Is radar like the extinct typewriter?

[Ocean Cowbuoy]

Not many fixed or floating channel markers that I've met send out AIS signals. Same with commercial and sport fishers protecting their privacy. I'm a "radar essential" vote here.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Sorry, but I didn't see anything on the screen. Too much glare. If you need radar to find buoys I guess your chart plotter isn't working or you don't have the charts at all. Like I said, it's not necessary by any stretch of the imagination. Neither is a chart plotter for that matter. A chart, $79 GPS, and compass is all that's necessary. If your diet requires spoon feeding then it might be necessary for you.

It doesn't matter if YOU see anything on the screen via YOUR youtube vantage point on front of your computer screen. All that matters, is that my wife can see the radar screen and knows how to properly comprehend what she sees and is able to identify potential obstacles.... like a marker buoy which is difficult to see given the weather conditions and other boats which might not be broadcasting AIS.

Using a radar effectively requires lots of practice in clear weather conditions.

Question: How does your $79 GPS, compass and chart alert you to other vessels and obstacles not marked on the chart when your eyes fail you in foggy, gale force, stormy, rainy and night time conditions?

Or, are you one of the folks who only ventures out on picture perfect days with no wind, rain, fog, darkness or big waves in the forecast?

BTW: That's not "too much glare," it's water on the camera housing. I'm getting soaked behind the wheel from spray and wind driven rain... something else that makes it difficult to see objects with your eyes alone.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eKhnowrkP4w

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Or, are you one of the folks who only ventures out on picture perfect days with no wind, rain, fog, darkness or big waves in the forecast?

I would not want to be in those conditions in a Catalina 22 Capri.

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

It doesn't matter if YOU see anything on the screen via YOUR youtube vantage point on front of your computer screen. All that matters, is that my wife can see the radar screen and knows how to properly comprehend what she sees and is able to identify potential obstacles.... like a marker buoy which is difficult to see given the weather conditions and other boats which might not be broadcasting AIS.

Using a radar effectively requires lots of practice in clear weather conditions.

Question: How does your $79 GPS, compass and chart alert you to other vessels and obstacles not marked on the chart when your eyes fail you in foggy, gale force, stormy, rainy and night time conditions?

Or, are you one of the folks who only ventures out on picture perfect days with no wind, rain, fog, darkness or big waves in the forecast?

BTW: That's not "too much glare," it's water on the camera housing. I'm getting soaked behind the wheel from spray and wind driven rain... something else that makes it difficult to see objects with your eyes alone.

You're already all wet. I don't plan on using extreme measures or electronics to prevent a collision at sea any more than I plan on preventing a lightning strike although the lightning strike is more likely to happen. I bet you guys attend every "safety at sea" seminar you can find.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by jackdale

I would not want to be in those conditions in a Catalina 22 Capri.

I think that explains a lot about the differences in perspective here.

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by jackdale

I would not want to be in those conditions in a Catalina 22 Capri.

It does fine in 35 kts gusting to 40 kts. She can even be steer herself reliably in those conditions.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

It does fine in 35 kts gusting to 40 kts. She can even be steer herself reliably in those conditions.

What the longest ocean passage you've done? Furthest offshore? I think this will explain a lot of this conversation.

People understand things very differently, depending on their real life experience.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

I bet you guys attend every "safety at sea" seminar you can find.

I think most can tell from watching the video that my wife and I are "doers" and not "dreamers" or "planners" like some folks.

Please post a video of your Catalina 22 Capri in 40 knots of wind, I'd love to watch it.

[weavis]

Looking at videos of intrepid sailors of monos, no matter what you have it seems that bad weather makes everyone wet.

I have not criticism of the vessels themselves, just.......... I hate being wet.

Here is Cat Designer Tony Smith and son crossing from USA to the UK in his Gemini Catamaran.

Bad weather and not wet.

Switch on the RADAR, look out the window and drink the coffee...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYBblEPemo4

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

What the longest ocean passage you've done? Furthest offshore? I think this will explain a lot of this conversation.

People understand things very differently, depending on their real life experience.

Last time I checked the majority of vessel traffic was near shore. The further out to sea the less traffic and less benefit a Radar would be.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Last time I checked the majority of vessel traffic was near shore. The further out to sea the less traffic and less benefit a Radar would be.

True, there's plenty of vessel traffic inside the breakwater.

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

True, there's plenty of traffic inside the breakwater.

That's about your best argument for Radar yet, and it's value speaks for itself.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Last time I checked the majority of vessel traffic was near shore. The further out to sea the less traffic and less benefit a Radar would be.

I also use radar to deal with squalls.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post2237543

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by jackdale

I also use radar to deal with squalls.

Yes, it's good for that especially at night. I prefer to get blindsided by them and just deal with it when it happens.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Last time I checked the majority of vessel traffic was near shore. The further out to sea the less traffic and less benefit a Radar would be.

Right. It's all clear.