JimC wrote:
I'm considering installing a short-range radar on my 26M, and I would
appreciate recommendations or comments. For example, when traveling
down the Houston-Galveston ship channel, it would be helpful to be able
to see traffic going up and down the channel in the event of fog or rain
that obstructed visibility. Also, it would be helpful to be able to see
oil platforms, traffic, etc., offshore in poor weather conditions or at
night. Joe, is this a concern for you when you go down the channel?

Sure it's a concern, but you do not need a radar to know where traffic
is. You can check in with Houston Traffic and ask whats coming in and
out, Infact you do not even need to ask, just tell them who you are,
what your on, and where you are(entering at the Kemah channel bouy 62
whatever) and tell them where you are going. They will tell you of
anytraffic you are going to meet. You can check in at any point of the
channel and ask for updates, Texas city channel, ICW junction, Bolivar,
morgans point, any bouy or channel marker ect. Very few weekends
warrior even know about checing in and out with traffic, it required on
commerical vessels. Thats said radars are cheap enough and fun to use
and learn.


Do most sailors consider this a necessity for offshore sailing, and if
so, what types do you recommend? Did you mount the radome on top of
mast, or on an aft-mounted radar mast?

Nah, but its nice to have, I like them more for weather forcasting that
tracking other traffic.
Keep in mind your power use for a radar.

You could mount the dome on the front of your mast.
Joe

Jim