Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

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.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"JimC" wrote in message
et...

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

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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.


... 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.



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.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

I consider it a necessity in the Northeast. Roughly once a year (more
if I do Maine) I find myself in thick fog that would be dangerous
without Radar.

As for "offshore" I don't think of it as a necessity but its certainly
a convenience, being about to scan an know there's nothing within 20
minutes. But mainly the issue is crossing the harbor or ferry lanes
when its socked in.

There's all sorts of ways to blow a lot of money, but the low end
Raymarine or Furuno would be just fine.

Also, don't forget a good radar reflector.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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?

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.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

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.



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


Hmm, seems to me another poster said this too, and you
jumped all over him like Bubbles going after a cheeseburger!

Which is it, Joe? Can he avoid the commercial traffic part
of the channel, using his shallow draft, or can't he?

DSK

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

DSK wrote:
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.



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


Hmm, seems to me another poster said this too, and you
jumped all over him like Bubbles going after a cheeseburger!

He could, but it can be risky in spots. The question is why would you
want to if you can be aware of you are and whats around you.

Which is it, Joe? Can he avoid the commercial traffic part
of the channel, using his shallow draft, or can't he?

Not all together, several intersections and channels he will have to
cross, from here to the gulf you have the Texas city channel, Pelican
island cut, ICW, Galveston and Boliver channels he would have to cross.
Plus in the jetties it's best to stay on the deeper water to avoid
rollers.

Joe

DSK

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Joe wrote:

DSK wrote:


He could, but it can be risky in spots. The question is why would you
want to if you can be aware of you are and whats around you.

Which is it, Joe? Can he avoid the commercial traffic part
of the channel, using his shallow draft, or can't he?


Not all together, several intersections and channels he will have to
cross, from here to the gulf you have the Texas city channel, Pelican
island cut, ICW, Galveston and Boliver channels he would have to cross.
Plus in the jetties it's best to stay on the deeper water to avoid
rollers.

Joe

DSK


I would feel more confident skirting the channel in poor visability if I
was on the leeward side of the channel. On the windward side, I would
have to watch the chartreader screen and buoys pretty carefully.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

JimC wrote:
Joe wrote:

DSK wrote:


He could, but it can be risky in spots. The question is why would you
want to if you can be aware of you are and whats around you.

Which is it, Joe? Can he avoid the commercial traffic part
of the channel, using his shallow draft, or can't he?


Not all together, several intersections and channels he will have to
cross, from here to the gulf you have the Texas city channel, Pelican
island cut, ICW, Galveston and Boliver channels he would have to cross.
Plus in the jetties it's best to stay on the deeper water to avoid
rollers.

Joe

DSK


I would feel more confident skirting the channel in poor visability if I
was on the leeward side of the channel. On the windward side, I would
have to watch the chartreader screen and buoys pretty carefully.

Jim

What bothers me about that is all the bars that build and the roller
wakes the ship throw, many people surf the wakes. Plus nothing worse
than being aground just outta the channel, If you head straight out of
Kemah towards Trinity bay has some of the best surfing in the state on
the eastern side of the channel, that and just north of Morgans point,
around RedFish, and Pelican Isaland has so shallows with rolling wakes.
Not sure if you want to be hit on your mac with a 13 Kt roller.

Best to keep out of the channel area in Fog without Radar, and working
with traffic. I'll never do it again...I swear! With a radar, and
working with traffic control it's a breeze.

Did you read my story in Sail Magazine "Fetching RedCloud" ?

Joe

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

How many batteries does a MAC 26 carry? More than one would be too
many and one would not be enough for radar.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

How many batteries does a MAC 26 carry?

Hey "Ringmaster" my MAC26 M... carries a toal of three (3). I
have one dedicated to the Honda 50... plus two (2) for the "house"
batteries. I also have some sort of a "throw switch" that can change
the configuration... of what does what. :-)

Best regards

Bill

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

wrote:

How many batteries does a MAC 26 carry?


