What is this??

[Jieboy]

This might be a stupid question but I have been looking through some photos on the net and have came across these. What is the thing that is on the a-frame on the right hand side tied on? The long clyinder thing.

[codprawn]

Radar reflector - not that good a type and the way it's mounted makes it even worse!!!

[Martin]

RADAR REFLECTOR
Clever shape creates minimum windage and also less chafe on gear. Easy to mount in the rigging. Sailboat version features a groove for mounting on the shroud and comes in two models. Powerboat version features a mounting bracket and also comes in two models.

Part Number: TUBE RADAR
Stock Availability: See Product Info
Size Available: power 2 sq m - £29.95power 4 sq m - £50.00sail 2 sq m - £29.95sail 4 sq m - £44.95

Price: £29.95 - £50.00

try here if you want to buy one

http://www.marine-super-store.com/posit/shop/search.php?category=-5&group=-5&offset=6&searchtext=radar+reflector&manf=&format =1&sortorder=1

[Jieboy]

Sorry for my lack of knowledge but what is so bad about it and the way its mounted?

[codprawn]

The higher up they are mounted the better.

I have read loads of reviews of radar reflectors and some of them are next to useless.

Probably the best overall is a large octahedral type - like you see on buoys etc - they aren't easy to mount on a RIB but they are dirt cheap.

If money is no object the See Mee is the best - it's an active design that make your RIB look like a much bigger boat.

The Firdell reflectors are good but quite bulky.

I think the best type for a RIB is probably the trilens - easy to mount and looks cool - most tests reckon it's pretty good as well. Costs about £120

http://www.marine-super-store.com/po...der=4&format=2

[hard1]

Codprawn is right. The one shown is pretty useless and it won't be effective mounted down that low.

But why pay £120 for a lump of angled tinfoil anyway???

A good mate of mine is working on a budget RIB and has a good idea for being that extra bit visible at sea, but instead of expensive stainless steel for his 'A frame, he has re-furbished a rusty bike frame and powder coated it. Now, here's the clever bit!!!

He's quite bright is my mate, and thinking laterally worked out that a used depleted uranium tank shell (available from the Russian Bar in earls Court Road for £50 nudge nudge) would not only provided the dense metal necessary for a great radar signature - it glows a soft green in the dark and is a useful DOUBLE aid to navigation after dark to boot!!! Total cost: £60!!!

Here is an early prototype picture: If members are interested, my mate would be quite happy to make a few more!!!

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by hard1

....it glows a soft green in the dark and is a useful DOUBLE aid to navigation after dark to boot!!!

Err, it looks like it might have a third use as a sex aid as well!

[Chopppywaters]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Err, it looks like it might have a third use as a sex aid as well!

ahahahah

[Barfly]

For your interest!
In Belgium it is not a must to have radarreflector on board. Only on some canals and rivers you need one. On these sites we talk about massive cargoboats on their way to the Northsee.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Err, it looks like it might have a third use as a sex aid as well!

Is there something you'd like to share with us, Richard?