Radar for SE USA, the Gulf, and Carribean

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Lodesman

No one said that - you misinterpreted what I wrote and assume the same about the others who made similar comments.
I'm amazed that after asking for opinions about the subject, you would choose to deride people who've taken the time to answer your thread.

"similar comments" I all but quoted it

The thing about asking a forum question I've found is that people will get upset if you don't accept their answers as a must follow fact.

I sail in the NE USA and have gone up to foggy land (Maine) numerous times. Yet I would say you don't "need" to have radar for that no matter how "nice" it might be. Am I to believe that visibility in the SE USA, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean is typically worst that in Maine?

BTW Mr. (or Mrs ?) Lodesman I see you completely blew off the first part of my post you quoted in order to prove your valuable time to post your reply.

[Reefmagnet]

I had an old radar on my boat that was useless. Aside from the fact it didn't work properly, the screen was at the navigation table which made it awkward to use. As such, there were a few times I tried to use it, and only once where I actually used it to effect in three years which was to find a position in a tight anchorage on a dark moonless night.

Having said that, I have a brand new Simrad 3g radar waiting to go on the boat as part of it's refit. Why? Because I think, for my use, it is invaluable for night navigation on extended passages, entering unfamiliar anchorages using chart overlay and for squall tracking. Only has to save the vessel once to pay for itself and the ability to be able to enter a good proportion of harbours at night and find a place amongst surrounding vessels and moorings will be handy, too.


Sent from my SGP521 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[tkeithlu]

OK I'll qualify my "I won't leave home without it." I would be very uncomfortable doing a night crossing without it. Part of that is knowing how many unlighted hazards there are in the Gulf. Part of that is being in a wheelhouse, which reduces visibility at night. So, I'd quite happily cruise along during daytime without radar, but at night I can't see beyond my bow, at least if we're talking about something unlighted. Under those conditions, I would not set out for a night crossing without radar. That's my decision and my level of anxiety. You are quite welcome to have another standard for yourself.

[fallingeggs]

Question:

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

So for those who have spent time boating in the Southern East Coast of the US, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean, is it really worth a $1000 to have radar?

Answer:

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I sail in the NE USA and have gone up to foggy land (Maine) numerous times. Yet I would say you don't "need" to have radar for that no matter how "nice" it might be. Am I to believe that visibility in the SE USA, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean is typically worst that in Maine?

I feel like you already had your answer before you asked the question!

You're firmly in the personal budgeting part of the equation, which is notoriously difficult for others to assist with.

Seeing as how your boat has all the necessary items taken care of (you did just state that a radar isn't necessary for your immediate plans!), if your Bank Account minus Cruising Budget (food, fun, etc. for the length of your cruise) is greater than 0, then you have extra to spend on your list of wants and nice-to-haves. You do have a prioritized list of wants and nice-to-haves, don't you? Sounds like a radar is up there. What else is in the top 5?

-Stephen (an accountant )

[sailorboy1]

thanks, not true, but thanks

I'm going to have radar. But it's because I found a work around and expect I'll have my own area experience when the same decision comes up again.

[Lodesman]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

"similar comments" I all but quoted it

No, you misquoted me. Given the context of outfitting (replacing) a radar, for the purpose of cruising, vice day-sailing, in a region known for pop-up storms, and the prospect of night passages through busy shipping lanes, then I (I as in me) would not forego fitting a radar - "I would not go without." That doesn't mean that I use the radar all the time, or would not sail, if the radar wasn't working.

The thing about asking a forum question I've found is that people will get upset if you don't accept their answers as a must follow fact.

I don't give a wet rat's arse whether you take my advice or not. It was given freely, knowing full well that it's up to you to decide whether or not you need it. What I don't appreciate is being mocked for my opinion, and my choice as to how I would outfit my boat.

I sail in the NE USA and have gone up to foggy land (Maine) numerous times. Yet I would say you don't "need" to have radar for that no matter how "nice" it might be. Am I to believe that visibility in the SE USA, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean is typically worst that in Maine?

