cruising World which was an account of a similar situation. This one, though, was in fog and the guy was sailing and did not have his radar on because of battery drain. He collided with a tug and was found partly at fault because he had radar and was not using it. As I remember, his justification was that his battery bank could not handle the load w/o running his engine. I have never heard of a law requiring one to have safety equipment on (except VHF). If I owned a radar, I would not use it all the time - at night and in other conditions of limited visability and for storms. I was once sailing with a guy who put the auto pilot on and then summoned me below to look at his radar which showed nothing around. When done, we came up on deck to see a 45' sloop crossing our stern about 20 yards back which the radar had not seen.
I distinctly remember an article, quite a few years back, that appeared in either Sail or Cruising World which was an account of a similar situation. This one, though, was in fog and the guy was sailing and did not have his radar on because of battery drain. He collided with a tug and was found partly at fault because he had radar and was not using it. As I remember, his justification was that his battery bank could not handle the load w/o running his engine. I have never heard of a law requiring one to have safety equipment on (except VHF). If I owned a radar, I would not use it all the time - at night and in other conditions of limited visability and for storms. I was once sailing with a guy who put the auto pilot on and then summoned me below to look at his radar which showed nothing around. When done, we came up on deck to see a 45' sloop crossing our stern about 20 yards back which the radar had not seen.
Collision avoidance device
RADAR is considered a collision avoidance device used in conjunction with proper lookouts to avoid a possible collision. As with lookouts, as soon as you are underway you are required to maintain a constant watch for traffic. Technically you should have your RADAR on while underway, even in daylight, to provide the optimum collision avoidance coverage. Most recreational sailors disregard this requirement and turn on their radar only in bad weather or at night. If there is a collision and you didn't have your radar operational, even during daylight hours, you will be held partially at fault for not have your radar on and having established a watch on the radar. The courts usually blame both parties in a collision, based on the degree of liability. It seems really unfair, but Admiralty law judges vessels with radar as having greater responsibility than vessels without radar in a collision. If you are sailing near shore, the excuse of draining down your batteries for not turning on your RADAR usually doesn't apply. If you had enough crewmembers stationed to cover 360° while underway, then you might only be assessed a smaller amount of blame in a collision if your RADAR wasn't turned on. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary had an article about this, checkout the link. Fair Winds, Clyde RADAR http://www.auxguidanceskills.info/press/radar.html
RADAR is considered a collision avoidance device used in conjunction with proper lookouts to avoid a possible collision. As with lookouts, as soon as you are underway you are required to maintain a constant watch for traffic. Technically you should have your RADAR on while underway, even in daylight, to provide the optimum collision avoidance coverage. Most recreational sailors disregard this requirement and turn on their radar only in bad weather or at night. If there is a collision and you didn't have your radar operational, even during daylight hours, you will be held partially at fault for not have your radar on and having established a watch on the radar. The courts usually blame both parties in a collision, based on the degree of liability. It seems really unfair, but Admiralty law judges vessels with radar as having greater responsibility than vessels without radar in a collision. If you are sailing near shore, the excuse of draining down your batteries for not turning on your RADAR usually doesn't apply. If you had enough crewmembers stationed to cover 360° while underway, then you might only be assessed a smaller amount of blame in a collision if your RADAR wasn't turned on. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary had an article about this, checkout the link. Fair Winds, Clyde RADAR http://www.auxguidanceskills.info/press/radar.html
You are right
If you have radar... you have the responsiblity to keep it operational and to use it correctly. Good luck... one just can't win.
If you have radar... you have the responsiblity to keep it operational and to use it correctly. Good luck... one just can't win.
you are also required to monitor VHF channel 16 IF
you have your transceiver turned on. But you are not obligated to turn it on. If you read closely you must display the proper visual signals for your size boat but the electrics are always optional.
you have your transceiver turned on. But you are not obligated to turn it on. If you read closely you must display the proper visual signals for your size boat but the electrics are always optional.
Radar
Get the radar. Then leave it on whenever your using the boat. They take less power than you think, but they take a lot of watching and fooling around with before you are really proficient. It is not just a turn it on deal. The more you use and watch it, the better you will be at interpreting the returns you get. A flock of birds is just a return if you don't learn, and a beginner more than likely will not be able to tell them from a ship, if he doesn't learn how to adjust the set, and interpret the returns.
Get the radar. Then leave it on whenever your using the boat. They take less power than you think, but they take a lot of watching and fooling around with before you are really proficient. It is not just a turn it on deal. The more you use and watch it, the better you will be at interpreting the returns you get. A flock of birds is just a return if you don't learn, and a beginner more than likely will not be able to tell them from a ship, if he doesn't learn how to adjust the set, and interpret the returns.
