So what about radar reflectors? I have been prowling the internet to learn something about these devices and there is WAY too much information. One of the sites was supposed to test radar reflectors and in a way it did. Mostly though it was a physics lesson on how they work. Not much info on which styles are best and which offer the best value for the buck. I suppose that when it comes to safety one ought not consider money too much. That said there are different products for different conditions. Namely: I intend to visit Lake Huron's North Channel for the first time this summer and I would like to buy a dependable reflector for my purposes. I will be sailing strictly in the day time and then for only a few hours a day as I gunk hole from island to island. My longest crossing of open water will be about 9 hours or so across Lake Huron from Michigan to Meldrum Bay. I have heard that there is often some very thick fog and should I get caught in it mid-lake I'd like to be "seen" by the lake freighters before I see them. So what's the best unit for the trip in the humble opinion of my fellow boaters out there? Let me know, I await your answers. Thanks, Mike
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Firedell blipper
Mike, the best that seasoned skippers use is the "Firedell blipper" had to look up the spelling. You screw it or rivet it into the mast above the spreaders. Don't do that on a 'Freedom' of Non-such rig, you will need stainless bands, no holes in an unstayed mast, but you likely do not have one. Don't get a reflector that goes up a flag halyard as the cheapies do, they will chaff, and go by the board, mayhap on a crews head. These are a kind of cylinder shape, give an excellent picture, and are permanent; do it once, done.
Mike, the best that seasoned skippers use is the "Firedell blipper" had to look up the spelling. You screw it or rivet it into the mast above the spreaders. Don't do that on a 'Freedom' of Non-such rig, you will need stainless bands, no holes in an unstayed mast, but you likely do not have one. Don't get a reflector that goes up a flag halyard as the cheapies do, they will chaff, and go by the board, mayhap on a crews head. These are a kind of cylinder shape, give an excellent picture, and are permanent; do it once, done.
Radar Reflector Tests
Here is a rather concise summary from US Sailing. The Firdell Blipper was good, but didn't test the best. And there was concern about a blind spot behind the mast.
Here is a rather concise summary from US Sailing. The Firdell Blipper was good, but didn't test the best. And there was concern about a blind spot behind the mast.
Tests
TJ, No mate, didn't know bout these tests, any other results, like which did finally turn out as the leader of the pack? I'll look at the results later as I have to travel tomorrow; packing. What I know is pragmatic from my own experience, all the yachts I've been on when asking another vessel, ships, fishermen, other rec yachts et al, how we are showing up on their radar, the 'blipper' allways showed us as a larger vessel than we were, and a clear "picture" is made.I also see it with other vessels with the blipper, really good picture. Thanks for the link...;-)
TJ, No mate, didn't know bout these tests, any other results, like which did finally turn out as the leader of the pack? I'll look at the results later as I have to travel tomorrow; packing. What I know is pragmatic from my own experience, all the yachts I've been on when asking another vessel, ships, fishermen, other rec yachts et al, how we are showing up on their radar, the 'blipper' allways showed us as a larger vessel than we were, and a clear "picture" is made.I also see it with other vessels with the blipper, really good picture. Thanks for the link...;-)
The Blipper didn't do well
at all in various test. Sorry Ron. The one that is the best is the Davis Echomaster. The one Ron says will chafe through. Ron is correct as it can chafe the lines holding it. I attach mine via a small steel cable rig I made. Here is a link to one test result. Fair Wnds Cap'n Dave
at all in various test. Sorry Ron. The one that is the best is the Davis Echomaster. The one Ron says will chafe through. Ron is correct as it can chafe the lines holding it. I attach mine via a small steel cable rig I made. Here is a link to one test result. Fair Wnds Cap'n Dave
year round cruiser pulled into our marina
yesterday ... had three reflectors ... 2 were the davis ... actually sort of tied together up as high as they could be. ...and the boat was one of those aluminum hulled boats you see from France. It makes sense to have them up high ... from where he had his positioned. I remember running a mile behind a small steel schooner last year and couldn't get a blip from it. I think he thought just because it was a steel hull he didn't need a reflector. Vic "Seven"
yesterday ... had three reflectors ... 2 were the davis ... actually sort of tied together up as high as they could be. ...and the boat was one of those aluminum hulled boats you see from France. It makes sense to have them up high ... from where he had his positioned. I remember running a mile behind a small steel schooner last year and couldn't get a blip from it. I think he thought just because it was a steel hull he didn't need a reflector. Vic "Seven"
Cap'n Dave
I don't know from 'tests' Dave, and often they are a huge help to the industry; ABYC, USCG as a rule accepts their tests, then follws with another CFR. What I DO know though is what works, and I sould never recommend something that didn't. I have used the Davis, and others, in fact after losing one on a trip to Hawaii we crunched up beer cans, put em in a mesh dive-bag and hauled them aloft, worked pretty good, ya think i could get me a patent?
I don't know from 'tests' Dave, and often they are a huge help to the industry; ABYC, USCG as a rule accepts their tests, then follws with another CFR. What I DO know though is what works, and I sould never recommend something that didn't. I have used the Davis, and others, in fact after losing one on a trip to Hawaii we crunched up beer cans, put em in a mesh dive-bag and hauled them aloft, worked pretty good, ya think i could get me a patent?
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