Radar reflector were should it go

BOG RAT · 12 March 2009, 19:57

Hi All
Ive Just bought a radar refector to put on my boat, Question is... where is the best place to put it, I was going to cable tie it to the 'Aframe' on the upright, Then I thought should I tape it underneath the ariel horizontal or should I stand it up on it's mounting on top of the A frame with the ariel, but Will it interferre with my reception from the ariel. AHHHHH wish I never got it now!!! Do I really need it????

Poly · 12 March 2009, 20:13

Normally designed to be used vertically not horizontally
Generally higher is much better than lower - so on top of the A frame will give best results.
If it is one of the ~2" diameter tubes (guessing from the suggestion you would cable tie it), then by all accounts it will make little difference as they are pretty innefective anyway!

richardjawilson · 12 March 2009, 20:21

what make of reflector is it? Echomax, Trilens or one ot the tube things? If it is plastimo tube type some would say that its probably not worth fitting.................

richardjawilson · 12 March 2009, 20:24

this may help you.

http://www.ybw.com/pbo/pdfs/radar_reflectors.pdf

richard

BOG RAT · 12 March 2009, 20:29

Oh Flipping Eck your right It's one of those tube type things, I'll bin it & try again, What would you recommend?

TonyC · 12 March 2009, 21:02

The Tri Lens is supposed to be pretty good

richardjawilson · 13 March 2009, 05:48

I have the trilens reflector. It fits easily on to the top of the a frame and the vhf aerial is not impeded by it too much. If you are going for a trilens dont buy the big one. Thats more suitable for yachts or larger power craft.

Cookee · 13 March 2009, 12:32

On a 5 metre Rib I wouldn't bother - if you want proper security in Dark and or foggy conditions a "seeme" system would be the only thing worth getting unless you get a big pole and put a good reflector on there!

Jon Brooks · 13 March 2009, 13:19

The other option is AIS.
All big commercial vessels have this fiited now and you are far more visible if you have an AIS transponder fitted.

Cheers