What Clyde wrote
So based on what Clyde wrote, and the link he provided, if boater "A" has a collision with "B" and A is completely the stand-on boat (say, for instance they are both sail boats and B is overtaking A, or, say if "B" is a pleasure power boat and and A is sailing), and A has a RADAR system that is turned off and B has no Radar system at all, that A could be found to be at least partially at fault, even if the collision occurred in broad daylight. John
So based on what Clyde wrote, and the link he provided, if boater "A" has a collision with "B" and A is completely the stand-on boat (say, for instance they are both sail boats and B is overtaking A, or, say if "B" is a pleasure power boat and and A is sailing), and A has a RADAR system that is turned off and B has no Radar system at all, that A could be found to be at least partially at fault, even if the collision occurred in broad daylight. John
If you follow any maritime legal disputes .....
MOST of the time awards will be based on a % of fault of the 'innocent'. For example- if a boat collides with you while you are at anchor and you DONT have the BLACK BALL hung in the rigging, you will automatically & routinely judged partly at fault ... because you didnt precisely follow the 'rules'. .... and when was the FIRST time you saw a back ball hanging in the rigging of a recreational boat at anchor ????? If you have radar it must be ON when youre underway. Have it and not use it and have a collision .... you ARE partly at fault. No way to beat this as admiralty law is pretty firm on such matters. Do I keep my radar on at all times? Hell no, my battery bank doesnt have the capacity for 24/7 operation. I'll take that risk but will increase my 'chances' by keeping a proper watch, etc.
MOST of the time awards will be based on a % of fault of the 'innocent'. For example- if a boat collides with you while you are at anchor and you DONT have the BLACK BALL hung in the rigging, you will automatically & routinely judged partly at fault ... because you didnt precisely follow the 'rules'. .... and when was the FIRST time you saw a back ball hanging in the rigging of a recreational boat at anchor ????? If you have radar it must be ON when youre underway. Have it and not use it and have a collision .... you ARE partly at fault. No way to beat this as admiralty law is pretty firm on such matters. Do I keep my radar on at all times? Hell no, my battery bank doesnt have the capacity for 24/7 operation. I'll take that risk but will increase my 'chances' by keeping a proper watch, etc.
Get one
On a long rugged at times foggy coast line like California I would definately get one and more batteries too. I agree with Nice and Easy, it takes a while to get used to the thing, even in smooth seas much less when things are dicey. The more you use it the better you get and the more you like it. You probably have a GPS and you know that it will take you right onto a jetty on a straight line collision because it doesn't "see" the obstructions. Some boaters have their GPS units below deck. Today most radars are now connected directly to a GPS signal and will show you coordinate readings & speed data right at the helm where you want it plus any obstruction dangers. My older Furuno has a "sleep" energy saver feature that keeps the radar on but at much less power until you actually need it. Man, I don't want an accident. I carry my family on my boat. Their lives are worth it. Dan O'side
On a long rugged at times foggy coast line like California I would definately get one and more batteries too. I agree with Nice and Easy, it takes a while to get used to the thing, even in smooth seas much less when things are dicey. The more you use it the better you get and the more you like it. You probably have a GPS and you know that it will take you right onto a jetty on a straight line collision because it doesn't "see" the obstructions. Some boaters have their GPS units below deck. Today most radars are now connected directly to a GPS signal and will show you coordinate readings & speed data right at the helm where you want it plus any obstruction dangers. My older Furuno has a "sleep" energy saver feature that keeps the radar on but at much less power until you actually need it. Man, I don't want an accident. I carry my family on my boat. Their lives are worth it. Dan O'side
modern radars
I currently use a Raymarine system that can easily be programmed to scan at intervals, thus saving considerable power and yet fulfilling the requirements of keeping a proper watch. Additionally, with the automatic tuning/gain/et cetera on modern systems, it would be highly unlikely for a trained operator to miss a target such as a 45-foot sloop. I run my radar most of the time I'm sailing, and am amazed at how often it warns me of nearby targets that I'd otherwise have missed. Indeed, because I'm so often reading books (or grading papers) while in the cockpit, the radar on my boat tends to stand better watch than the helmsman.