Hey "Ringmaster" my MAC26 M... carries a toal of three (3). I
have one dedicated to the Honda 50... plus two (2) for the "house"
batteries. I also have some sort of a "throw switch" that can change
the configuration... of what does what. :-)

Best regards

Bill


I have two, plus a rechargeable backup for powering the TV, or for
emergencies. Guess that makes three also.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Joe wrote:

JimC wrote:

Joe wrote:


DSK wrote:


He could, but it can be risky in spots. The question is why would you
want to if you can be aware of you are and whats around you.


Which is it, Joe? Can he avoid the commercial traffic part
of the channel, using his shallow draft, or can't he?


Not all together, several intersections and channels he will have to
cross, from here to the gulf you have the Texas city channel, Pelican
island cut, ICW, Galveston and Boliver channels he would have to cross.
Plus in the jetties it's best to stay on the deeper water to avoid
rollers.

Joe


DSK

I would feel more confident skirting the channel in poor visability if I
was on the leeward side of the channel. On the windward side, I would
have to watch the chartreader screen and buoys pretty carefully.

Jim


What bothers me about that is all the bars that build and the roller
wakes the ship throw, many people surf the wakes. Plus nothing worse
than being aground just outta the channel, If you head straight out of
Kemah towards Trinity bay has some of the best surfing in the state on
the eastern side of the channel, that and just north of Morgans point,
around RedFish, and Pelican Isaland has so shallows with rolling wakes.
Not sure if you want to be hit on your mac with a 13 Kt roller.

Best to keep out of the channel area in Fog without Radar, and working
with traffic. I'll never do it again...I swear! With a radar, and
working with traffic control it's a breeze.

Did you read my story in Sail Magazine "Fetching RedCloud" ?

Joe


I haven't read your article. What month's issue is that?

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

In article ,
Jeff wrote:
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.

Well, if it's not set up, then it's not in working order; therefore,
you don't have to (or can) monitor it. Did I miss something?

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.

My point, of course... :-)

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.

For a Mac26? Well, maybe not. :-)
--
Capt. JG @@
www.sailnow.com

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

In article .com,
Ringmaster wrote:
How many batteries does a MAC 26 carry? More than one would be too
many and one would not be enough for radar.


It would be enough for a short time. :-)


--
Capt. JG @@
www.sailnow.com

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Can't imagine a 26' boat with 3 batteries. I guess you need that to
turn over the 50HP engine. Oh, and what kind of TVs are you carrying
46" rear projectors? Where do you put the sailbags?

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Jonathan Ganz wrote:
In article ,
Jeff wrote:
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.

Well, if it's not set up, then it's not in working order; therefore,
you don't have to (or can) monitor it. Did I miss something?

The point is that some people interpret the ColRegs as meaning you
have to run the radar all the time - this is not true on a small boat.
Also, there is no expectation that the formal plotting is done by
someone singlehanding.



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.

My point, of course... :-)

Yes, I knew that would draw a comment!


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.

For a Mac26? Well, maybe not. :-)

My screen is 10 Watts, the dome on standby is 9 Watts, 28 on transmit.
So its about 3 Amps if run full time. Even a minimal battery should
be able to keep it going for 10 hours, and even the small alternator
on the engine is more than enough to cover it.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Joe wrote:
He could, but it can be risky in spots. The question is why would you
want to if you can be aware of you are and whats around you.


You can be aware of where you are & what's around you
without radar. And I consider it desirable to use seamanship
instead of relying on an electronic toy.

All that said, radar can be a very handy tool.

DSK

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

"DSK" wrote in
| All that said, radar can be a very handy tool.


Yeah, for a traffic cop....

Cheers,
Ellen

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

You must have some pretty old batteries, Sloco. Are any of the
cells completely dead?

Mr. Charles, From this comment I can only assume you didn't comprehend
my post.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Ringmaster wrote:
How many batteries does a MAC 26 carry? More than one would be too
many and one would not be enough for radar.



