JimC wrote:
Joe wrote:

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?

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?

Jim


P.S.

Radio Frequencies
VHF-FM Channel 05A
All vessels must first contact Houston Traffic on this frequency before
switching to
a working frequency.

VHF-FM Channel 11/12
Working frequencies for the Houston/Galveston VTS area include VHF-FM
Channels 11 and 12. Use Channel 11 at Baytown Bend (Light 109) and all
points
above. Use Channel 12 at all points below.

VTS users not maintaining a listening watch on the appropriate VTS
frequency
(VHF-FM Channel 11 or 12) are required to monitor VHF-FM Channel 16,
and
bridge-to-bridge frequency VHF-FM Channel 13.

If you listen to 11 / 12 in the proper areas you can broadcast an any
concerned traffic request in your area if you have any concerns, any
commerical traffic local to you will fill you in on traffic and
anything to look out for.

Joe

Thanks for the information.

When I went down the channel several months ago there was lots of
traffic going both ways. - Perhaps 30-40. Doesn't monitoring all that
traffic that on VHF get a little tiresome?

Not if you are worried about getting run over, actually I enjoy it.
The Ship channel handles and average of 50 ships and 400 barges a day.
In un-restricted visibilty you do not need to make passing agreement
with everyone, but in restricted conditions it a good habit. also an
excellent way to learn all the features and docks along the channel.


I do have a depth finder and GPS chart reader with chip that shows
contour lines, depth, position, and shows the channel and the buoys.
This might do the job if I was in those parts of the channel in which I
could duck out beyond the buoys a few feet. With the daggerboard
partially down I draw around 3 feet.

At 3 feet you not very restricted at all... and should be able to
shadow the channel it's full length.

Radars are cheap enough now that they are worth the investment

Jim