wrote in message
oups.com...

My limited experience with seeing passive returns was a big surprise. A
50' wooden boat broadside in calm waters 300 yards off didn't give
any return until the gain was turned up to the point it would give too
much cutter in rougher water.

snip

John
S/V Pangea

There's a "possible" tuning flaw here.....
Set your picture up for maximum clarity and target acquisition first, then
use "sea clutter" controls (and often, "rain clutter") to reduce clutter in
rougher water, rather than gain/intensity.
Admittedly, you may have to reduce gain at lower ranges, but always try
clutter controls first.
When doing the initial set-up, use a higher range to begin with (3,6,12mi.
depending on your set) and get your best picture there.

otn