does my radar reflector need viagra??

[markymarkP]

so, when i am buzzing about, the radar reflector on the A Frame flops about like a flaccid something.
is this normal?
i am worried it will break off!

do they normally do this? or should i support it in some way?

[chewy]

Piccies?

[Pikey Dave]

I've been aching to use that one

[wavelength]

if its one of those tubular things-yes it ill break off. take if off the base and zip tie it on the A frame vertical(ish) tube. may not be most effective position but more effective than on the seabed which is where its going otherwise!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by wavelength

if its one of those tubular things-yes it ill break off. take if off the base and zip tie it on the A frame vertical(ish) tube. may not be most effective position but more effective than on the seabed which is where its going otherwise!

If it IS one of the clear tubular plastimo type, snap it off before it breaks off & drops in the oggin & kills a dolphin. Then chuck it in a skip where it belongs.

[SPR]

IF in doubt about the performance of cheap radar reflectors, the MCA commissioned a few tests, a few years back after the ouzo sinking:

Findings are found [here]

This does not take in the the new Echomax Active-X and the Echomax - Active -XS dual band, that perform even better, and do a waterproof control box for ribs.

If I was in a high shipping area i would buy one of the Echomax Active-XS dual.


regards

S.

[wavelength]

the poor performance is not in doubt However SOLAS V requires a radar reflector where practicable and we have the cheap one to comply with this. We can be seen by the big boys round here I know as we have radio converstions with them now and then in fog. I rather think they are looking at the engine though and not the reflector. So the advice still stands that with this particular bit of kit, good or bad though it may be, if you want to keep it zip tie it. If you feel the need to be seen big style then get something else.
From commercial experience meeting a 20 odd foot anchored jeaneau type angling boat as we passed at 30 knots in the channel miles off Holland a grp boat with no reflector doesnt always show anything at all on the screen