What is this on the mast????

marian · Mar 7, 2015

Radar reflector. I like the bumper thing too!

Marian

fdigiovanni · Mar 7, 2015

Yes - it's a radar reflector.

Hello Below · Mar 7, 2015

I believe it is an Echomax, a passive radar reflector. Overall it sat pretty high according to a study in Yachting World a few years ago and is good value for your buck. Although normally seen mounted on the mast as pictured, this results in a reflective shadow. Improved performance would result if hung off a halyard or stay.

http://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/filebank/reflector_performance_ym_june.pdf

Kermit · Mar 7, 2015

PGIJon said:
...To avoid most potential jokes,...

What's the fun in that? ;-)

uncledom · Mar 7, 2015

That is a small life raft that inflates when the mast is starting to go down and you have lost all hope at any chance for survival. Just Kidding. If you see that passing you by on it's way down your a goner.

WayneH · Mar 7, 2015

It's the last stopper on the mast before you break off the radar dome after the bosun chair halyard breaks.

Ron20324 · Mar 7, 2015

It's floatation. Just when you think you're gonna roll over, that bubble hits the water, makes the mast float, and she comes back upright. Kind of like a Mae West.

Benny17441 · Mar 7, 2015

It might be a lightning fuse holder.

Capt jgw · Mar 8, 2015

Had one just like it on my boat. Got tired of people kidding me about it (and halyards fouling on it) so I took it off. Actually this radar reflector doesn't work that well. I drive my commercial boat past my own boat every day, and it doesn't show up on the radar any better than the other boats without one. The el-cheapo Davis reflectors give a much better return.

Blitz · Mar 8, 2015

I always heard good things from the Tri-Lens, installed one on my mast and have been reported that I can be seen consistently. A radar reflector, fog signal, nav lights and AIS is all in hopes you don't get hit when visibility is low.

So if it was my boat and wasn't looking to remove it for and physical reason, I would keep it up there. If you hear your boat isn't reflecting at all (think that might be rare, but worth to ask someone with a radar) then replace it it need some added safety.

Besides, the jokes are an added bonus.

Capt jgw · Mar 8, 2015

I once had a Catalina 38 I think it was, cross ahead of me at about 1/4 mile. Had the radar set at 1/2 mile, gain and other adjustments correct, and the sailboat did not appear on the screen at all. At the same time, there was a 16 aluminum fishing boat at just under 1/2 mile that have a huge return. Kind of sobering seeing how poorly fiberglass shows up on radar.

Bill1565 · Mar 8, 2015

PGIJon said:
I've recently read some conflicting studies. Davis always seems to rate well. Does anyone have any personal experiences? Thanks

Jon we used two of the disposable foam davis reflectors on our trip down the Mississippi. Tow boat operators were very impressed at our image.

SlowFlight6850 · Mar 15, 2015

I have always used the simple reflector using three sheets og round aluminum plates. Those have always shown to be more effective than the more sophisticated types. Several times I have asked passing commercial vessels "How well do I show up on your radar?". They have always said I had a good strong radar return. And I just used my reflector mounted about 14 feet above the water.

mz4wheeler · Mar 15, 2015

Quite silly to have one actually. The radar dome (and the mast itself) provides more than enough reflective area, not to mention the boat itself. Just a gimmick. BTW, I'm an ex-navy radar technician with an FCC radar endorsement certification.

What is this on the mast????

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