It's just amazing what a bitter jealous dude Sloco is. The M26 can
certainly carry and extra battery with no problem! Two batteries will
handle a radar with little problem. I had a far less power stingy radar
on my C&C and it worked fine with two group 27s on the 3-4 days of
sailing and also part time running the fridge. We did not operate it
all the time because that's just stupid and I don't know any pleasure
sailboat that does. Use it when you need it. It will work fine on your
boat and will be fun to use. Ours came in very handy showing T-storms
approaching and we'll install a new one on our 35s5 for Spring. As far
as I know Sloco has no radar at all, but he does fly a trisymetrical
uniradial Twinky-Fibre 177% genoa with a leech line made from real
leech intenstines. He got 51% off and only paid 12.5K for it!

RB
35s5
NY

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

In article ,
Jeff wrote:
The point is that some people interpret the ColRegs as meaning you
have to run the radar all the time - this is not true on a small boat.
Also, there is no expectation that the formal plotting is done by
someone singlehanding.

Ah... I figured that's what you figured... yo'ure right of course.

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.

My point, of course... :-)

Yes, I knew that would draw a comment!

:-)

--
Capt. JG @@
www.sailnow.com

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

It's just amazing what a bitter jealous dude Sloco is. The M26 can
certainly carry and extra battery with no problem!

You ass, your just as dumb as Mr. Charles. I could care less how many
batteries a 26 foot boat CAN carry. My point was why. What 26 foot
boat bopping around a bay needs 3 big heavy batteries and a friking
radar dome half way up it's 30' mast. As always your mouth is ahead of
your little brain.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

I mean other than the fog your were born with, of
course!




HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA! BWAHAHAHAHHHAHAHA!
LOL!



RB
35s5
NY

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

I could care less how many
batteries a 26 foot boat CAN carry. My point was why. What 26 foot
boat bopping around a bay needs 3 big heavy batteries

A quick look online shows that plenty of Mac26's have two batteries and
that's all he'll need. And you're a jealous bitter idiot.

and a friking
radar dome half way up it's 30' mast.


Because he wants and can afford one. Because he wants to learn how to
use one. Because he wants the extra measure of safety radar afford.
Because it will function half way up the 30 foot mast just fine. It's
HIS boat, Sloco. Can you deal with that?
I guess not.


RB
35s5
NY

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Because he wants and can afford one. Because he wants to learn how to
use one. Because he wants the extra measure of safety radar afford.
Because it will function half way up the 30 foot mast just fine. It's
HIS boat, Sloco. .

Hell, most MAC26 owners sell those things before they could learn how
to operate radar. Most owners wouldn't or shouldn't be out in
conditions that would require radar.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Ringmaster wrote:
Can't imagine a 26' boat with 3 batteries. I guess you need that to
turn over the 50HP engine. Oh, and what kind of TVs are you carrying
46" rear projectors? Where do you put the sailbags?


I prefer flat panel HDTVs, since I can mount them on a bulkhead out of
the way, and they don't get thrown around during rough weather.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Most owners wouldn't or shouldn't be out in
conditions that would require radar.



You mean a small boat like a Mac26 shouldn't be out on a day where
there might be a T-storm, which could be spotted by the radar?
Good call, Sloco! You sure know boats!


What a jealous bitter dufus Sloco still is!



RB
35s5
NY

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Ringmaster wrote:

It's just amazing what a bitter jealous dude Sloco is. The M26 can
certainly carry and extra battery with no problem!

You ass, your just as dumb as Mr. Charles. I could care less how many
batteries a 26 foot boat CAN carry. My point was why. What 26 foot
boat bopping around a bay needs 3 big heavy batteries and a friking
radar dome half way up it's 30' mast. As always your mouth is ahead of
your little brain.


Ringmaster, you ask why a 26-foot boat needs a friking radar dome half
way up it's 30' mast? - Think for a minute about what's involved. -
Although it's a small boat, if I go down the ship channel to Galveston
(about 25 miles) I'm sharing the channel with lots of other boats,
including big ones and fast ones, going both directions, some passing
others, some fishing or trawling, some heading out to China, etc. Some
of them watch for boats like mine, and others are too busy or don't seem
to give a damn. Some are skippered by pros and others are pleasure boats
with semi-trained, possibly drunk red-necks at the helm (this is Texas
after all). And going down the channel is the only way to get to the
Gulf, unless I want to tow the boat down and launch it there.