As has been said, a radar has a lot more utility than just dealing with low vis. It's not an absolute necessity, but as I can afford it, and I know how to exploit its capabilities to the fullest extent, I see a radar as much more than a 'nice to have' and more a valuable piece of navigation and safety equipment. That's my opinion; I'm not trying to force you to accept my worldview.

BTW Mr. (or Mrs ?) Lodesman I see you completely blew off the first part of my post you quoted in order to prove your valuable time to post your reply.

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

You know as the OP I'm amazed. I have radar and I'm asking about it's use down South so I must see some value in having it. But I'm amazed at posts like "I would never leave home without it", I mean really

Okay, there's the first part of your post. So what? It has no relevance or bearing on your last sentence where you take a shot at those who would choose to have a radar. Knob

[sailorboy1]

I not going read that as I sure it's just a rant so inoperable got a couple good ones in

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

OK I'll qualify my "I won't leave home without it." I would be very uncomfortable doing a night crossing without it. Part of that is knowing how many unlighted hazards there are in the Gulf. Part of that is being in a wheelhouse, which reduces visibility at night. So, I'd quite happily cruise along during daytime without radar, but at night I can't see beyond my bow, at least if we're talking about something unlighted. Under those conditions, I would not set out for a night crossing without radar. That's my decision and my level of anxiety. You are quite welcome to have another standard for yourself.

Have done most of my cruising FL east coast and Caribbean so this is interesting for me. What are the many unlighted hazards out in the Gulf? On the east coast there are a number of unlighted buoys, some 5-10 miles off the coast. Are there similar in the middle of the GoM?

[IdoraKeeper]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Could, but don't see the usefulness. Currently my plotter is at the nav desk and the radar at the helm. But they are connected and can share displays.I could move the radar to the nav desk and install new plotter at the helm. But don't feel that is really useful.

I "want" to keep radar, but question the "need"of it (need is a loose term because I of course don't truly need it). But everything on a boat can be fixed with the proper application of cash!

If your gear works now, why change it? Use the tablet of your choice to back up the plotter. It strikes me that the current set up you describe is backwards. You would be better served to have the plotter at the helm. The radar uses much more battery and is only needed in certain conditions. My old Garmin consistently is accurate to 15 feet or less...in the ICW you will need to that accuracy to stay out of the mud. There you are, stuck in the mud..a tug and barge swerve to miss you and crash into a bridge..parked at the head of the bridge is non other than Beauford T Justice and his nephew Eustice...we all know the rest of the story...fleeing pellmell down the ICW, hiding in creeks and estuaries...

[IdoraKeeper]

New radar? No, chicken? YES!! Guard chicken? yesssss.

[Lodesman]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I not going read that as I sure it's just a rant so inoperable got a couple good ones in

Didn't realize English wasn't your first language. Just keep rolling your eyes when people answer your questions, and pretty soon you won't be getting any more solicited advice. On the upside you won't strain yourself reading all the big words.

[midnite44]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I don't feel it makes sense to spend money to buy new nav cards for a 15 year old chart plotter considering that a new chart plotter with US charts is about the same price. So the question is whether it is worth spending around $1000-1500 to replace my radar when upgrading my 2001 chart plotter.

So for those who have spent time boating in the Southern East Coast of the US, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean, is it really worth a $1000 to have radar?

Keep in mind I'm cruising and not really in a rush and can wait for weather to change.

simply remember this , radar is reality and your chart plotter is a computer generated image , if you us the overlay option you will see even with the newest chip installed that there will in many instances a rather large difference between where the chart plotter shows the shore line and where your radar show's it . So when and if you make night passages or night approaches to / through a cut or river entrance or say into block island in the fog you will want to be in the overlay mode , radar is reality !

[Kenomac]

Sailorboy,

Send me a pm and I'll share some practical electronics advice that will save you mucho money.

Ken

[Mystic38]

+1..the only use for radar for me in daytime...anywhere from the carolinas South its a regular thing

Originally Posted by Lodesman

the radar was invaluable for spotting and avoiding storm cells. .

other than that, erratic use during night watches.. but wouldnt do without it..

[Cadence]

I fail to see how anyone can dispute chart plotters, radar and AIS are all valuable. But when push comes to shove someone should know how to sail without them.

Everything went dead. What do I do now?