Capt. JG wrote:
If your radar is in working order, you're required to monitor it.

This is not really true. On most small boats the display is removed
and only mounted when needed. I don't believe you're required to set
it up all the time, and if its not mounted it is not "fitted and
operational." On the other hand, if you had it and the humidity was
high enough to make fog a possibility, it would be rather reckless to
not set it up.

This falls under the category of "if you didn't use it to avoid a
collision, you'd have some explaining to do."

I think
it's a bit over-kill for that size of a boat. The mount wouldn't be at the
top, but at the spreaders. I would also be concerned about the weight of the
dome, given the light rig you have. I don't like the idea of a dome sitting
10 feet from my head either.

I'd think twice about mounting it, but Jim leaves the mast up all
season, I think. As for the distance, if it isn't used much it isn't
a problem. There's certainly a lot of powerboats that have them
mounted a few feet over the helm.


It isn't necessary for offshore by any means. It's a big battery drain also.
I think you'd be better served by good charts, a good gps, good
watch-keeping, and cautious behavior.

I'd agree, but I doubt the battery drain issue is that big.