I have a chartreader with GPS and memory chip that shows where I am and
where the buoys, ICW, and other channels are, but if visibility goes
bad, either in the channel or offshore, there's an obvious safety issue.

That's why a 26-foot boat like mine might need radar.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

I would say that it doesn't need radar, but you might think it needs it. We
have terrific fog and other lousy conditions in and outside the bay, and if
you look, listen, and feel what's going on around you, you rarely need it. I
don't know where you sail, but I doubt that the conditions there are any
worse where you are.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"JimC" wrote in message
. ..


Ringmaster wrote:

It's just amazing what a bitter jealous dude Sloco is. The M26 can
certainly carry and extra battery with no problem!

You ass, your just as dumb as Mr. Charles. I could care less how many
batteries a 26 foot boat CAN carry. My point was why. What 26 foot
boat bopping around a bay needs 3 big heavy batteries and a friking
radar dome half way up it's 30' mast. As always your mouth is ahead of
your little brain.


Ringmaster, you ask why a 26-foot boat needs a friking radar dome half way
up it's 30' mast? - Think for a minute about what's involved. - Although
it's a small boat, if I go down the ship channel to Galveston (about 25
miles) I'm sharing the channel with lots of other boats, including big
ones and fast ones, going both directions, some passing others, some
fishing or trawling, some heading out to China, etc. Some of them watch
for boats like mine, and others are too busy or don't seem to give a damn.
Some are skippered by pros and others are pleasure boats with
semi-trained, possibly drunk red-necks at the helm (this is Texas after
all). And going down the channel is the only way to get to the Gulf,
unless I want to tow the boat down and launch it there.

I have a chartreader with GPS and memory chip that shows where I am and
where the buoys, ICW, and other channels are, but if visibility goes bad,
either in the channel or offshore, there's an obvious safety issue.

That's why a 26-foot boat like mine might need radar.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

I prefer flat panel HDTVs, since I can mount them on a bulkhead out
of
the way, and they don't get thrown around during rough weather.

Well Mr. Jim please inform the group of the flat pannel HDTV your using
that runs off batteries.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Think for a minute about what's involved. -
Although it's a small boat, if I go down the ship channel to Galveston
(about 25 miles) I'm sharing the channel with lots of other boats,
including big ones and fast ones, going both directions, some passing
others, some fishing or trawling, some heading out to China, etc. Some
of them watch for boats like mine, and others are too busy or don't
seem
to give a damn. Some are skippered by pros and others are pleasure
boats
with semi-trained, possibly drunk red-necks at the helm (this is Texas
after all).

Gee, if I had all that to worry about I'd be on deck keeping a lookout.
By the way 25 mi is a long way to go in a MAC.

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Ringmaster wrote:
I prefer flat panel HDTVs, since I can mount them on a bulkhead out
of
the way, and they don't get thrown around during rough weather.

Well Mr. Jim please inform the group of the flat pannel HDTV your using
that runs off batteries.


Ever hear of an inverter? Or a portable DVD player?

I haven't installed one on my boat yet, but it's tempting. Perhaps next
year when prices are further reduced.

Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Ringmaster wrote:

Think for a minute about what's involved. -
Although it's a small boat, if I go down the ship channel to Galveston
(about 25 miles) I'm sharing the channel with lots of other boats,
including big ones and fast ones, going both directions, some passing
others, some fishing or trawling, some heading out to China, etc. Some
of them watch for boats like mine, and others are too busy or don't
seem
to give a damn. Some are skippered by pros and others are pleasure
boats
with semi-trained, possibly drunk red-necks at the helm (this is Texas
after all).

Gee, if I had all that to worry about I'd be on deck keeping a lookout.

How about doing both? Keep a lookout and have radar available if
visibility is obscured.


Jim

Radar necessary, recommended?
 

Ever hear of an inverter? Or a portable DVD player?

I haven't installed one on my boat yet, but it's tempting. Perhaps next

year when prices are further reduced.


It could be done...don't think the HD part is really worth the effort
at the moment. We use a Sony which works great....see it here.

http://hometown.aol.com/bobsprit/images/navnavyweb.jpg




RB
35s5
NY