I currently use a Raymarine system that can easily be programmed to scan at intervals, thus saving considerable power and yet fulfilling the requirements of keeping a proper watch. Additionally, with the automatic tuning/gain/et cetera on modern systems, it would be highly unlikely for a trained operator to miss a target such as a 45-foot sloop. I run my radar most of the time I'm sailing, and am amazed at how often it warns me of nearby targets that I'd otherwise have missed. Indeed, because I'm so often reading books (or grading papers) while in the cockpit, the radar on my boat tends to stand better watch than the helmsman.
Here's the wording..
(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. (b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. (c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. (d) In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account: 1. Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change; 2. Such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range. "Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances" "Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational" It sounds to me like the COLREGS say "proper use" for "prevailing circumstances" not 100% use even in 10 mile crystal clear visibility although most read it this way. Proper use of a radar should mean in areas of reduced visibility or at night. Any competent maritime attorney could argue proper use does not include a bright blue sky day with miles visibility unless of course there is case precedent. So do what I do and leave it on stand by. It draws very little current and if you were to get in an accident you simply hit the TX button...
(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. (b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. (c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. (d) In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account: 1. Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change; 2. Such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range. "Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances" "Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational" It sounds to me like the COLREGS say "proper use" for "prevailing circumstances" not 100% use even in 10 mile crystal clear visibility although most read it this way. Proper use of a radar should mean in areas of reduced visibility or at night. Any competent maritime attorney could argue proper use does not include a bright blue sky day with miles visibility unless of course there is case precedent. So do what I do and leave it on stand by. It draws very little current and if you were to get in an accident you simply hit the TX button...
Radar is NOT required
Please notice in paragraph (b)the words "if fitted and operational". My intent here is only to say that radar is NOT required to be installed and, if it is NOT operational when/if installed, you cannot be held accountable for not using radar. Note the use of the words "should", "shall" and "needs". Bottom line to me is that one is not REQUIRED to have radar legally or otherwise. Also, if one has radar and it is NOT operational (this means that it is broken, not simply NOT turned on) you cannot be held liable for not using it. There is no MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST for sailing. See the last paragraph. Also, I believe that in legal terms, the word "negligence" is used instead of the word Dumba _ _! Note paragraph (a). It says that "every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists." Copied from Public Service Articles in the pursuit of Recreational Boating Safety, USCG Auxiliary website. "(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. (b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. (c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. (d) [not shown] So, what does all this mean? It's relatively simple, but very very crucial to the liability that you, as the skipper of your vessel, would incur in a collision at sea: RADAR on a vessel has one basic function: Collision Avoidance. If you have a RADAR unit aboard, it needs to be operational. If the RADAR is operational, then the RADAR needs to be on and scanning while the vessel is underway (including during daylight hours). While the RADAR is scanning, you, or someone aboard your vessel needs to a) know how to read the RADAR, and b) plot the position of detected objects and constantly monitoring the RADAR. Failure to abide by these requirements set forth by the NAV RULES can place the onus of a collision squarely on your shoulders. RADAR is a very valuable tool for those who boat in areas where there are frequent weather changes (such as high fog areas) and those who venture out at night, as well as areas where restricted visibility is a problem. But like all tools and skills, knowledge is the key that permits us to fully utilize these tools and skills. The Coast Guard Auxiliary does not provide detailed training in the hands-on use of RADAR, but there are many fine private marine education centers that specialize in this type of training. There are also software "trainer" programs available for use at home, before setting getting underway. We urge all boaters who own or are thinking of purchasing RADAR to seek proper training in its use. Moreover, it is also suggested that you train yourself in the use of RADAR during daylight, in unrestricted visibility, so that you will know how to use it when it is necessary (during restricted visibility - fog, heavy rain, dist, etc.). Lastly, it is important to note that radar should not be thought of as a replacement for a proper lookout; rather it should be seen as an additional tool which can help the mariner avoid collisions."
Please notice in paragraph (b)the words "if fitted and operational". My intent here is only to say that radar is NOT required to be installed and, if it is NOT operational when/if installed, you cannot be held accountable for not using radar. Note the use of the words "should", "shall" and "needs". Bottom line to me is that one is not REQUIRED to have radar legally or otherwise. Also, if one has radar and it is NOT operational (this means that it is broken, not simply NOT turned on) you cannot be held liable for not using it. There is no MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST for sailing. See the last paragraph. Also, I believe that in legal terms, the word "negligence" is used instead of the word Dumba _ _!
