DSK wrote:
JimC wrote:
I'm considering installing a short-range radar on my 26M, and I would
appreciate recommendations or comments.

Great toy.

... 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.

You are dumb to be out in the channel under such
circumstances, when your boat can easily transit much
shallower water and be safe from any large commercial
vessel. You should also monitor Ch 9.

Wrong, Doug there are areas here you need to be in the channel or you
are on oyseter reefs ect, many times here you get socked in fast and
need to keep going and having channel markers on radar is the safest
way.


... Also, it would be helpful to be able to see
oil platforms, traffic, etc., offshore in poor weather conditions

You're a fool to be out in the Gulf in a Mac 26X in poor
weather conditions. I thought the point of it being a "fast
motorboat" is that you can run for home when the weather
gets bad?


.... or at night.

Oil platforms are lit up like a football stadium at night.


Wrong again, many, many production platforms, well heads, ect are not
properly lit. I would say 100's are not lit, sure they are suppose to
be, but I assure you they are not all lit. Lights burn out, batteries
go dead, solar cells do not charge batteries if they are under clouds
for a week and the light blink day and night. Best thing after rader is
to develope excellent night vision.


Do most sailors consider this a necessity for offshore sailing

A necessity, no. A useful tool for some types of cruising, yes.


.... Did you mount the radome on top of
mast

On a trailerable boat, mounting extra stuff on the mast is
not desirable.

With the small size and lightweight domes I do not think it would be
that much of an issue.

Joe

Fresh Breezes- Doug King