Radar

[P1PEL1NE]

Bringing my 46' trimaran from Somerset, MA, to Hawai’i, in the future. Sailed to Hawai’i from Cali years ago. Never had radar. I have a SIMRAD NSS nav system on board about 4 years old. Question: Do I need radar? Thanks, and Aloha, Mike

[Orion Jim]

I have often used my Garmin Doppler radar to scan the horizon to check for shipping in inclement weather and at night. It is also great for spotting approaching squalls. Not all pleasure boats or commercial ships have functioning AIS….naval vessels often are cloaked. I think it is a wise investment.

[mvweebles]

Personally, I wouldn't do the trip without radar, but I've met several who feel it's optional (one acquaintance just completed his second circumnavigation on an Ingrid Ketch he built 30 years ago). Panama Canal to Hawaii is a fairly busy route. Ability to track targets (vessel and squall) from a distance is helpful.

Even newer radars suck up a fair amount of power so energy management quickly becomes an issue on a sailboat.

Good luck.

Peter

[C420sailor]

Like anything else, it’s a tool. I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

AIS is great but, as previously mentioned, it has its limitations. Where I live, most do not have it.

I used radar a lot in my last job, so I’m admittedly a radar cripple. I love having it, love using it.

[skipmac]

Is RADAR absolutely necessary? Not at all.

Would it be very useful, contribute to safety and peace of mind? Absolutely.