Note paragraph (a). It says that "every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists." Copied from Public Service Articles in the pursuit of Recreational Boating Safety, USCG Auxiliary website. "(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. (b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects. (c) Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. (d) [not shown] So, what does all this mean? It's relatively simple, but very very crucial to the liability that you, as the skipper of your vessel, would incur in a collision at sea: RADAR on a vessel has one basic function: Collision Avoidance. If you have a RADAR unit aboard, it needs to be operational. If the RADAR is operational, then the RADAR needs to be on and scanning while the vessel is underway (including during daylight hours). While the RADAR is scanning, you, or someone aboard your vessel needs to a) know how to read the RADAR, and b) plot the position of detected objects and constantly monitoring the RADAR. Failure to abide by these requirements set forth by the NAV RULES can place the onus of a collision squarely on your shoulders. RADAR is a very valuable tool for those who boat in areas where there are frequent weather changes (such as high fog areas) and those who venture out at night, as well as areas where restricted visibility is a problem. But like all tools and skills, knowledge is the key that permits us to fully utilize these tools and skills. The Coast Guard Auxiliary does not provide detailed training in the hands-on use of RADAR, but there are many fine private marine education centers that specialize in this type of training. There are also software "trainer" programs available for use at home, before setting getting underway. We urge all boaters who own or are thinking of purchasing RADAR to seek proper training in its use. Moreover, it is also suggested that you train yourself in the use of RADAR during daylight, in unrestricted visibility, so that you will know how to use it when it is necessary (during restricted visibility - fog, heavy rain, dist, etc.). Lastly, it is important to note that radar should not be thought of as a replacement for a proper lookout; rather it should be seen as an additional tool which can help the mariner avoid collisions."Sailing in same area, I had same thoughts
I have a Catalina 27, outboard powered, so battery drain is a real issue with me. A fair amount of my sailing is outside the 'Gate, from Bodega Bay to Monterey. I had been thinking radar might be nice to have for the times I'm out there and the fog is thick. But, being outboard powered, I was very concerned about battery drain. I also wasn't sure it was worth the money for the maybe 10% of the time (or less) visibility is low enough to need it. Then I found a heck of a deal about 4 years ago on a JRC1000 with the mast for it that I couldn't pass it up. I don't have mine on all the time, just when I feel it helps. (I figure if I can see them with my eyes, the radar doesn't provide any additional help.) The battery drain really isn't much of an issue with modern radars. My JRC1000 draws less power than my running lights - maybe 2.5amps. With an inboard with an alternator, it's no issue at all. After 4 years, I find I turn my radar on maybe 10% of the time when visibility is less than perfect, usually not at all when I can see more than a mile. There have been maybe 3 times I was REALLY glad I had it, a lot of time it was a help, but not really necessary. At the speeds we're sailing (maybe 5-6 knots), it has to be dark and REALLY foggy before you don't have enough time to see and avoid another boat if you keep a good lookout. Radar is really more of an advantage getting into a harbor (especially an unfamiliar harbor) when it is after dark AND foggy than it is in avoiding collisions with other boats. I find I the best thing about the radar is the mast. I use it as a crane to put the dinghy outboard on and off from the stern pulpit, as a flagpole, and as support for various antennas. From my point of view, that's the most used thing about the whole system. My $.02
I have a Catalina 27, outboard powered, so battery drain is a real issue with me. A fair amount of my sailing is outside the 'Gate, from Bodega Bay to Monterey. I had been thinking radar might be nice to have for the times I'm out there and the fog is thick. But, being outboard powered, I was very concerned about battery drain. I also wasn't sure it was worth the money for the maybe 10% of the time (or less) visibility is low enough to need it. Then I found a heck of a deal about 4 years ago on a JRC1000 with the mast for it that I couldn't pass it up. I don't have mine on all the time, just when I feel it helps. (I figure if I can see them with my eyes, the radar doesn't provide any additional help.) The battery drain really isn't much of an issue with modern radars. My JRC1000 draws less power than my running lights - maybe 2.5amps. With an inboard with an alternator, it's no issue at all. After 4 years, I find I turn my radar on maybe 10% of the time when visibility is less than perfect, usually not at all when I can see more than a mile. There have been maybe 3 times I was REALLY glad I had it, a lot of time it was a help, but not really necessary. At the speeds we're sailing (maybe 5-6 knots), it has to be dark and REALLY foggy before you don't have enough time to see and avoid another boat if you keep a good lookout. Radar is really more of an advantage getting into a harbor (especially an unfamiliar harbor) when it is after dark AND foggy than it is in avoiding collisions with other boats. I find I the best thing about the radar is the mast. I use it as a crane to put the dinghy outboard on and off from the stern pulpit, as a flagpole, and as support for various antennas. From my point of view, that's the most used thing about the whole system.
My $.02- Status