Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#11
posted to rec.boats.cruising
|
|||
|
|||
Yacht sunk by Ferry
All understood, Peter. My question was directed at Matt O's statement "The
best way to be seen on someone else's radar is to have your own radar turned on." otn Peter Hendra wrote in : On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 23:43:47 GMT, otnmbrd wrote: On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:32:27 -0400, Matt O'Toole wrote: On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:04:25 -0400, Peter Hendra wrote: Great idea. I have been in situations where the ships can visually see me but I do not appear on their radar screen - sea state and waves etc. - I have the old metal "forget what it's called" aluminium sphere permanently swinging at my cross trees. The best way to be seen on someone else's radar is to have your own radar turned on. Matt O. Ok, I gotta ask...... how will this help? otn Quite simply, if you are on watch you can glance at the radar when you do your "stand up and slowly scan the horizon 360 degrees with your peripheral vision" The oncoming ship may not see you at all or even be aware of your presence but at least you can take avoiding action. Also, if you have a guard zone set, an audible alarm will warn you of approaching shipping. I do not want to place my life in the hands of someone I do not know and whom I cannot ensure is attending diligently to his instruments and thus I take sole responsibility for not being run down by a larger vessel. I have installed external piezo alarms (a few dollars each) of the loud lazarus variety (awaken the dead) on all of my instruments - GPS for anchor drag, wind for increase above a set level, depth and so on. I am in the process of installing a seatalk one for the Raymarine radar as the unit's internal one is not loud enough. I couldn't do it for my last solo sail as it needs a "box" to attach an alarm to. None of this is intended to allow me to armchair sail. They are merely an attempt to make life easier and longer. At anchor now for years with a 60lb anchor down on 5:1 depth of chain, I can sleep more soundly knowing that should the wind turn or the anchor drag, I will be awakened from the deepest sleep by a strident alarm that can be heard on the other side of the planet. It's amazing how much better one sleeps. Note - I test this alarm very often. When it does go off in the night I don't even have to think. My body leaps out of bed and heads towards the deck, followed by my mind shortly thereafter. Anyone who neglects to add a $7 peizo, available from any electronics shop (make sure they are 12 volt) is avoiding very cheap and very easily installed insurance and peace of mind. cheers Peter |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Yacht charter Croatia | Cruising | |||
HELP! Stain on seats!! | General | |||
Aboard the Anderson Ferry | General | |||
Yacht Charter Vancouver - Five Star Yacht Charters | Cruising | |||
Update on Marina Damage -- FL Coasts | Cruising |