Radar returns

[jwalker]

Anyone had any experience of radar transponders? I could do with info on their effectiveness, reliability etc.

[Andy Gee]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Anyone had any experience of radar transponders? I could do with info on their effectiveness, reliability etc.

I am sure that the Practical Boat Owner did a test on them last year and founf out that the one (Sea me??) that is hard wired in was founf to be the best, and also the dearest at about £400 or so. I have noticed that quite a few boats in the Marina are now sporting them.
I would think that your new boat should give quite a good bounce on a radar with the wheelhouse that you have fitted.
I Have checked my own boat which has just a cuddy on it and get quite a good signature with out any radar reflector fitted.
Andy G

[jwalker]

Thanks for that, Andy. I'll have a look at PBO.

[roohairy]

As far as I know active radar transponders are not approved as an alternative to a reflector for the purposes of Solas V. Worth checking out! But I know which will work best, as long as you have power.
I see that cheap AIS receivers are now coming on the market, for those who have their boat in a busy waterway these may be well worth a look, especially for channel and north sea crossings.

[jwalker]

Yes, thanks, I guessed that.

I noticed the AIS receiver price too and the local navigation service has recently been asking boats whether they have one. I'll have a wee think about it. Might as well lay in the cable now, while it's accessible, as bu**er about at a later date.